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Considering it’s Audi’s best-selling car worldwide, expectations are sky-high. First launched in 2008, the Q5 has always struck a balance between premium comfort, practicality and that all-important Audi badge appeal. Now, the latest version aims to sharpen its looks, modernise the interior and add clever hybrid tech.

 

So, is the new Audi Q5 SUV and Sportback still one of the best premium family SUVs in the UK? Let’s find out.

 

At launch, buyers get a choice of two engines:

• 2.0 TFSI Petrol (204PS, 340Nm torque) – 0–62mph in 7.2 seconds, up to 40.4mpg

• 2.0 TDI Diesel (204PS, 400Nm torque) – 0–62mph in 7.4 seconds, up to 47.1mpg

 

Both engines feature quattro four-wheel drive, a 7-speed S tronic automatic gearbox, and Audi’s MHEV Plus mild-hybrid system. This tech allows short bursts of electric-only driving at low speeds and engine-off coasting on motorways, boosting efficiency.

A plug-in hybrid Audi Q5 TFSI e will join the range later.

 

 

The 2025 Audi Q5 gets a sharper, sportier look with a larger grille, bold headlights, and muscular wheel arches. Buyers can choose between:

• Q5 SUV – practical, boxy silhouette

• Q5 Sportback – stylish, coupe-like rear design

Inside, the big talking point is the new Audi Digital Stage – a sweeping OLED setup combining a 14.5-inch MMI touchscreen and 11.9-inch driver display. The optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allows them to run navigation or stream media independently.

Materials feel premium, with soft-touch trim, stitched leather, and eco-friendly suede-effect Dynamica. The downside? Gloss-black trim that looks great when clean but shows every fingerprint.

 

Audi has made sure the new Q5 works as a family car:

• Boot space: 520 litres (SUV) / 515 litres (Sportback). Up to 1473L / 1415L with seats folded.

• Rear seats: reclining, sliding bench for extra legroom or boot space.

• Passenger comfort: excellent headroom in SUV, still decent in Sportback.

• Seats: supportive, especially in S line trim, with great long-distance comfort.

Clever details include a retractable luggage blind that stows neatly under the floor, and a lower load lip for easier access.

 

The new Audi Q5 is refined, confident and easy to drive.

• Steering is light and precise, making it surprisingly nimble in town.

• Ride quality is smooth and composed, especially with the optional air suspension (lets you adjust ride height and driving modes).

• On twisty roads, the Q5 feels secure and grippy, if not quite as engaging as the BMW X3.

• Refinement is excellent, with minimal wind and road noise. The petrol is quieter day-to-day, while the diesel feels more muscular thanks to its torque.

 

• Digital Stage: 14.5-inch central screen + 11.9-inch virtual cockpit.

• Voice assistant: smarter, with over 800 recognised commands.

• Audi App Store: access to third-party apps.

• Bang & Olufsen 3D audio (optional) for a premium sound experience.

• Safety tech: 5-star Euro NCAP, Matrix LED headlights, lane departure warning, exit warning for cyclists and more.

The only catch? Too many touch-sensitive buttons. Steering wheel controls and climate settings in the touchscreen are fiddly on the move.

 

Q5 SUV TFSI quattro 204PS S tronic

• Sport – £52,310

• S line – £54,910

• Edition 1 – £59,110

Q5 Sportback TFSI quattro 204PS S tronic

• Sport – £54,810

• S line – £57,410

• Edition 1 – £61,610

 

 

Even the entry-level Sport trim comes well equipped with LED headlights, heated leather seats, three-zone climate, and Audi’s new infotainment system.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

✅ Stylish new design

✅ Premium interior with advanced tech

✅ Comfortable and refined on the road

✅ Practical boot and clever features

✅ Strong standard equipment

Cons:

❌ Gloss black trim attracts dust & fingerprints

❌ Too many touch-sensitive controls

❌ Petrol needs revs, diesel clatters outside

❌ Prices creeping above £50k base

 

The new Audi Q5 hasn’t tried to reinvent the wheel – and that’s no bad thing. Instead, it polishes what’s always made the Q5 so popular: comfort, refinement, and a strong dose of Audi luxury. Add in clever hybrid tech and showroom-wow interiors, and it’s hard to argue with its appeal.

It’s not perfect – usability niggles and rising prices hold it back – but if you want a premium family SUV that ticks nearly every box, the 2025 Audi Q5 should definitely be on your shortlist.

 

 

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