2026 Audi Q5 review: Quick drive

Audi has made no secret about the importance of the Q5 mid-size SUV to its lineup, both here in Australia and around the world.

Since the original was launched in 2009, the Audi Q5 has found around 1.6 million homes globally over its first two generations, and some 25,000 customers in Australia.

Audi’s local managing director, Jeff Mannering, says the Q5 is “critical to [its] success” in the Australian market, so much so that the third-generation model’s Australian media launch was held alongside the German brand’s national dealer and investor conference on the Gold Coast recently.

This new Q5 is perhaps the most significant change to the nameplate since its inception. It’s the first Audi SUV to ride on the company’s heavily revised Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture, which is shared with the new A5 Sedan and Avant, bringing the marque’s latest design language and on-board technologies.

It’s also all-electrified, with the launch range comprising entirely of 48V mild-hybrid ‘MHEV plus’ drivetrains that allow you to drive in EV mode at low speeds, from the entry-level Q5 four-cylinder TFSI 150kW to the flagship SQ5 TFSI. A new e-hybrid (plug-in hybrid) powertrain will join the lineup later on, boasting up to 100km of WLTP-certified electric range.

We attended the Australian press launch in Queensland to get a first drive of the brand’s “critical” new mid-size SUV on local roads, where we had relatively short stints behind the wheel of all three engine variants.

Does the new 2026 Audi Q5 range have what it takes to reclaim its top spot on the sales charts ahead of rivals like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, among others?

How much does the Audi Q5 cost?

Base pricing for the new Audi Q5 has risen by almost $8000 over its predecessor, with the entry-level TFSI 150kW kicking things off at $81,000 plus on-road costs.

While prices are up across the board, Audi Australia says standard equipment is up substantially from base level, claiming around $10,000 worth of extra value in addition to the new engines with more sophisticated 48V MHEV tech.

The Q5 also still undercuts the BMW X3 (priced from $86,000) and Mercedes-Benz GLC (from $89,000) by thousands of dollars, though the Volvo XC60 can be had from $74,990 before on-road costs.

Later this year the new Audi Q5 Sportback will also join the lineup, while plug-in e-hybrid versions will likely launch sometime in 2026.

To see how the Audi Q5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What is the Audi Q5 like on the inside?

The new Q5 draws heavy inspiration from the lower-slung A5 range as well as the similarly-sized Q6 e-tron SUV.

Audi’s latest display tech is front and centre, dubbed the ‘Digital Stage’ and running the brand’s latest user interface, all housed in glossy black bezeling.

The driver is faced with a new four-spoke steering wheel which sits ahead of the new 11.9-inch ‘virtual cockpit’ digital instrument cluster, which is housed in the same free-standing panoramic display unit as the central 14.5-inch MMI touchscreen infotainment system.

Both screens feature OLED technology for better brightness, depth and clarity, and on first impressions are quite attractive and fairly easy to get your head around, even if you’re used to Audi’s far simpler previous-gen interface.

I personally am not enamoured by the new virtual cockpit layout, which throws out the previous conventional speedo and tacho dials in favour of a new videogame-esque adaptive central display with live assist tech view in the middle. One nice addition, however, is the integration of smartphone maps into the sidebar widgets.

As experienced in the A5 as well as the Q6 e-tron, the new interface largely presents well with swish graphics and animations, and while the climate controls are now digital they’re permanently on the base of the display.

While I lament Audi giving into the virtual A/C trend, the good news is that it’s still one of the better implementations out there. The ledge below the screen helps as a rest for your hand when you’re attempting to make touch inputs on the move, and there’s a satisfying haptic feedback.

Same goes for the steering wheel controls, which look like glossy touch-capacitive units but the haptic feedback makes them feel like real buttons. That said, I do miss the clickiness of Audi’s previous-gen buttons.

You can also opt for the MMI passenger-side display in the Q5 sport as part of the $5700 Tech pro package. It effectively extends the central interface with app and streaming functionality, and a privacy filter to avoid distracting the driver, though like I’ve said previously the 10.9-inch display seems a little naff.

Build quality feels pretty good, especially compared to the last-gen Q5 which was a little hard and scratchy in areas. It’s not a patch on the general ambience of the Q8, but feels good compared to something like an X3 or GLC…

The rear seats aren’t as big as you might expect, despite the Q5’s gain in overall length (+35mm). It’s worth noting the wheelbase is near unchanged at 2820mm (+1mm).

Behind a taller driver like 6’1″ me, there’s adequate room for a similarly sized adult but it’s not stand-out. There’s decent leg and foot room, but your knees will be fairly close to the seat in front – even if it has scalloped backs.

Rear amenities are solid though, with a third zone of climate control and directional vents fitted as standard, as are a pair of USB-C charge ports which can be upgraded to 100W with the Premium package to charge laptops.

You also get net-type map pockets, decent door bins, a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders, and the requisite ISOFIX and top-tether child seat anchor points to cater to the kiddies.

Above: Overseas model shown

Audi quotes 520 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats in use, expanding to 1473L with them folded. It appears to have retained its five-seat capacity, but lost some two-seat volume according to official dimensions (1473L v 1520L).

Australian vehicles get the ‘Storage and compartment package’, which brings things like netting and straps to hold loose items in. The Q5 also lacks any form of spare wheel under the boot floor, instead featuring only a tyre repair kit.

To see how the Audi Q5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

A pair of four-cylinder engines with 48V mild-hybrid assistance form the core Q5 range in Australia – one petrol, one diesel. The former is front-wheel drive only, while the diesel is exclusively offered with quattro all-wheel drive.

Audi Australia has confirmed a plug-in e-hybrid version of the Q5 will join the ranks at some point, likely in 2026. Two versions are offered globally, one outputting 220kW and the other 270kW – both incorporating a 2.0L turbo-petrol engine.

Paired with a 105kW electric motor and 25.9kWh (gross) battery, the new Q5 e-hybrid range offers up to 100km of EV range according to WLTP testing. The more powerful version can dash from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.1 seconds and hit a top speed of 250km/h.

The only other available powertrain in Europe is the quattro version of the TFSI 150kW engine, though it’s unclear if that’s on the cards for Australia. Time will tell if a V6 TDI will be added to the mix, and Audi Australia says it will put its hand up for a six-cylinder diesel-powered Q5 if it comes to fruition.

To see how the Audi Q5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How does the Audi Q5 drive?

We had brief stints behind the wheel of both the TFSI and the TDI quattro versions of the new Q5, on a mix of highways and B-roads in and around the Gold Coast.

First up was the TDI quattro, which was finished in the very eye-catching Sakhir gold paint and fitted with larger 20-inch alloy wheels as part of the optional $4900 Style package.

The standard passive suspension setup features frequency-selective damping, with adaptive air suspension reserved for the flagship SQ5 as an option – but I’m sure if you asked, Audi would look into offering you an air-suspended Q5.

As with many European – especially premium-branded – vehicles on steel springs, the Q5 errs on the firmer side in an effort to dial in some ‘sporty’ vibes by keeping body movement tight over bumps and in the bends.

Our initial stint on the freeway encapsulated why diesel is still so great in cars like this. The TDI quattro settles into a relaxed hum, there’s heaps of torque at your disposal, and it is a beautifully refined unit.

The 48V MHEV plus technology irons out the typical low-speed dual-clutch quibbles, thanks to its ability to drive in EV mode at low speeds as well as how quickly it fires the engine back up when you need it.

Once rolling, the seven-speed S tronic transmissions offers snappy and crisp upshifts that are nearly imperceptible given how well insulated the cabin is from powertrain noise.

By comparison, the front-driven TFSI is even more refined in terms of sound and is also happier to rev out, though the lack of four-wheel traction means it can easily chirp the front tyres if you’re looking to make a quick getaway.

It also lacks the effortless low-down shove of the diesel, as it’s down 60Nm and peak torque comes in slightly higher (2000rpm v 1750rpm).

While we didn’t get enough time with either powertrain to record realistic fuel consumption figures, the diesel hovered around the 5.0L/100km mark after mostly freeway driving, while the petrol was in the sevens on twistier, undulating B-roads.

As for assistance tech, the Q5 has just about everything bar a semi-autonomous highway mode like the model it replaces, and countless other vehicles both in this segment and others.

Apparently, Audi is working on a software package for both PPC and PPE models to roll out this feature and others that are available overseas, and will likely come with a model year upgrade. It will potentially be retrofittable to some existing cars pending the fitment of requisite hardware, but the brand’s local team couldn’t confirm further details.

It’s a shame that Audi has been forced to leave features off the roster for the Australian market in its effort o ensure a timely launch, especially because the brand’s adaptive cruise assist function is generally very good.

The same issue plagues the related A5 as well as the Q6 e-tron, and it appears the related Porsche Macan Electric is similarly unavailable with a lane centring function locally for the time being. Hopefully this is addressed sooner rather than later.

The Q5 otherwise has a well-sorted set of assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane departure warning and lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic assist.

Standard surround cameras with front and rear parking sensors are a meaningful upgrade to the base spec, making it much easier to place this 4.7m-long and 1.9m-wide family SUV in tight suburban carparks or school carpool lanes.

To see how the Audi Q5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What do you get?

The standard Q5 and Q5 ‘sport’ trim levels sit below the SQ5 ‘edition one’ and the SQ5 in the local hierarchy.

2025 Audi Q5 equipment highlights:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Matrix LED headlights
• LED tail-lights incl. dynamic indicators
• S line exterior styling
• High-gloss aluminium exterior trim
• Keyless entry, start
• Power tailgate
• 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit
• 14.5-inch MMI touch display
  • 3D navigation
  • Voice control incl. natural speech recognition
  • MMI search
  • Apple CarPlay – wireless
  • Android Auto – wireless
• Leather-appointed upholstery
• 3-zone climate control
• Heated front seats
• Power front seat adjustment
• 4-spoke multifunction steering wheel
• Colour ambient lighting
• Illuminated front door sill trims
• Matte brushed aluminium inlays
• Digital key
• Audi phone box light – wireless charging
• Audi connect plus services
  • Online traffic info incl. hazard alert
  • Destination entry via myAudi app
  • Parking information
  • Car finder
  • Remote lock & unlock
  • Emergency call
  • Online roadside assistance

Q5 TDI quattro sport adds:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Panoramic sunroof
• Sport front seats
  • incl. integrated headrests
  • incl. S embossing
• S line interior package
• Contrast stitching
• Steering wheel with flat top, bottom
• Black headliner
• Matte brushed aluminium inlays with linear embossing

To see how the Audi Q5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

Options

Premium package: $5400 – Q5 + Q5 sport

• Head-up display
• Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system
• Colour interior ambient lighting
  • incl. dynamic intersection light
• USB interfaces with higher charging capacity
• Acoustic glazing for front door windows

Style package: $3400 (Q5 sport) $4900 (Q5)

• 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels
• Black exterior package
• Privacy glass

Tech pro package: $5700 – Q5 sport

• Heated steering wheel
• MMI front passenger display
• Electric steering column
• Heated outer rear seats
• Digital OLED tail lights

To see how the Audi Q5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

Is the Audi Q5 safe?

The new-gen Audi Q5 is yet to receive an ANCAP safety rating, though it already has a five-star rating from sister organisation Euro NCAP.

*Euro NCAP scores

Standard safety features include:

• 9 airbags incl. front-centre
• Active front assist – AEB
  • Autonomous emergency braking – forward
  • Front cross-traffic assist
  • Front turn assist
  • Swerve assist
• Adaptive cruise control with stop and go
• Driver attention and fatigue monitor
• Emergency assist – lane keep
• Lane departure warning
• Side assist
  • Blind-spot monitor
  • Exit warning
  • Rear cross -traffic assist
  • Rear turn assist
• 360-degree cameras incl. kerb view
• Park assist plus
  • Parking sensors – front, rear
  • Semi-autonomous parking
• Tyre pressure loss indicator

Audi has also allowed for quick access to certain assistance feature settings by way of a favourites menu, allowing you to select up to five features that you might want to quickly switch on or off.

Further, the German marque says it spent time calibrating the Q5’s driver assistance systems locally, as it does for most of its new models.

To see how the Audi Q5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How much does the Audi Q5 cost to run?

As with the wider Audi lineup, the new Q5 is covered by a five year, unlimited-kilometre new vehicle warranty with five years of roadside assistance.

To see how the Audi Q5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

CarExpert’s Take on the Audi Q5

We need more time behind the wheel to make a more definitive verdict, but the new Q5 is a solid contender in the premium mid-size SUV segment, even if it doesn’t really break any new ground.

Our first impressions of the new engine range are positive, although there’s nothing exemplary here either. I’m quite a fan of the TDI quattro, which is refined and relaxed while also offering excellent fuel economy.

The lack of the full driver assistance suite from launch and the not-insignificant increase in pricing stings a little, though at least the former should be addressed in due course.

I’d also like to see adaptive damping and air suspension offered more widely across the core range, as the standard suspension is a touch on the firm side for the kind of everyday duties the Q5 will be subjected to by Australian buyers.

Further, while Audi’s touch-heavy interior isn’t as fiddly or gimmicky as the interfaces in models from other Volkswagen Group brands, it still feels like a step backwards from the brand’s beautifully built and highly ergonomic interiors of old – but hey, it’s shiny!

Based on my short-ish drive of the base models, I think the standard TDI quattro might be the pick when bundled with the $5400 Premium package, which adds niceties like the Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and a head-up display.

The base car may lack the option of a sunroof, but you do get the choice of three interior colours and two different wood inlays instead of the standard brushed aluminium, which is much more old-school luxury than the single black-on-metal interior of the more expensive TDI quattro sport.

While many are of the belief that ‘diesel is dead’, the oiler offers torquey and relaxed performance despite fuel efficiency that could make some full hybrids sweat a little. If you’re spending lots of time on the open road, or drive on the odd dirt trail, it’s the obvious pick of the core engines.

Stay tuned for a more definitive verdict on the new Q5 after we get a more extensive week-long stint behind the wheel in the coming months.

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