AUDI'S POPULAR Q5 RANGE RECEIVES COMPLETE MODEL OVERHAUL - WE'LL HAVE THE SQ5 THANKS.
The Audi Q5 has long been the go-to choice for those seeking a premium SUV that blends everyday practicality with just enough style to keep things interesting. Since its debut in 2008, it has become one of Audi’s best-selling models globally. Now, the third generation of the Q5 lands in Southern Spain, showcasing its latest evolution in tech, comfort, and versatility. The Q5 entered the market in 2008 as Audi’s answer to the booming mid-size luxury SUV segment. Built on the MLB platform, it quickly gained a reputation for its refined ride, quattro all-wheel drive, and a plush yet understated cabin - a.k.a boring-ish. The second-gen Q5 arrived in 2017, bringing more tech, sharper design, and improved efficiency. But let’s be honest - while the standard Q5 has always been a competent, well-rounded SUV, it’s the SQ5 that injected some much-needed personality into the lineup. The SQ5 TDI, launched in 2012, was particularly special, packing a 3.0-liter V6 diesel with a mechanical compressor that gave it a meaty 650 Nm of torque - Audi’s subtle nod to performance enthusiasts who still needed to haul kids and groceries. Back to the latest model. Dominic Stern, Product Marketing Expert for the Audi Q5, joins us in Málaga to walk us through the SUV’s updates. "It was important that the third generation remains unmistakably a Q5 while evolving to meet modern needs," he explains. The new Q5 doesn’t stray far from its predecessor’s playbook. It remains spacious, comfortable, and highly practical. With an adjustable rear bench that slides and reclines, cargo capacity flexes up to 1,473 liters, depending on the variant. Need more space? Fold the rear seats down. Even small details - like a retractable luggage cover that now stows neatly under the trunk floor - showcase Audi’s attention to usability.
Under the hood, every version of the new Q5 features Audi’s updated MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) system, dubbed MHEV plus. Thanks to a small powertrain generator, this setup enhances efficiency and enables short bursts of electric-only driving. While Audi’s marketing team might make it sound revolutionary, mild hybrids are more about improving fuel economy than delivering full EV thrills. Still, it’s a step toward a more electrified future while keeping the driving experience familiar. And yes, the SQ5 will return with its own take on performance - because someone in Ingolstadt knows that not everyone wants their SUV to feel like a rolling couch. One of the highlights of the new Q5 is its adaptive air suspension, which lets drivers tailor the ride for different surfaces. Raise it by 30 mm in off-road mode or an impressive 45 mm at lower speeds when navigating rougher terrain. It's a nice feature for those who venture beyond city streets - though let’s be honest, most Q5s will spend their lives on tarmac. Audi has been a leader in automotive lighting, and the new Q5 continues that legacy. Matrix LED headlights light the way, while second-gen digital OLED rear lights offer customizable animations - because no modern Audi is complete without a flashy light show when you lock and unlock it. Inside, ambient lighting enhances the minimalist cabin, while the new AI-supported digital assistant makes interacting with vehicle settings easier than ever. The assistant even gets a digital avatar in the MMI and head-up display - because talking to a disembodied voice isn’t quite as futuristic as having a visual representation. The new Audi Q5 refines an already successful formula. It’s practical, tech-laden, and comfortable - exactly what Q5 buyers want. It may not set your soul on fire, but it’ll keep you and your family moving in premium comfort. And if you do want a little fire? Keep your eyes on the upcoming SQ5. That’s where the real fun begins, but only if it’s sent to our mates at VAG Cafe to Mooloonise it…
Take a look at the YouTube video from the folks at Audi that shows off the latest incarnation of the popular Q5 SUV, this one is in SQ5 spec - the big daddy version We like it, it's a rather good-looking use of German styling: Audi SQ5 Sportback – Design Walkaround | Audi
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