Audi Q5

First generation (Typ 8R; 2008)

Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro concept (2007)

A concept vehicle for the then upcoming Q5, this was a 2-door convertible with a 3.0 TDI engine rated at 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp) and 500 N⋅m (369 lbf⋅ft) torque, quattro permanent four wheel drive, 8-speed automatic transmission, Copper Sunset body, LED headlights, 21-inch wheels with 265/35R21 tyres, seats with White Stone leather upholstery, MMI, 505W Bang & Olufsen sound system and internet radio, CDC (continuous damping control) shock absorbers, electric ride height adjustment (40 mm), 380/356 mm front/rear ceramic brake discs with 6-piston monobloc aluminium front, and floating rear callipers, Audi Drive Select. The vehicle was unveiled at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Initial version

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show, and later at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Early models include the 2.0 TFSI quattro (211PS), 2.0 TDI quattro (170PS), 3.0 TDI quattro.

Initial vehicle models for US, Canada & Brazil include the 3.2 FSI.

The Q5 commenced shipments in October 2008 for Europe, and in the first quarter of 2009 for North America.

The US model went on sale in March 2009 as a 2009 model year vehicle. Early models include 3.2 FSI quattro and the 2.0 TFSI quattro (211PS) was added in 2011 model year.

Indian models went on sale in June 2009, and were initially built by Audi's Ingolstadt facility, but are built at its Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India plant. Launch models include 3.0 TDI, 2.0 TFSI (211 PS).

Middle East models went on sale in 2009 Q2. Launch models include 2.0 TFSI (211 PS), 3.2 FSI.

Japanese models include 2.0 TFSI quattro (211 PS), 3.2 FSI quattro.

It is a concept vehicle that includes an enhanced engine, 7-speed S tronic transmission, Quattro all wheel drive. The 3.0 TFSI V6 engine was rated 408 PS (300 kW; 402 hp) at 6,000–7,000 rpm and 500 N⋅m (369 lb⋅ft) at 3,000–5,500 rpm. Other features include ceramic brakes, active sound exhaust system, 90 millimetre wider track, 60 millimetre lower ride height, 21-inch Daytona Gray colour wheels of 7 twin-spoke design, modified air intake, cooling water strut brace in engine compartment, stainless steel-plated pedals, S line sport seats, panorama roof system, "Wörthersee 09" adhesive film, textile floor mats with "Wörthersee 09" print application, Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system, parking aid with rearview camera, voice control, Audi lane assist (lane departure warning), headlight range control with cornering lights.

2012 facelift

Main changes include a redesigned set of front and rear light configuration, and a new set of engines that increase both output and efficiency. Most interior user controls have narrow chrome trim. Ergonomics changes include 4-button MMI navigation plus system, additional skip function for volume dial. Large fabric-upholstered surfaces are standard on the door trim panels; inlay options include three wood veneers and one aluminium version.

The vehicles went on sale in summer 2012. Early models include 2.0 TFSI hybrid quattro, 2.0 TFSI quattro (225PS), 3.0 TFSI quattro (272PS), 2.0 TDI (143PS), 2.0 TDI quattro (177PS), 3.0 TDI quattro (245PS).

In Germany, 2.0 TFSI quattro (180PS), 2.0 TDI (150PS), 2.0 TDI quattro (150PS) were added in 2013, with 2.0 TDI (150PS) replacing 2.0 TDI (143PS).

Pre-facelift styling

Post-facelift styling

The SQ5 performance crossover SUV is the first Audi S model vehicle to feature a diesel engine. The primary power plant is a 3.0 L (2,967 cc), twin turbocharged V6 engine coupled to an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission, developing 313 PS at 3,900–4,500 rpm, and 650 N⋅m (479 lbf⋅ft) of torque at 1,450–2,800 rpm. It also features Audi's signature quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring transfer. Sport suspension lowers the vehicle body by 30 mm (1.18 in) and 20-inch 5 parallel-spoke wheels with 255/45 tires are fitted as standard, with the option of upgrading to 21-inch wheels. Other features of the SQ5 are black front brake callipers with Audi 'S' badges, an optional Audi drive select system, a platinum-grey single-frame grille with galvanized double bars, two SQ5 unique body colours (Estoril Blue or Panther Black), optional lunar silver headlining, Pearl Nappa leather/Alcantara power-adjustable sport seats with optional leather upholstery in a choice of four colours, brushed aluminium inlays with optional Carbon Atlas, Piano finish or Aluminium/Beaufort wood trim panels.

The SQ5 TDI accelerates from 0–62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.1 secs, and is electronically limited to 155 mph. This is comparable to rival range-topping performance SUVs with diesel engines, such as the Porsche Cayenne S Diesel (0–60 mph (97 km/h): 5.7 s) and BMW X5 M50d (0–60 mph (97 km/h): 5.4 s), and also to high-performance petrol-powered SUVs, such as the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG (0–60 mph (97 km/h): 4.8 s), Porsche Cayenne Turbo S (0–60 mph (97 km/h): 4.1 s). These listed rivals are all larger and heavier, falling into the mid-size SUV class, and, as such, command significantly higher asking prices. A more realistic comparison may be made with the BMW X3 xDrive35d, which delivers slightly better economy (46.3 mpg to the SQ5's 41.5), though slightly lower performance (0–62 mph (100 km/h): 5.8 s, max speed: 149 mph (240 km/h)).

Safety

NHTSA tested a 2016 Q5. Euro NCAP tested a 2009 Audi Q5, 5-door SUV with front airbags, side airbags, seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters as standard and scored it accordingly:

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also crash-tested the Q5, and presented the following results (ratings from 'poor' to 'good'):

Emissions concerns

On the 19 August 2020, tagesschau.de reported that "turning the steering wheel changes exhaust emissions" significantly under test conditions.

The first generation 3.2L FSI engine is extremely prone to carbon buildup in the secondary air injection system, resulting in an extremely costly and necessary repair—which often rears its head following the warranty period.

Second generation (Typ FY; 2016)

The second generation Q5 (Typ FY) was revealed at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. Production began at the Audi Mexico plant on 30 September 2016, for the 2017 model year.

Long wheelbase version (Q5L), (2018–2025)

A long wheelbase version was unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show, with 88 mm (3.5 in) added to the car, resulting in 23 percent more legroom.

Markets

The second generation of the Q5 will be the first generation of the Q5 to be sold in Bangladesh.

The Q5 was launched in Thailand in August 2017, where a sole S-line powered by a 2.0 TFSI engine (45 TFSI) and 2.0 TDI engine (40 TDI) with a Quattro all wheel drive system is available.

The Q5 was launched in Malaysia in March 2019, where a sole Sport trim line powered by a 2.0 TFSI engine with a Quattro all wheel drive system is available.

In August 2021, the facelifted Q5 was launched in Malaysia, with the sports-oriented S-Line trim package. It gets a 2.0 TFSI engine with mild-hybrid tech, Quattro AWD and the S Tronic dual-clutch transmission. Not long after, the Q5 Sportback also made its local debut in Malaysia.

The second generation Q5 was launched in North America in 2018. Production shifted from Germany to the new Audi México, S.A. de C.V. factory in San José Chiapa, Puebla, México. The Q5 was launched with a 2.0 TFSI petrol engine. Power output was 252 hp (188 kW; 255 PS) and 273 lb⋅ft (370 N⋅m). Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system is standard, however it uses ‘Quattro with Ultra Technology’. According to Audi, Ultra technology improves efficiency by decoupling the driveshaft to the rear wheels when all-wheel drive is not needed. Essentially the vehicle becomes front wheel drive when cruising, or in other driving situations where the vehicle's computers determine all-wheel traction is not needed. Audi claims the system is able to re-engage power to the rear wheels within milliseconds of the system detecting or predicting slip or the driver accelerating aggressively.

Unlike in the previous 8R generation Q5, US vehicles are only offered with the 2.0T TFSI I-4 engine. The 2.0T ‘45 TFSI’ model offers acceleration similar to the previous generation's 3.0 TFSI Supercharged V6 (face-lifted Q5 8R, 2013–2017) while using less fuel and reduced emissions. No TDI version will be offered in North America due to the fallout from the diesel emissions scandal. Bucking an industry-wide trend of moving away from dual clutch transmissions for the latest generation of conventional torque converter automatics, Audi actually replaced the previous generation's ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission for their own 7-speed S-Tronic dual clutch gearbox.

2021 facelift

The 2021 Model Year includes the Generation 3 infotainment technologies. This includes a digital marketplace in the myAudi app to add Audi Connect plans and SiriusXM with 360L. Exterior facelift revisions include updates to the grille, bumper side air intakes, side sill, and rear trim. In addition, District Green and Ultra Blue were new paint colors available on the PHEV and SQ5 variants.

The 2021 Q5 was announced at the end of June 2020 and entered production in July with expected first deliveries at the end of 2020. In January 2021, Audi expanded the Q5 lineup by introducing a Sportback variant of the Q5 and SQ5.

The Q5 was launched in India on 23 November 2021 offering two variants - Premium Plus and Technology.

Safety

The 2022 Q5 was awarded the "Top Safety Pick+" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Third generation (Type GU; 2025)

Audi officially unveiled the third generation of the Q5 SUV on 2 September 2024. The coupé SUV model, marketed as the Sportback, was unveiled on 26 November 2024. Unusually, it was launched in April 2025 as the “All-New” 2025 Audi Q5 alongside the previous generation 2025 model year in North America.

The third-generation Audi Q5 represents the first major redesign since 2018 and is built on Volkswagen Group's new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture shared with the redesigned Audi A5. The exterior styling features a raked silhouette inspired by the larger Q7, with a specific visual ratio between the greenhouse and body creating a clear SUV shoulder with a clean beltline running from front to rear. New lighting signatures can be customized to eight different patterns for both front and rear, with available IQ.Light LED matrix headlamps providing illumination range up to 500 m (2,000 ft). The redesign marks a departure from the previous generation by eliminating fake exhaust finishers in favor of functional exhaust tips, with dual rectangular outlets on the Q5 and quad tips on the SQ5.

The base Q5 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, representing a 7-horsepower increase over the previous 45 TFSI powertrain. All Q5 variants feature Audi's new 48-volt Mild Hybrid Plus system producing 18 kW and 230 N⋅m, capable of operating on pure electric power at low speeds. Power is transmitted through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive, achieving 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.8 seconds. The performance-oriented SQ5 features a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine generating 362 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, an increase from the previous model's 349 horsepower. Maximum towing capacity for both models is rated at 4,400 lb (2,000 kg), with cargo space of 1,473 L (52.0 cu ft) for the Q5 and 1,388 L (49.0 cu ft)for the SQ5 Sportback.

The interior features an 11.9 in (30 cm) digital instrument cluster and a 14.5 in (37 cm) touchscreen for the infotainment system, with an optional 10.9 in (28 cm) passenger display available on Prestige trim levels. All displays utilize bright panels with quick response times and deep black contrast, though the instrument cluster offers reduced customization compared to the previous generation. Climate controls have been relocated to a dedicated section at the bottom of the center touchscreen, though physical buttons remain absent despite criticism from reviewers. An available Bang & Olufsen audio system features 16 speakers with noise canceling technology, while Dynamic Interaction Light spans the width of the cabin displaying welcome, locking, and turn signal animations. The Q5 Prestige and all SQ5 trim levels come standard with air suspension featuring active adaptive dampers.

Q5L

The Q5L was released on 23 April 2025 by FAW-Audi at Auto Shanghai 2025, with preorders opening on 22 December 2025 and went on sale on 15 January 2026. has a height of 1,660 mm (65 in), length of 4,842 mm (190.6 in), and wheelbase of 2,945 mm (115.9 in).