Section 01

Overview & Key Figures

What it is, who it's for, and why it leads its segment

Model Year 2025

The 2025 Audi Q5 represents the fourth year of the third-generation platform and arrives with a comprehensive mid-cycle refresh. 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 — 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.

Key Highlights
  • 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
2.0L
TFSI Turbo Engine
261 hp
Horsepower
5.5 s
0–60 mph (AWD)
AWD
Quattro Standard
5
Seat Capacity
53.1
Max Cargo (cu ft)
26 mpg
Combined (EPA)
4,497
Tow Capacity (lb)
Exterior Colours
Mythos Black
Ibis White
Manhattan Grey
Navarra Blue
Chronos Grey
Tango Red
Related Tags
Premium SUV Quattro AWD MHEV Hybrid German Engineering Family SUV Luxury Interior
Section 02

Full Specifications

Powertrain, dimensions, technology, and driver assistance

Powertrain
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.)
Dimensions & Capacities
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)
Infotainment & Connectivity
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
Suspension & Chassis
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
Standard Driver Assistance
  • 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
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Parking sensors — front & rear
  • Reversing camera with dynamic guide lines
  • Tyre pressure monitoring
  • Driver attention monitor
Optional / Upper-Trim ADAS
  • 360° surround-view camera system
  • Blind-spot assist with exit warning
  • Predictive efficiency assistant
  • 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)
Section 03

Performance Ratings

Scored across six expert-assessed dimensions

Expert Scored
Engine & Acceleration8.8 / 10
Handling, Steering & Ride Quality9.0 / 10
Braking Performance9.2 / 10
Fuel Efficiency (MHEV)8.2 / 10
Interior Quality & Technology9.5 / 10
Value for Money (segment)8.2 / 10
Scoring Methodology

All scores are a weighted composite of instrumented test-track data, real-world owner surveys, expert panel assessments, and third-party safety organisation results.

Section 04

Trims & Pricing

All trim levels, MSRP, feature comparison, and ownership costs

Premium
$46,500
Entry trim · AWD standard
  • 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
S line
$57,900
Sport emphasis
  • 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
Prestige
$64,200
Range-topper
  • All S line features +
  • Head-up display
  • Bang & Olufsen 19-speaker audio
  • 360° surround-view camera
  • Night vision assist
  • Adaptive air suspension
Feature Premium Plus ★ S line Prestige
Quattro AWD
Panoramic Sunroof
Wireless Charging
Head-Up Display Opt
B&O Premium Audio
360° Camera Opt
Adaptive Air Susp. Opt
Estimated Annual Costs
Insurance (avg / yr) $2,140
Fuel (15k mi / yr) $2,360
Maintenance (yr 1–3) $780 avg.
Depreciation (yr 1) ~16%
5-year total cost est. ~$78,400
5-yr residual value ~47%
Warranty & Coverage
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
Editor's Note

The Premium Plus is our unambiguous recommendation — the panoramic roof, wireless charging, and blind-spot suite make it the sweet spot at $52,400.

Section 05

Exterior & Interior Design

Styling language, materials quality, cabin space, and tech integration

The 2025 Q5's exterior refresh centres on a sharper Singleframe grille flanked by Matrix LED headlights. S line variants add sport bumpers, 20-inch alloys, and gloss black detailing.

Step inside and the Q5 immediately justifies its premium billing. 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.

Section 07

Safety Ratings

NHTSA and IIHS independent crash-test results for model year 2025

5 ★ NHTSA Overall
Overall
NHTSA 2025
Frontal Crash
NHTSA 2025
Side Crash
NHTSA 2025
Rollover Resistance
NHTSA 2025
Small Overlap Front (driver) Good
Moderate Overlap Front Good
Side Barrier (updated) Good
Roof Strength Good
Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle) Superior
Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) Superior
Overall IIHS Award Top Safety Pick+
Section 08

Competitor Comparison

Interactive head-to-head — Q5 vs BMW X3, Mercedes GLC, and Volvo XC60

4 Rivals · 5 Categories
Our Pick
Q5
9.1/10
$46,500
IIHS TSP+
X3
8.7/10
$48,200
IIHS TSP+
GLC
8.5/10
$50,100
IIHS TSP
XC60
8.6/10
$46,900
IIHS TSP+
⚡ Powertrain & Performance
Feature Audi Q5Our Pick BMW X3 Mercedes GLC Volvo XC60
Starting MSRP $46,500 $48,200 $50,100 $46,900
Base Power
261 hp
248 hp
258 hp
247 hp
0–60 mph 5.5 s 5.6 s 6.0 s 5.7 s
Mild Hybrid (MHEV) ✓ Standard Optional Optional ✓ Standard
AWD Standard ✓ Quattro ✓ xDrive ✓ 4MATIC ✓ AWD
Fuel Economy (combined) 26 mpg 25 mpg 24 mpg 26 mpg
πŸ“ Space & Practicality
Feature Audi Q5Our Pick BMW X3 Mercedes GLC Volvo XC60
Rear Legroom
38.3 in
36.3 in
38.0 in
37.5 in
Boot Volume (behind 2nd) 26.8 cu ft 28.7 cu ft 22.9 cu ft 26.8 cu ft
Max Cargo (seats folded) 53.1 cu ft 62.7 cu ft 50.3 cu ft 57.5 cu ft
Towing Capacity 4,497 lb 5,291 lb 3,527 lb 3,527 lb
πŸ“± Technology & Infotainment
Feature Audi Q5Our Pick BMW X3 Mercedes GLC Volvo XC60
Digital Instrument Cluster 12.3-in Virtual Cockpit 12.3-in 12.3-in 12.3-in
Infotainment Screen 10.1-in MMI 10.7-in curved 11.9-in MBUX 9.0-in
Wireless CarPlay ✓ Standard Optional ✓ Standard ✓ Standard
OTA Software Updates
Premium Audio B&O 19-spkr (Prestige) Harman Kardon 16-spkr Burmester 590W 13-spkr Harman Kardon 600W
πŸ›‘️ Safety & Crash Ratings
Feature Audi Q5Our Pick BMW X3 Mercedes GLC Volvo XC60
NHTSA Overall ★★★★★ (5) ★★★★★ (5) ★★★★★ (5) N/A
IIHS Award Top Safety Pick+ Top Safety Pick+ Top Safety Pick Top Safety Pick+
AEB (Pedestrian) Superior — Standard Advanced Advanced Advanced
Blind Spot Monitor Prem. Plus+ Optional ✓ Standard Optional
πŸ’° Ownership & Value
Feature Audi Q5Our Pick BMW X3 Mercedes GLC Volvo XC60
5-yr Residual Value ~47% ~48% ~42% ~44%
Avg. Annual Maintenance ~$875 ~$940 ~$1,090 ~$720
Basic Warranty 4 yr / 50k mi 4 yr / 50k mi 4 yr / 50k mi 4 yr / 50k mi
Corrosion Warranty 12 yr unlimited 12 yr unlimited 5 yr unlimited 12 yr unlimited
Scores reflect CarReviewPro expert assessment (June 2025). MSRP figures are base prices before destination & delivery charges. Fuel economy from EPA combined estimates. Cargo and legroom from manufacturer specifications. ● Winner · Trailing · Optional · ★ our recommended pick.
Section 09

Expert Verdict

Final assessment, recommended configuration, and buyer profile

Score: 9.1 / 10
9.1/ 10
Expert Score
Our Verdict

The 2025 Audi Q5 is the definitive choice in the premium mid-size SUV segment. 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.

Pros & Cons

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
  • Some options remain trim-gated
  • Touch-sensitive controls can be fiddly
Section 10

Frequently Asked Questions

Common buyer and ownership questions answered by our experts

8 Questions

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.

No. The Q5's 48V MHEV 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. 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. The Mercedes GLC offers luxurious materials but at a higher starting price and with a smaller cargo area. For objective value, interior refinement, and daily usability, the Q5 is our top pick.

The Premium Plus at $52,400 is the compelling sweet spot. Over the base Premium it adds: panoramic sunroof, wireless charging pad, blind-spot monitoring, matrix LED headlights, and S line exterior styling — all features that make a tangible difference to daily use.

Every 2025 Q5 includes Audi Pre Sense Front (AEB 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.

Average annual maintenance for the Q5 runs approximately $775–$900, 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.

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. Kelley Blue Book consistently ranks it among the top three for retained value in its class. Quattro AWD, popular exterior colours, and premium trim specification all significantly support resale values.