Third-gen Audi Q5 coming to SA end of 2025
Audi has unveiled its 3rd-gen Q5 model, replete with a new platform, a sportier, more distinctive look, mild-hybrid powertrains and a tech-laden cabin. Audi South Africa plans to introduce the newcomer to the local market at the end of 2025.
As is the case with the recently unveiled Audi A5 business-class sedan, the 3rd iteration of Audi’s top-selling model (in terms of the global market, anyway) is based on the Ingolstadt-based marque’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture. The new Audi Q5 will initially be offered with a 48V mild-hybrid turbopetrol and -diesel powertrains, with PHEV derivatives to be added later.
Although the SA line-up has yet to be finalised, it’s bound to feature one or more of the following mild-hybrid (MHEV) powerplants, each of which is mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission:
- 150 kW/340 Nm 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol with front- or all-wheel drive (quattro)
- 150 kW/400 Nm 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel (quattro)
- 270 kW/550 Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbopetrol engine (in the SQ5 quattro flagship)
An “MHEV plus” 48V electrical system supports the combustion engine and reduces CO2 emissions. Its powertrain generator (PTG) can generate up to an additional 18 kW and drive torque of up to 230 Nm, while the system can feed back up to 25 kW of energy into the 1.7 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate hybrid battery under deceleration. The 48V system also powers the electrically driven aircon compressor.
In terms of aesthetics, the Audi Q5 looks more athletic than its predecessor and will be available in basic, advanced and S line exterior executions, with alloy wheel sizes ranging from 17- to 21 inches.
LED tech allows up to 8 digital light signatures in the redesigned daytime running lights of the Matrix LED headlamps, as well as the “3D-effect” 2nd-gen digital OLED taillamps. The projection light in the rear spoiler can project a graphic into the upper rear window area, thereby enlarging the brake light area and is also integrated into the Coming Home and Leaving Home scene when leaving and unlocking the Q5.
As for the new Q5’s interior, Audi has introduced LED dynamic interaction light technology, a variety of upmarket materials and trims and, as expected, numerous displays and device-recharging solutions.
The fascia is dominated by the Curved Audi MMI Panorama Display, which combines an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster with the 14.5-inch touchscreen of the Android Automotive OS-operated infotainment system, which not only supports over-the-air updates but can store 3rd-party apps natively.
Options include a configurable head-up display (HUD), a 10.9-inch MMI display for the front passenger (with Active Privacy Mode, so that it can be used without distracting the driver), as well as a 16-speaker, 685W Bang & Olufsen Premium audio system with 3D surround sound and vehicle-noise compensation.
Not only does the head-up display show speed, assistance systems, navigation instructions or media data, but drivers can use it to control vehicle and infotainment functions by scrolling through lists with direct selection via steering wheel buttons.
What’s more, the storage compartment under the centre armrest has been enlarged, the front wireless charging pad has a cooling function and supports 15-W recharging, while the 2 pairs of USB-C ports (2 at the front and 2 at the rear) can optionally be upgraded to support charging capacities of 60W and 100W respectively.
The rear bench can slide (and the seatback recline) to either increase the Q5’s luggage capacity or rear legroom as needed.
With the rear seats folded down, up to 1 473 litres of utility space is available (depending on the variant, Audi says), while the luggage-compartment cover can be stowed in a recess under the load-bay floor.
The new Audi Q5 is also said to offer a “noticeable increase in (ride) comfort thanks to its optimised suspension and steering setup”, the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer says.
The model will ship standard with a steel suspension in combination with a passive Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) system and “a more agile front axle”, while a sports suspension will feature on the performance-oriented SQ5 range-topper. An air suspension setup (with adaptive damper control) can be specified at extra cost.
Over and above a plethora of active and passive safety systems, the new Audi Q5 derivatives will come standard with rear PDC, cruise control and speed limiter, lane-departure warning, efficiency assistant, as well as an attention- and drowsiness assistant.
Additional assistance packages, such as Adaptive Driving Assistant plus, Active Front Assist (with Front Emergency Brake Assist, Evasion Assist, Turn Assist, and Front Cross Traffic Assist), traffic sign-based cruise control, Park Assist plus and Rear Turn Assist will be offered, although Audi did not stipulate in which markets they’ll be available.
Like its predecessor, the 3rd-gen Audi Q5 will be built in Mexico. Its rivals include the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, BMW X3, Lexus NX, the 2023/24 #CarsAwards category winner: Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo XC60.
We’ll update this story with local market details as soon as they’re available.
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