The 2025 Audi Q5 enters the segment with quiet confidence. While competitors chase bigger screens, bolder shapes, and tech theatrics, Audi doubles down on what made the Q5 a staple in the luxury SUV world: the right size, the right features, and a driving experience that always feels composed. The design isn’t all-new, but that’s part of its charm. What matters more is how well the Q5 still hits the bullseye for thousands of buyers who want refinement, real-world comfort, and standard all-wheel drive in a package that simply works.
From the outside, the Q5 still looks unmistakably Audi — clean lines, subtle curves, and proportions that look expensive without showing off. Whether you choose the conventional SUV or the sleeker Sportback, the shape reads premium without needing to shout about it. The S Line touches available on mid and upper trims sharpen the look even further, while standard Quattro all-wheel drive gives every Q5 a ready-for-winter stance that many rivals still treat as an optional luxury.
Inside, the Q5 delivers the kind of cabin Audi built its reputation on: upscale materials, straightforward controls, and build quality that feels engineered instead of decorated. Real leather is still standard, which is increasingly rare. The front seats offer plenty of adjustability and long-trip comfort, while the rear accommodates two adults easily. Cargo space is competitive for the class, with 25.8 cubic feet behind the second row and over 50 cubic feet with the seats folded — enough for road trips, sports gear, or home-store runs. The overall vibe is refined but practical, exactly the balance Audi buyers expect.
The powertrain lineup gives the Q5 its versatility. The base 201-horsepower 40 TFSI engine is adequate for daily commuting, though most shoppers will prefer the midlevel 45 TFSI with 261 horsepower and a noticeably quicker 0–60 time. This version feels lively, smooth, and well-matched to the Q5’s size. At the top sits the 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid with a combined 362 horsepower, the quickest option in the family at around 5 seconds to 60 mph. Its 23-mile electric range is modest, but the PHEV’s instant torque makes it fun around town and confident at highway speeds. Regardless of engine, the Q5’s S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts quickly and cleanly, and the well-tuned suspension strikes a comfortable balance between sporty and relaxed.
Fuel economy remains one of the Q5’s strengths given that all models include Quattro AWD. Most versions land around 25 mpg combined, placing the Q5 slightly above average for the segment’s AWD competitors. The plug-in model posts highly efficient MPGe ratings in EV mode, but once the battery is depleted, its hybrid numbers align with the conventional turbo engines. Range is one of the few places where newer competitors like the Volvo XC60 Recharge offer clear advantages, but the Audi counters with simplicity and smoother overall driving manners.
Audi’s MMI infotainment system continues to age gracefully. The 10.1-inch touchscreen is responsive, menus make sense, and the presence of real physical climate buttons is a win for usability. Wireless Apple CarPlay comes standard, Android Auto requires a cable, and Premium Plus adds navigation, a wireless charger, and the always-impressive Bang & Olufsen audio system. The 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster available in higher trims remains one of the most polished displays in the segment.
Safety and driver assistance systems are robust and thoughtfully calibrated. Standard equipment includes Pre Sense City, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors. Premium Plus adds a surround-view camera system and adaptive cruise control, while Prestige trims introduce more advanced tech like park assist, matrix headlights, and a head-up display. Historically, the Q5 has scored well in crash testing, and based on the nearly identical 2024 model, buyers should expect strong results when the 2025’s testing is published.
Compared to rivals, the Q5 still lands right at the heart of the luxury-SUV market. The BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC offer newer designs and slightly larger cabins, but neither comes standard with AWD. The Volvo XC60 shines in plug-in efficiency, but the Q5 feels more cohesive behind the wheel. For drivers who want a luxury SUV without complexity or gimmicks, the Q5 remains an easy recommendation—and that’s exactly why it’s still Audi’s best-selling model.
If your priorities are comfort, refinement, year-round traction, and a proven luxury experience, the 2025 Q5 should be on your short list. The Premium Plus trim continues to be the sweet spot, blending value and features without creeping into prestige-SUV pricing. For those wanting maximum punch without stepping up to the Audi SQ5, the plug-in hybrid 55 TFSI gives you a compelling mix of performance and efficiency. Across the board, the Q5 remains the kind of luxury SUV that doesn’t need to reinvent itself every year — it just needs to keep doing what it does so well.
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