The new Audi Q5: The last generation of SUVs

The Audi Q5 was the second SUV in the Ingolstadt company’s portfolio after the Q7. It was introduced as the “8R” – the local name – in 2008 and was built in this form until 2016. This was followed by the 2nd generation under the number “Q5 FY”, which was supplemented by the Sportback in 2021. The third and final generation of the Q5 it will follow in 2024. The premiere of the new Q5 should not be too far, as Audi has published the first teaser on its Instagram channel showing the light of the matrix of the SUV.

Neuer Front-Look

The new generation looks younger under that camouflage and seems to be growing in size. This is especially visible in the long and flat bonnet, which visually gives the model more height. The pillar is bigger. The Ingolstadt company has also modified the front end. The lamp tapers towards the center and is placed at the bottom. The grill seems to have grown and is now more upright in the wind. The lower part of the apron has also been redesigned – Audi may also install some form of understeer protection here. What catches the eye are the grill elements in the appearance of a honeycomb, as seen on the Chinese Audi Q5 E-Tron.

A look at the other side of the Q5 reveals narrow headlights, a rugged roofline and a wide tailgate. It seems that the lights are connected to each other through a thin strip of light. The design is similar to the Audi E-Tron. The shoulders are pronounced, the window line rises gently towards the rear and the new beads show the side view.

A PHEV with a three-digit range

Passengers can look forward to more space in the interior of the four-door car, and Audi is also installing a larger screen on the wider dashboard as well as a new generation of infotainment systems and comfort functions. A head-up display and augmented reality will also be offered.

The best-selling SUV is based on the same MLB Evo platform that also powers the Audi A4. This means that longitudinal engine installation and front-wheel drive are standard, Quattro all-wheel drive is available as an option. A Sportback version will also be available at dealers later. As for the car, we expect a 48-volt electric system adapted to the hybrid. The plug-in version has a range of around 100 km thanks to a larger battery. Audi will also continue to offer diesel engines. An electric version of the Q5 will then be offered to customers from 2023 as the Q6 E-Tron on the technical basis of the Premium Platform Electric (PPE). The prototype is related to the electric Porsche Macan.

Audi is just launching an SUV based on a conventional electric system for the Chinese market: the Q5 E-Tron. The seven-seater is being built exclusively for China by VW partners and is based on the VW ID.6.