2025 Audi Q5 First Drive Review – Smarter, Smoother and Still Very Audi

A New Chapter for Audi’s Best-Selling SUV

The Audi Q5 has always been one of the brand’s most popular models, and the 2025 edition takes that legacy forward with confidence. Built on a new Premium Platform Combustion, this Q5 brings smoother handling, a calmer ride, and improved cabin insulation. Audi hasn’t tried to reinvent the formula — it has simply made everything feel a little more intelligent and premium.

Sleek Exterior with a Refined Presence

At first glance, the 2025 Q5 looks familiar yet sharper. The signature Audi grille is now slightly slimmer, the LED lighting more expressive, and the overall body lines tighter. Subtle updates give it a modern edge without losing its elegant personality. It’s not shouting for attention — it’s confident in its quiet sophistication.

Tech-Loaded Interior That Feels Next-Gen

Step inside and you’ll find one of the most high-tech cabins in its segment. The new Q5 features a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen alongside an 11.9-inch digital driver display. Together, they deliver crisp visuals, smooth animations, and lightning-fast responses.

Audi has replaced most physical buttons with touch controls, which keeps the interior minimalist but may take a few drives to get used to. The build quality remains top-notch — soft-touch materials, solid switches, and excellent seat comfort are all here. Rear passengers also get more legroom than before, making this generation the most spacious Q5 yet.

Engine & Performance: Comfort Over Aggression

Under the hood, the 2025 Audi Q5 comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with Audi’s signature Quattro all-wheel drive system, now tuned for smoother transitions and better grip.

The ride quality is where this SUV shines — it’s whisper-quiet on highways and composed on rough roads. It may not deliver the sharp cornering thrill of a BMW X3 or Mercedes GLC, but it focuses on refined stability and driver confidence. The steering feels light yet precise, and the suspension effortlessly absorbs imperfections.

Ride Quality and Daily Comfort

MotorTrend’s first test highlighted how relaxed the Q5 feels during long drives. Cabin noise has been dramatically reduced, and the suspension now strikes a near-perfect balance between comfort and control. Whether cruising on freeways or tackling city bumps, the Q5 remains calm and collected.

However, those looking for a sportier edge might find the Q5’s personality a bit too gentle — it’s more about premium comfort than aggressive performance.

Read more: ‘Scout Motors’ New Electric Trucks: Bringing Back Physical Buttons in a Touchscreen World

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptionally quiet and refined ride
• High-tech digital cockpit with sharp displays
• Premium interior fit and finish
• Improved rear-seat comfort
• Standard Quattro AWD

Cons:

• Not the most thrilling to drive
• Heavy reliance on touchscreens may not please everyone
• Some interior plastics feel less premium

Final Verdict

The 2025 Audi Q5 isn’t here to break new ground — it’s here to perfect the balance between luxury, comfort, and technology. It’s a sophisticated SUV designed for people who value refinement over raw speed.

If you want a compact luxury SUV that looks elegant, feels premium inside, and handles every drive with quiet confidence, the Q5 continues to be one of the strongest choices in its class.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What engine options are available for the 2025 Audi Q5?
Currently, the Q5 offers a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine producing 268 hp, with Quattro AWD as standard.

Q2: Is the 2025 Q5 more spacious than the previous model?
Yes, Audi has improved rear-seat legroom and overall interior space without increasing exterior size significantly.

Q3: Does the 2025 Audi Q5 support hybrid or EV variants?
A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant is expected later in the lineup, continuing Audi’s push toward electrification.

Q4: When will the 2025 Audi Q5 be available in the U.S.?
It’s expected to reach U.S. dealerships by late 2024 or early 2025, depending on regional distribution.

Source: MotorTrend – 2025 Audi Q5 First Test Review