Audi’s Q5 is not playing nice anymore
Audi’s best-seller isn’t coasting on its legacy. The 2025 Q5 gets a new platform, sharper styling, smarter tech, and real torque to match.
Why does this car matter right now?
The Q5 is Audi’s golden goose. It outsells every other model in the lineup and anchors the brand’s footprint in the U.S. market. So when Audi gives it a complete overhaul for 2025, it’s not just news—it’s a power move. And let’s be clear: this isn’t a facelift. It’s a reengineering from the ground up, and it’s got the software—and the swagger—to match.
Built on the new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), the Q5 rides better, drives smarter, and finally looks as modern as the rest of Audi’s digital-first lineup. Paired with Audi’s new E³ 1.2 electronics architecture, the Q5 becomes a digital command center with more computing power than your last laptop.
And it’s not just brainpower—it’s brawn too. The upgraded 2.0-liter turbo four now churns out 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. That’s sent to all four wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and standard quattro all-wheel drive. No gimmicks. Just real-world, usable torque and the kind of responsive chassis tuning that makes this thing corner like it’s reading your mind.
How does it compare to rivals?
If the BMW X3 is the German dance partner and the Mercedes GLC is the posh lounge cruiser, the 2025 Q5 is the kid who studied abroad and came back with edge. It’s more aggressive than before but still reserved enough to fit into the Whole Foods parking lot without drawing attention. Unless you want it to.
The Q5 now sports sharper lines, a wider stance, and those eye-catching OLED taillights that offer up to eight customizable light signatures. It’s the only SUV in its class with this much rear-end choreography, and yes, it’s standard on Premium Plus and Prestige trims.
Inside, the story gets even more interesting. A 14.5-inch MMI touchscreen and 11.9-inch digital cockpit are the centerpiece of a cabin that feels straight out of Audi’s flagship playbook. The infotainment system is fast, intuitive, and compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And the new 7 x 3-inch head-up display is one of the largest in the segment—proof Audi isn’t phoning this one in.
There’s also wireless charging (cooled, naturally), USB-C fast charging for front and rear passengers, and a rear bench that both slides and reclines. Need space? With the seats folded, you’ve got 56.9 cubic feet of cargo room and an underfloor compartment to hide anything you don’t want rolling around.
Who is this for—and who should skip it?
The Q5 is for the modern multitasker who doesn’t want to sacrifice tech for taste or handling for comfort. It’s ideal for drivers who want premium kit without showing off, families who need just enough space but don’t want to jump to a three-row SUV, and commuters who appreciate refinement without the fluff.
It’s not for anyone looking to go full-electric (you’ll want the Q4 e-tron) or who thinks every SUV needs to tow 7,000 pounds. But for those who value driving engagement with quiet confidence, the Q5 just leapfrogged its class.
What’s the long-term significance?
Audi isn’t just keeping the Q5 competitive—it’s weaponizing it. By leaning into software-defined vehicle architecture and packaging real horsepower with next-gen safety, Audi is signaling what its combustion lineup will look like in the run-up to full electrification.
Nine airbags. Lane centering. A new center-mounted airbag for side impacts. Exit warnings and a 360° top-view camera. All of this stacks on top of what was already one of the safest SUVs on the road. The Q5 is no longer just a placeholder in Audi’s lineup—it’s a digital SUV that just happens to burn petrol.
The 2025 Q5 is expected to arrive at U.S. dealerships later this year, with pricing details to follow. But if early impressions are anything to go by, Audi’s best-seller just evolved—and it’s not playing nice anymore.
