The Audi SQ5 is arguably the original performance SUV in the premium mid-size segment, and to this day it remains a popular choice both in Australia and around the world.
Like the Q5 on which it’s based, the SQ5 had that goldilocks pitch of being ‘just right’ in size, performance and price; and the diesel efficiency of the first two generations was also a key selling point.
Audi Australia says the first-generation SQ5 – introduced in 2013 – at one point accounted for 30 per cent of overall Q5 sales Down Under, which is no mean feat considering it was priced at almost $90,000 when it first went on sale.
Over a decade later and the third-generation Audi SQ5 is hitting Australian showrooms, no longer offering diesel power but instead bringing a thumping turbo-petrol V6 with mild-hybrid tech that brings a noticeable improvement in performance and efficiency over the petrol version of its predecessor.
Add to that a substantial update to the design and tech, and it’s a very different SQ5 to the SUV we’ve known for nearly the past decade.
Now available in luxo-spec SQ5 guise ‘with the lot’ and a new ‘purist’ SQ5 edition one version that offers all the same performance for a $16,000 discount, the latest SQ5 is going dual-pronged in an effort to regain some of its market share in a popular segment.
Does the new SQ5 have the chops to out-punch the BMW X3 M50 and Mercedes-AMG GLC43, among other rivals? We took a quick first spin on the Gold Coast to find out.
How much does the Audi SQ5 cost?
The SQ5 actually receives a price drop for the new generation… well, technically. A new ‘edition one’ launch special strips out some luxury items for a substantial saving over the ‘standard’, full-fat SQ5.
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
| 2025 Audi Q5 TFSI | $81,000 |
| 2025 Audi Q5 TDI quattro | $87,600 |
| 2025 Audi Q5 TDI quattro sport | $94,100 |
| 2025 Audi SQ5 edition one | $106,400 |
| 2025 Audi SQ5 | $122,400 |
Audi’s pricing strategy also lines up well against key rivals. The X3 M50 xDrive with its 48V-assisted inline turbo-petrol six is still $7000 dearer than the full-fat SQ5 (from $129,600).
Meanwhile, the four-cylinder Mercedes-AMG GLC43 has recently employed a similar tactic to Audi, offering a purist-spec Edition R (from $128,900) and a standard variant with ‘the lot’ (from $136,900).
The soon-to-be-facelifted Volvo XC60 Ultra T8 PHEV (from $101,990) brings four-cylinder hybrid power for less, and the V6 Genesis GV70 3.5T Signature Sport likewise undercuts the SQ5 edition one (from $100,200) but is thirstier and less potent in performance.
To see how the SQ5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
What is the Audi SQ5 like on the inside?
My thoughts on the cabin of the SQ5 largely echo my thoughts on the standard Q5…
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 ‘Sport’ steering wheel which sits ahead of the new 11.9-inch ‘virtual cockpit’ digital instrument cluster, 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 video game-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 SQ5 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 SQ5 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 new SQ5’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 100W USB-C charge ports that can be used 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 offering only a tyre repair kit.
| Dimensions | Audi SQ5 |
|---|---|
| Length | 4717mm |
| Width | 1900mm |
| Height | 1647mm |
| Wheelbase | 2820mm |
| Cargo capacity | 475-1446L |
To see how the SQ5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
After two generations of diesel, the third-generation SQ5 is going exclusively petrol, powered by a 3.0-litre turbo V6 with 48V ‘MHEV plus’ technology.
| Specifications | SQ5 TFSI |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L V6 turbo-petrol 48V MHEV |
| Engine outputs | 270kW + 550Nm |
| Electric motor outputs | 18kW + 230Nm |
| Battery | 1.7kWh LFP |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch |
| Drive type | All-whee drive |
| Weight | 2115kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 4.5 seconds |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 7.6L/100km |
| Fuel economy (as tested) | 8.3L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65L |
| Fuel requirement | 98-octane |
| CO2 emissions | 172g/km |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capacity | 2000kg |
To see how the SQ5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
How does the Audi SQ5 drive?
Disclaimer: We only got a relatively brief stint in the SQ5 edition one on the media launch drive, so our on-road impressions are solely based on the ‘purist’ leaning launch variant.
Above: SQ5 edition one
There are a lot of similarities to the S5 which I drove a few months ago, with the main differences being the raised ride height and everything that comes with that.
Audi’s latest 3.0 TFSI has a refined, brassy note that isn’t super loud but is quite satisfying once you hit the 3000-4000rpm mark, where the quad-outlet exhaust really opens up and sings. You get the odd overrun pop when you lift off, and shifts via the paddleshifters in manual mode are super snappy.
With all 550Nm available from 1700rpm, plus the MHEV plus system’s electric motor contributing 18kW/230Nm under load, the SQ5 really hustles when you put your foot down. It certainly feels up to meeting its 4.5-second 0-100km/h claim with the confident backing of Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system.
Some may be wary of the move to a seven-speed ‘S tronic’ dual-clutch auto, in place of the old model’s excellent eight-speed conventional auto, but the SQ5’s shifter is pretty well-sorted and is almost as refined as the Porsche PDK used in the old petrol-powered Porsche Macan.
Our drive route behind the wheel of the SQ5 edition one predominantly took us on tight winding B-roads west of the Gold Coast and, while we need more time to get a proper real-world feel, a few noteworthy points are immediately apparent.
The SQ5 is grippy but feels a little top-heavy, thanks to its fairly high driving position. There’s a feeling you’re sitting on it rather than in it, which exacerbates the sensation of lateral lean.
Secondly, the SQ5’s ‘progressive’ steering is too light-on for feel and feedback, like the S5, which is disappointing given there’s quite a capable-feeling chassis underneath you.
The overly light steering weight feels artificial in the SQ5’s dynamic mode, and is a far cry from the beautifully communicative tillers in the Macan – both old and new. It also takes away from the fun and engagement when you’re pressing on.
Above: SQ5
In the SQ5 edition one, you exclusively get passive ‘S sport’ suspension with frequency selective damping. On the smaller 20-inch alloy wheels it’s a good balance between dynamics and comfort, though at this price adaptive dampers should be standard.
You can get sport-tuned adaptive air suspension in the full-fat SQ5, but in lieu of seat time in a vehicle with such equipment, I’ll have to withhold judgement on whether you should spend the extra $3800 – chances are you probably should, though.
When you’re not gunning it, the SQ5’s MHEV plus system is very active. Let off the throttle with the transmission in D and it’ll very regularly cut the engine to save fuel. Same goes for when you’re slowing to a stop at an intersection.
A perk of the MHEV plus tech is it’ll also allow “limited” EV mode driving at low speeds, meaning that when you’re rolling around in a carpark or bumper-to-bumper traffic you’re not burning through fuel.
As for assistance tech, the SQ5 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 platform-based models to roll out this feature and others that are available overseas, and will likely come to Australia with a model year upgrade. It will potentially be retrofittable to some existing cars pending the requisite hardware, but the brand’s local team couldn’t confirm further details.
It’s a shame Audi has been forced to leave features off the roster for the Australian market in its effort to ensure a timely launch, especially because the brand’s adaptive cruise assist function is generally very good.
The Q5 otherwise has a well-sorted set of driver assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic assist.
To see how the SQ5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
What do you get?
Standard specifications are up across the new Q5 and SQ5 lineup.
2025 Audi Q5 equipment highlights – TFSI 150kW + TDI quattro 150kW:
- S line exterior
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Matrix LED headlights
- incl. selectable light signatures
- LED tail-lights with rear projection light
- 11.9-inch ‘virtual cockpit’ OLED digital instrument cluster
- 14.5-inch OLED touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless and wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Satellite navigation
- Audi sound system with subwoofer
- 8 speakers
- 180W output
- Colour interior ambient lighting
- Wireless phone charger incl. cooling
- Auto-dimming mirrors with memory
- Extended upholstery package incl. contrast stitching
- Inlays in matte brushed aluminium
- Rear seat bench – sliding, reclining
- 4-way adjustable headrests
Q5 sport adds:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Panoramic sunroof
- Electrically opening
- Electric sunshade
- Sport front seats with integrated headrests
- S line interior
- S embossing on front seats
- 3-spoke sport steering wheel – flat top, bottom
- Inlays in matte brushed aluminium with linear embossing
- Pedals in stainless steel
- Black headlining
SQ5 edition one adds:
- 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels – black metallic
- S sport suspension
- Red brake calipers
- Privacy glass
- Black exterior package
- Singleframe grille
- Front and rear bumper trims
- Window trims
- Lower door trims
- Roof rails
- Exterior mirror housings
- Dark tailpipe trims
- Audi rings in anthracite
SQ5 adds:
- Metallic paint
- 21-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels
- S exterior aluminium styling
- Acoustic glazing – front-side windows
- Premium leather upholstery incl. diamond stitch
- Interior elements in Dinamica suede
- Ventilated front seats
- Massaging front seats
- Interior dynamic interaction light
- Head-up display
- 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system
- Higher charging capacity for USB-C interfaces
- 60W front
- 100W rear
To see how the SQ5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
Options
A pair of option packages are available for the SQ5, and just a single pack for the SQ5 edition one.
Tech pro package: $5700 – SQ5
- Heated steering wheel
- MMI front passenger display
- Electric steering column
- Heated outboard rear seats
- Digital OLED tail-lights
Carbon style package: $9200 – SQ5 + SQ5 edition one
- Carbon exterior mirrors
- Carbon door inlays
- Carbon roof spoiler
A range of standalone options are also available depending on the variant, including premium paints, alternate alloy wheel designs, different interior upholsteries and trim inlays, and rear window sun blinds.
To see how the SQ5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
Is the Audi SQ5 safe?
The new-gen Audi Q5 is yet to receive an ANCAP safety rating, though it already has a five-star rating from sister authority Euro NCAP.
| Category | Audi Q5* |
|---|---|
| Adult occupant protection | 85 per cent |
| Child occupant protection | 86 per cent |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 79 per cent |
| Safety assist | 77 per cent |
*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/go
- Driver attention and fatigue monitor
- Emergency lane-keep assist
- Lane departure warning
- Side assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Safe 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
- Speed sign recognition
- Tyre pressure loss indicator
Audi has 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.
The German marque said it spent time calibrating the Q5’s assistance systems locally, as it does for most of its new models.
To see how the SQ5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
How much does the Audi SQ5 cost to run?
As with the wider Audi lineup, the new Q5 and SQ5 range is covered by a five year, unlimited-kilometre new vehicle warranty and five years of roadside assistance.
| Servicing and Warranty | Audi SQ5 |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres |
| Roadside assistance | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000 kilometres |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 year Service Plan |
| Total capped-price service cost | $3560 |
To see how the SQ5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool
CarExpert’s Take on the Audi SQ5
My time with the new SQ5 was admittedly fairly limited during our first local drive, but like its Q5 siblings it shows promise with its wide-ranging abilities – it’s perhaps stronger against its key rivals than the standard variants are, too.
Particularly in the case of the edition one, the new SQ5 remains better value than its competitors from BMW and Mercedes-AMG, while also claiming sharper performance figures and better fuel-efficiency.
But while it’s plenty quick and generates acres of grip in corners, the lacklustre steering feel and elevated driver’s seat make it feel more like a straight-line stormer than a spiritual successor to the combustion-powered Porsche Macan S.
The new interior execution might also be polarising for lovers of classic Audi cabins of old, but tech-heads will no doubt be wowed by the new displays.
It’s also a shame the full tech suite isn’t available to Australians yet, namely adaptive cruise assist to make lengthy trips on the highway easier. We’ll keep an ear out for whether these features and others will be retrofittable once they’re available for our market.
As for which SQ5 you should go for, obviously if you want the one with ‘the lot’ the standard variant is the one to go for – but if you’re not fussed by all the luxuries and just want as much bang for your buck as possible, the edition one makes a strong case for itself based on our initial drive.
It’s a whole $20,000 cheaper than its German rivals and still represents express premium transport for the family.
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