2025 Audi Q5 Premium Quattro
Audi's benchmark mid-size SUV returns sharper, smarter, and more electrified than ever — combining breathtaking interior craftsmanship with a newly refined mild-hybrid powertrain and class-defining Quattro all-wheel drive.
The 2025 Audi Q5 represents the fourth year of the third-generation platform and arrives with a comprehensive mid-cycle refresh that elevates an already outstanding premium SUV into near-perfect territory. The headline change is the adoption of a 48V mild-hybrid (MHEV) system across the entire range, pairing a revised 2.0L TFSI four-cylinder with a belt-alternator starter for seamless coasting and engine-off glides at motorway speeds — cutting real-world fuel consumption by up to 12% versus its predecessor.
Inside, Audi has brought the Q5 fully in line with the latest MMI generation: a crystal-clear 10.1-inch touchscreen integrates with a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit, and optional head-up display. Quattro AWD remains standard on all but the entry trim, and the Q5's legendary long-term ownership proposition — strong resale, low repair costs, and a genuinely premium experience — continues uninterrupted. For buyers cross-shopping BMW X3, Mercedes GLC, or Volvo XC60, the Q5 sets the benchmark by which its rivals are measured.
- 48V mild-hybrid (MHEV) system standard across the range
- 261 hp / 273 lb-ft from the 2.0L TFSI turbocharged engine
- Quattro permanent all-wheel drive standard on Premium Plus+
- 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission
- 12.3-in Virtual Cockpit + 10.1-in MMI touchscreen
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with Superior AEB rating
- 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating (2025)
- 26.8 cu ft cargo behind second row; 53.1 cu ft max
- Available SQ5 variant with 349 hp turbocharged V6
- Driver assistance suite standard from Premium trim
The Q5's 48V MHEV architecture allows the engine to switch off during deceleration from as early as 55 mph, restarting instantly via the belt-starter before the driver needs power again. The 12 hp electric boost is available on demand during hard acceleration, reducing turbo lag and improving city fuel economy by an estimated 10–12%.
| Engine | 2.0L TFSI Turbocharged I4 |
|---|---|
| Hybrid System | 48V MHEV Belt-Starter |
| Horsepower | 261 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1,600–4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 7-speed S tronic DCT |
| Drivetrain | Quattro AWD Standard |
| 0–60 mph | 5.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 130 mph (electronically limited) |
| Fuel Economy | 23 city / 29 hwy / 26 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded (91 oct.) |
| Length | 183.9 in (4,671 mm) |
|---|---|
| Width | 74.5 in (1,893 mm) |
| Height | 65.3 in (1,658 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 111.0 in (2,819 mm) |
| Curb Weight | 4,233 lb (1,920 kg) |
| Cargo (behind 2nd) | 26.8 cu ft |
| Cargo (max / folded) | 53.1 cu ft |
| Towing Capacity | 4,497 lb (2,040 kg) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 adults |
| Ground Clearance | 8.2 in (208 mm) |
| MMI Touchscreen | 10.1-in with haptic feedback |
|---|---|
| Virtual Cockpit | 12.3-in digital instrument cluster |
| Head-Up Display | Opt. (Prestige trim) |
| Apple CarPlay | Wireless |
| Android Auto | Wireless |
| Audio System | Bang & Olufsen 19-speaker (Prestige) |
| Wireless Charging | Standard (Premium Plus+) |
| Audi Connect | 4G LTE; OTA updates |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | Standard (trial) |
| USB Ports | 4× USB-C |
| Front Suspension | 5-link independent |
|---|---|
| Rear Suspension | Trapezoidal-link independent |
| Steering | Progressive electromechanical |
| Brakes (F/R) | Disc / Disc ventilated |
| Adaptive Air Susp. | Optional (S line / Prestige) |
| Driving Modes | Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Off-Road |
| Drag Coefficient | 0.30 Cd |
- Pre Sense Front (AEB with pedestrian/cyclist detection)
- Pre Sense Rear (rear AEB)
- Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist
- Lane departure warning + lane keeping assist
- Active lane change assist (with Audi Active Lane Assist)
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Parking sensors — front & rear
- Reversing camera with dynamic guide lines
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Driver attention monitor
- 360° surround-view camera system
- Blind-spot assist with exit warning
- Predictive efficiency assistant (GPS brake coasting)
- Night vision with thermal pedestrian detection
- Remote parking pilot
- Intersection assist (cross-traffic AEB)
- Traffic sign recognition with speed limit display
- Turn assist (oncoming vehicle AEB)
All scores are a weighted composite of instrumented test-track data (0–60, braking, lateral g), real-world owner surveys, expert panel assessments, and third-party safety organisation results. Each dimension is rated 1–10, then averaged for the overall Expert Score.
- 2.0L TFSI MHEV / Quattro AWD
- 10.1-in MMI touchscreen
- 12.3-in Virtual Cockpit
- Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
- Audi Pre Sense safety suite
- Power liftgate
- All Premium features +
- Panoramic sunroof
- Wireless charging pad
- Blind-spot & rear cross-traffic
- LED headlights with High Beam
- S line exterior package
- All Premium Plus features +
- S line sport body styling
- Sport suspension tuning
- 20-in S line alloy wheels
- Sport seats with S emblems
- Brushed aluminium inlays
- All S line features +
- Head-up display
- Bang & Olufsen 19-speaker audio
- 360° surround-view camera
- Night vision assist
- Adaptive air suspension
| Feature | Premium | Premium Plus ★ | S line | Prestige |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quattro AWD | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Panoramic Sunroof | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| S line Styling | — | Opt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-Up Display | — | — | Opt | ✓ |
| B&O Premium Audio | — | — | — | ✓ |
| 360° Camera | — | — | Opt | ✓ |
| Night Vision | — | — | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Air Susp. | — | — | Opt | ✓ |
| Insurance (avg / yr) | $2,140 |
|---|---|
| Fuel (15k mi / yr) | $2,360 |
| Maintenance (yr 1–3) | $780 avg. |
| Registration & tax | $640 est. |
| Depreciation (yr 1) | ~16% |
| 5-year total cost est. | ~$78,400 |
| 5-yr residual value | ~47% |
| New Vehicle Warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Corrosion Perforation | 12 yr / unlimited mi |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr / unlimited mi |
| MHEV Battery | 8 yr / 100,000 mi |
| Audi Care Plus | Opt. prepaid maintenance |
The Premium Plus is our unambiguous recommendation — the panoramic roof, wireless charging, and blind-spot suite make it the sweet spot at $52,400. Adding the Prestige package is worthwhile only if the B&O audio or night vision is a priority.
The 2025 Q5's exterior refresh centres on a sharper, more confident iteration of Audi's Singleframe grille — now wider and lower-set — flanked by a new generation of Matrix LED headlights with animated welcome sequences. The flanks maintain the Q5's characteristic taut, sculptural quality, with a pronounced shoulder line leading into newly restyled tail lamps featuring a full-width light bar connecting both clusters.
S line variants add a sport bumper with wider air inlets, 20-inch alloys in a two-tone finish, and gloss black detailing around the lower body. The net effect is a more planted, assured stance — modern without the polarising aggression of some rivals.
- Redesigned Singleframe grille with honeycomb mesh
- Matrix LED headlights with OLED indicators (Prestige)
- Full-width LED tail lamp strip
- Available S line sport bumpers and skirts
- 18–21-in alloy wheel options by trim
- Panoramic glass roof standard Premium Plus+
- Power-folding, auto-dimming mirrors
Step inside and the Q5 immediately justifies its premium billing. The horizontal dashboard architecture, wrapped in soft-touch leather-effect materials, conveys an air of calm, engineered precision. The 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen and 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit sit at ergonomically optimal angles, forming a cohesive digital workspace without overwhelming the driver.
Audi's material quality is the best in the segment: piano-black and brushed aluminium inlays, standard double-stitched upholstery, and genuine open-pore wood trim on Prestige variants give the cabin a hand-crafted quality uncommon at this price point. Rear legroom of 38.3 inches comfortably accommodates two tall adults, and the 26.8 cu ft boot is among the most usable in its class.
- Soft-touch dashboard with double-stitching
- Front seats with 10-way electric adjustment (Premium Plus)
- Heated front & rear seats (Premium Plus+)
- Panoramic sliding/tilting glass roof
- Available Valcona leather upholstery (Prestige)
- Open-pore walnut or dark brushed aluminium inlays
- Rear centre armrest with dual USB-C
| Front Legroom | 40.2 in |
|---|---|
| Rear Legroom | 38.3 in |
| Front Headroom | 38.5 in |
| Rear Headroom | 38.1 in |
| Shoulder (front) | 57.8 in |
| Shoulder (rear) | 55.6 in |
| Boot Volume | 26.8 / 53.1 cu ft |
| Small Overlap Front (driver) | Good |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front (passenger) | Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | Good |
| Side Barrier (updated) | Good |
| Roof Strength | Good |
| Head Restraints & Seats | Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle) | Superior |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | Superior |
| Overall IIHS Award | Top Safety Pick+ |
To qualify for Top Safety Pick+ the Q5 must be equipped with the optional LED headlights (available from Premium Plus). The standard halogen headlights on the base Premium trim receive an Acceptable rating from the IIHS headlight evaluation.
| Feature | Audi Q5 ★ | BMW X3 | Mercedes GLC | Volvo XC60 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $46,500 | $48,200 | $50,100 | $46,900 |
| Base Power (hp) | 261 | 248 | 258 | 247 |
| 0–60 mph (sec) | 5.5 | 5.6 | 6.0 | 5.7 |
| MHEV / Mild Hybrid | ✓ Standard | Opt | Opt | ✓ Standard |
| AWD Standard | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Legroom (in) | 38.3 | 36.3 | 38.0 | 37.5 |
| Cargo Volume (cu ft) | 26.8 | 28.7 | 22.9 | 26.8 |
| NHTSA Overall | 5 ★ | 5 ★ | 5 ★ | N/A |
| IIHS Award | Top Safety Pick+ | Top Safety Pick+ | Top Safety Pick | Top Safety Pick+ |
| OTA Software Updates | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Digital Instruments | 12.3-in Virtual Cockpit | 12.3-in | 12.3-in | 12.3-in |
| Wireless CarPlay | ✓ Standard | Opt | ✓ | ✓ |
The 2025 Audi Q5 is the definitive choice in the premium mid-size SUV segment — a vehicle that succeeds on every front simultaneously. Its MHEV powertrain delivers effortless real-world performance with meaningfully improved efficiency; its cabin is the most refined and technologically coherent in its class; and its Quattro AWD system remains unmatched in everyday all-weather capability. Our recommendation is the Premium Plus trim — it adds every feature that makes the Q5 exceptional without the step into diminishing-returns territory that the Prestige represents. Buyers seeking the absolute performance apex should opt for the SQ5 variant, which elevates the Q5's credentials even further. The only genuine weaknesses — a relatively demanding MSRP and a boot smaller than the X3 — are overshadowed by an ownership experience that is second to none.
What We Love
- Best interior quality and materials in segment
- MHEV delivers genuine fuel economy benefit
- Quattro AWD — confident in all conditions
- Spacious rear: 38.3 in legroom is class-best
- Wireless CarPlay standard across the range
- Exceptional long-term reliability record
- 5-star NHTSA + IIHS Top Safety Pick+
Areas to Note
- MSRP premium over key rivals
- Boot slightly smaller than BMW X3
- Third-row not available in this segment
- Some options remain trim-gated
- Touch-sensitive controls can be fiddly
Yes — the Q5 earns consistently strong reliability scores. J.D. Power awards it a 4/5 quality rating for the 2025 model year, and Consumer Reports ranks it as "recommended" among premium mid-size SUVs. The 2.0L TFSI engine has a well-established track record across multiple Audi and Volkswagen Group platforms, and Audi Care prepaid maintenance plans help control running costs over the first four years.
The SQ5 is the performance variant, powered by a turbocharged 3.0L V6 producing 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reducing 0–60 mph to 4.5 seconds. It adds sport-tuned suspension, quad exhaust outlets, unique S-specific interior stitching, and larger Brembo brakes. The SQ5 starts at approximately $59,000 — a significant premium over the standard Q5 at $46,500. For most buyers the Q5's 261 hp is entirely sufficient; the SQ5 is for those prioritising driver engagement and outright acceleration.
No. The Q5's 48V MHEV (mild hybrid) system is entirely self-charging — there is no plug socket, no external charging required. The 48V lithium-ion battery is recharged automatically through regenerative braking and engine braking during deceleration. It enables the engine to coast with combustion switched off at motorway speeds and provides a 12 hp boost during acceleration. Think of it as an efficiency assistant rather than a traditional hybrid.
The Q5 leads on interior quality, rear legroom (38.3 in versus X3's 36.3 in), wireless CarPlay availability, and MHEV standard equipment. The BMW X3 counters with a sportier driving character and a marginally larger boot (28.7 vs 26.8 cu ft). The Mercedes GLC offers the most luxurious materials at its Prestige equivalent but at a higher starting price ($50,100) and with a smaller cargo area (22.9 cu ft). For objective value, interior refinement, and daily usability, the Q5 is our top pick of the three.
The Premium Plus at $52,400 is the compelling sweet spot. Over the base Premium ($46,500) it adds: panoramic sunroof, wireless charging pad, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, matrix LED headlights, and S line exterior styling — all features that make a tangible difference to daily use. The S line ($57,900) and Prestige ($64,200) are worthwhile upgrades only if the B&O audio, head-up display, or 360° camera system are priorities for you.
Every 2025 Q5 includes Audi Pre Sense Front (automatic emergency braking detecting vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists), Pre Sense Rear, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, active lane keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, and a driver attention monitor as standard. Blind-spot monitoring is standard from Premium Plus upward. Optional on upper trims: 360° surround camera, intersection assist, night vision, and remote parking pilot.
Average annual maintenance for the Q5 runs approximately $775–$900, which is higher than mass-market SUVs but in line with segment peers. Audi Care prepaid maintenance is strongly recommended — it locks in oil changes, inspections, and minor services at a fixed cost for the first 4 years or 40,000 miles, typically saving $400–$600 over dealer retail. Beyond year 4, an extended warranty (Audi Care Plus) or third-party coverage is advisable, as out-of-warranty repair costs for German luxury vehicles can be significant.
The Q5 retains approximately 57% of its original value after 3 years and around 47% after 5 years — above the premium mid-size SUV segment average of 53% and 43% respectively. Kelley Blue Book consistently ranks it among the top three for retained value in its class, trailing only the BMW X3 over 5 years. Quattro AWD, popular exterior colours (Mythos Black, Manhattan Grey), and premium trim specification all significantly support resale values at the used-car market.
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