Should you buy an Audi Q5?

The third-generation Q5 remains a great premium mid-size SUV. It’s a refined, classy and comfortable family car that offers more than enough space and strong, frugal mild-hybrid engines. A plug-in hybrid model due later this year will add a company car-friendly option.

As you’d expect, the BMW X3 steers better and the Mercedes-Benz GLC has a nicer interior – but the Q5 carves a niche somewhere between the two. It’s only the interior that lets the side down. While it looks fantastic, it’s not as easy to use as we expect an Audi interior to be, with fiddly controls and odd ergonomics.

While the old Q5’s cabin was really starting to look old, we reckon Audi could have learnt a few lessons from looking at the previous model and its impressive usability. We’d argue the build quality also hasn’t improved and the Volkswagen Group’s ongoing software issues could take the shine off ownership.

What is it?

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A new Audi Q5 is a big deal, not least because it’s the German firm’s best-selling model around the world. We rated the previous version as one of the best SUVs you could buy, so a lot is resting on this third-generation car, introduced in 2025.

The previous Q5 proved popular for its practicality, easy driving experience and premium feel, and that’s what Audi is aiming to continue with this latest version. Naturally, the latest generation moves to screen-focused interior that’s very different to its more user-friendly predecessor.  

Much of this change comes from the fact the new Q5 has completely different underpinnings to the previous car, now sharing a platform with the latest Audi A5, the replacement for the A4. Despite its modern design, it’s still available with more traditional petrol and diesel engines. There will be a plug-in hybrid arriving later in 2025, but if you were hoping for an electric model, we’d point you in the direction of the Audi Q6 e-tron. 

At launch, however, the Q5 comes with an impressive mild-hybrid system that brings a big improvement in running costs, while a sportier SQ5 is available for those wanting more thrills and performance. 

There are three trim levels available – Sport, S line and Edition 1. Audi also briefly had a high-spec Launch Edition grade for the initial cars that arrived in the UK.

Standard equipment on the Sport model includes 19-inch alloy wheels, a large 14.5-inch touchscreen that merges into an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, as well as heated front seats and a 360-degree parking system. The S line grade brings a sportier styling kit, larger 20-inch alloys and a useful storage and luggage pack, including sliding rear seats and additional storage throughout the cabin.

Top-spec Edition 1 models feature 21-inch alloy wheels, matrix LED headlights with customisable lighting signatures, electric front seats and a separate touchscreen just for the front-seat passenger.

The Audi Q5 has two core rivals – the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC, both of which are quite new. The Volvo XC60 also continues to be a popular choice, especially after yet another facelift, while we also recommend looking at the Lexus NX if you want to go down the hybrid route. 

But does the new Audi Q5 impress? Following a first drive, we’ve extensively tested this new SUV in the UK to answer the question as to whether you should buy one. If you are interested in how we come to our decisions, have a read of how we test cars at Parkers page.