The Audi Q5 has been a success story for the German brand since it first broke cover in 2008.
With more than 16 million examples sold, it’s currently the best-selling Audi in North America, accounting for one-third of total Audi sales here in Canada alone. To say the redesigned 2025 Audi Q5 is an important vehicle for the brand is more than a mild understatement.
PHEV Power Incoming
On the subject of mild, while other markets are getting a mild-hybrid version of the Q5, that powertrain won’t make it to North America. Instead, the choice of a 2.0L four-cylinder or 3.0L V6, both of which are turbocharged, make their way here once more.
More importantly, there’s a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version on the way that promises as much as 80 km of gas-free driving. Other details are scant, but it’s an exciting development nonetheless for those looking for an electrified compact crossover.
Evolutionary Look
While 2025 Q5 retains the wheelbase and track of the outgoing model, it features an organic, less edgy design; the creases have been filed away, and it has a slightly higher beltline. Exterior designer Frank Lamberty points to the front end as having its defining design elements one level higher. A large air intake that houses the front-facing advanced safety sensors sit under the “singleframe” (Audi-speak for grille), with S line models getting matte anthracite chrome-look accents. On the full S model, these elements have a matte silver chrome look. Wheel sizes reach up to 21 inches.
The most interesting design feature of this third-gen Q5 is the dramatic undercut at the rear just below the sweeping multi-element LED bar. Leave it to Audi to come up with something we’ve never seen before.
As with the new A5 and A6 E-Tron, the 2025 Q5 gets the latest in Audi illumination. The “eyes” of the Q5’s face are slim LED daytime running lights — the main function headlights hide behind a black panel just below. The rear light bar boasts six digital OLED panels with a total of 266 segments offering pre-programmed looks, along with the ability to flash a warning triangle. A cool wave-like animation feature won’t make it to North America. Unique to the Q5 is a projected brake light feature running along the top of the rear glass that may or may not come to Canada.
More Practical
For 2025, the Q5’s functionality gets nudged up a notch. Overall cargo capacity increases five litres to a max of 1,473 L. The rear seat can be tilted and moved lengthways, thus increasing trunk volume, and the cargo cover can be stored in a compartment under the trunk floor. The storage bin under the centre armrest is larger, and there are more cubbies for small items.
The third-gen Q5 is blessed with Audi’s new cabin design, one that will find its way into most vehicles moving forward. This clean-slate interior is a good one, returning Audi to form as the pre-eminent manufacturer of classy digs. Naturally, it bristles with the latest in connectivity, driver aids, and AI-bolstered voice control, but there’s also a calming, organic feel to the cabin, helped by soft-touch fabric trim. The sweeping “Digital Stage” OLED screen houses a 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and a 14.5-inch touch display using Android Automotive OS. A 10.9-inch passenger screen is available. A signature of this new interior is a slim LED light bar (Dynamic Interaction Light) that runs along the base of the windshield.
Final Thoughts
As a nod to sustainability, the Audi Q5’s Kaskade upholstery (made from recycled materials) is reminiscent of natural materials such as wool and is not additionally dyed. Dinamica looks and feels like suede, but half of it is made from recycled polyester. You want real leather? That’s on the menu, too.
The 2025 Audi Q5 should arrive in the first quarter of next year. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
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