THE LATEST AUDI Q5 HEADED TO THE ALPS FOR A MOST EPIC ROAD TRIP - COOL IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT.
The thermometer says zero degrees Celsius. The setting is a parking lot at Munich Airport. A dozen journalists shuffle about in winter jackets while six Audi Q5s sit waiting. Two SUVs. Four Sportbacks. A broad slice of the Q5 range is ready for a proper winter shakedown, with the Alps calling in the distance. The lineup is deliberately diverse. Four are top-tier SQ5s, split evenly between SUV and Sportback, all petrol-powered. Joining them are two additional Sportbacks, one petrol, one diesel. Audi Genuine roof boxes crown both SQ5 SUVs, while ski bags disappear neatly into the boots once the rear seats are folded flat. Luggage, camera gear and winter essentials are loaded in minutes. Destination locked in: Zell am See, Austria.
Under bright winter sunshine, the convoy rolls out on a 287 km journey that mixes highways, country roads and tight alpine passes. From Munich, the route traces the B307 toward Schliersee, crosses into Austria, threads through the Inn Valley and climbs along the Gerlos Alpine Road. Photo stops come thick and fast, with Schliersee, Spitzingsee and distant views of the Krimml Waterfalls providing the kind of backdrop that makes even seasoned journos reach for their phones. Winter doesn’t play favourites up here. Snow-covered passes alternate with damp, thawing sections, creating a constantly changing surface. The Q5 range takes it all in stride. This is where Audi Genuine Accessories quietly earn their keep, too. Ice scrapers, all-weather floor mats and boot organisers prove less glamorous than the scenery, but invaluable when conditions turn properly alpine.
The real focus, though, is the drive. Long motorway stretches give way to narrow back roads and the tight switchbacks of the Gerlos Alpine Road. Across the range, Audi’s new engine generation shows its strengths. Every variant, including the SQ5, features MHEV plus technology, enabling reduced fuel consumption, short electric driving phases and crisp response when powering out of hairpins. On snow-covered sections, the combination of adaptive air suspension, adaptive damper control and quattro all-wheel drive comes into its own. The systems work seamlessly in the background, delivering confidence and traction without draining the fun from the experience. Driver assistance systems and engine performance strike a balance that feels reassuring rather than overbearing, something the group quickly comes to appreciate.
Inside, the Q5’s display and control concept earns plenty of nods. The AI-supported Audi assistant offers navigation help and contextual information about the surrounding landscape, while everyday usability shines through in the details. A sliding rear seat, variable luggage capacity of up to 1,473 litres, inductive charging, and multiple USB-C ports make the Q5 feel well thought out for long trips with people and gear on board.
As dusk settles over Zell am See, the convoy rolls into town. The hotel, glowing in the low winter sun, marks the end of the journey. As the group gathers in the fading light, attention turns to the Q5’s second-generation digital OLED rear lights. Beyond their striking night-time signature, the communication light function stands out, enhancing road safety while giving the Q5 family a distinctive after-dark identity. By the end of the trip, there’s little debate. Snow, slush, dry tarmac or spontaneous detours, the Audi Q5 handles it all without drama. A confident all-rounder for any season, and a reminder that sometimes the most impressive journeys are the ones that simply work.
Take a look at the YouTube video that sadly doesn't show the Audi playing in the snow, but it does show you what the Q5 is all about and why it can handle an Alpine adventure: Meet the Audi Q5 | Audi
Be sure to check out our YouTube channel here for more exciting and exclusive SXdrv content! And don't forget to smash that subscribe button!