AUDI Q5 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Audi introduced the third generation of the Q5 SUV in September 2024 for the 2025 model year, continuing the successful story of one of the carmaker’s best-selling vehicles in its lineup.

Thanks to the huge SUV appetite, the Q5 was Audi’s best-selling worldwide model in 2023. However, the carmaker didn’t rest on its laurels and prepared a newer generation for this nameplate. Following its naming system, which mandated that the even numbers were for EVs and the odd ones for those that still used internal combustion engines, the Q5 fit perfectly into the manufacturer’s lineup and continued with the same nameplate. The 2025 Audi Q5 was the first SUV made by the brand that used the Premium Platform Combustion, or PPC for short. It shared it with its sedan sibling, the A5, and promised a better experience than the previous generation of the Q5. Furthermore, even if it came with some electrified versions, it was fitted with diesel or gasoline engines under the hood.

With a front fascia that had the modified version of the singleframe grille up front, the 2025 Audi Q5 didn’t let anyone confuse it with any other vehicle. However, that octagonal-shaped element was broader and shorter than the previous generation. It was flanked on the upper side by slim Matrix-LED headlights with available customizable daytime running lights on their upper sides. Lower, on the bumper, the automaker added broad side scoops needed for the air curtains, while the apron sported a second air intake for additional cooling.

From its profile, the sporty-looking SUV had a similar stance as its predecessor, albeit with fewer sharp angles. Depending on the trim and version, the 2025 Audi Q5 was available with alloy wheels ranging between 17- and 21 inches, wrapped in all-season or high-performance tires. The waistline was slightly higher than that of the second generation of the Q5, but it had the same ascending look and the up-kick on the C-posts. At the back, the raked-forward tailgate adorned by a roof spoiler emphasized the SUV’s sporty character. The taillights spread from side to side were also available with signature lighting, including one that showed a warning triangle on each side.

Inside, customers found an impressive technological package. An 11.9-inch display fronted the steering wheel and was continued by a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the MMI infotainment system. Furthermore, a 10.9-inch touch-sensitive screen was in front of the side passenger and featured a privacy function so the driver couldn’t see it while driving. The car manufacturer installed a set of high-bolstered front seats on the 2025 Audi Q5 and wrapped them in fabric or artificial leather, depending on the options. At the back, a split-folding (40/20/40) bench seat could accommodate up to three persons. When folded, it expanded the trunk space to 1,473 liters (52 cu-ft).

At the time of the launch, the German premium automaker announced a choice of two engines for the 2025 Audi Q5. Customers could choose between a two-liter diesel or a two-liter gasoline powerhouse, both turbocharged. Furthermore, both were helped by the mild-hybrid technology to achieve even better fuel efficiency. Both versions were paired with a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox that sent the power in all corners via an electronically-controlled all-wheel drive system. In addition, the car manufacturer said that a plug-in hybrid version would be added to the range.

Audi introduced the second generation of the compact-size SUV Q5 in 2017, and three years later, it brought the facelifted version, enhanced for the Euro 6d standards.

The German car-maker introduced the Q5 in 2008 as a compact luxury cross-over vehicle. It was in the middle of the world economic crisis, and that affected its sales. The customers appreciated the product, and slowly but surely, its sales started to grow. By 2017 it was already obsolete despite the 2012 facelift, so it had to be replaced. Between 2017 and 2020, new rules and regulations regarding the emissions and safety features forced the car-company to introduce a new version. At the same time, the design team worked together with the engineering department and restyled the car.

The car's front featured a new, octagonal, single-frame grille with vertical chromed bars for the Advance trim level and honeycomb pattern for the S-Line. The license plate was placed on the bottom of the new grille. On the lower side of the apron, the design team installed taller side intakes in front of the wheels and placed the fog lights there. In the back, Audi offered OLED taillights as an option, while the standard was the regular LEDs.

Inside, the dashboard offered a new look with a trim inlay that separated the lower part to the upper one. The new MMI (Multi-Media Interface) featured a free-standing look touch-screen on the center stack's top, and the rotary knob control used on its predecessor was deleted. Since there was more room on the center console, the gear selector knob was wider.

The technical department had to work extra hours to bring a new engine lineup. At the time of its launch, there was only a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine available.

The Chinese customers prized the cars with roomy interiors, especially those that offered more room for the back seats.

Audi already offered three long-wheelbase versions on the Chinese market, the A4L, the A6L, and the A8L, but no SUV. That situation changed in 2018 when the German carmaker introduced the Q5 L. Before that, there was a big gap between the compact-sized Q5 and the large Q7. Even after the stretching process, the difference remained significant, but at least offered the customers roomier rear seat compartments.

With its singleframe grille surrounded by a chrome-plated trim, the Q5 showed a luxurious appearance. Its LED headlights with signature daytime running lights were easy to recognize in traffic, and an option for Matrix LED system. Audi extended the Q5's wheelbase by 88 mm (3.5") and extending the rear doors for those who asked for more.

Inside, the carmaker kept the same dashboard design as the rest of the Audi Q5 range but added more luxury items and a standard leather-clad interior. The Chinese-exclusive model received a standard panoramic sunroof. Inside, the carmaker succeeded in increasing the knee-room by 110 mm (4.3") due to the sliding rear bench. It was available in a few trim levels: Vogue, Lifestyle, Design, Sport and Sport plus equipment lines, depending on the engine.

There were three drivetrains available for the Q5L: a front-wheel-drive 2.0-liter TFSI with 190 hp, an all-wheel-drive version paired to the same engine, and the range-topper 2.0-liter TFSI quattro that provided 252 hp. The seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox was standard for all three models.

The compact SUV from Audi launched the first generation in 2009. It was time for a change, and Audi decided to make a step forward in 2016.

The exterior design could be considered timeless, at the 2016 looked fresh even in 2020.

Most of the 2016 cars in the Q5’s class were well equipped, however, one of the major downsides was the connectivity to the vehicle. The Q5 lacked an USB port and users were left with the Audi’s digital music interface. Quite unusual for 2016.

Safety features such as adaptive cruise control and forward collision mitigation were not available with the Q5.

The Q5 was offered with seven trim levels: 2.0T Premium, 2.0T Premium Plus, 3.0T Premium Plus, 3.0T Prestige and a 2.0T Hybrid Prestige. Of course, the names given to the trim levels corresponded to the available engines.

Across the board, the Q5 received a standard panoramic sunroof. Optionally, users could choose adaptive suspension dampers and a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system.

Safety wise, the Q5 came with stability and traction control, front and side airbags, parking sensors, a rearview camera and a blind-spot monitoring system - the last 3 being part of the Technology package.

Well known for the interior design, Audi didn’t disappoint with the 2016 model either. The cabin was fitted with excellent quality materials that made the interior look sophisticated and classy.

The facelift for the first generation of the Audi Q5 arrived on the market in 2012. It was improved in many ways, including the exterior, the cabin, and the engine compartment.

After the world economic crisis was over, the car-makers started to rebuild market-share, the Audi was on pole-position with its mid-sized premium SUV. It was the most successful vehicle in its class, in Europe. In the U.S. the Q5 was considered a compact-size SUV.

On the front, the headlights featured incorporated daytime running lights with LEDs. The lights at the rear were undivided; wrap-around LED strips made their appearance in interplay with the xenon plus headlights. An additional set of lights were added in the back, to lit when the tailgate was opened.

Inside, the driver would have noticed the new, flat-bottom, steering wheel. There was an option for a new MMI (Multi-Media Interface) with four additional buttons to ease things up. For the rear outer occupants, Audi offered heated seats. Like the non-facelifted version, the Q5 offered enough room for its occupants. The trunk was very big, with up to 1614 liter (57 cu-ft) of space.

For the engine compartment, the Q5 was offered with a wide choice, both gasoline, and diesel. They were ranged between 143 hp and 272 hp. The big novelty was the bi-turbo 3.0-liter TDI engine that offered 258 hp. All versions were offered with a standard all-wheel-drive system. Depending on the engine version, an automatic 7 (dual-clutch) or 8 (torque-converter) gearbox was offered. The standard gearbox for some engines was a 6-speed manual.

A new release from Audi, the Q5 was a shrunken SUV for those who didn’t want a big vehicle to drive around town.

The Q5 borrowed the exterior design from its bigger brother, the Q7, and took some of the A4’s mechanicals, resulting in a luxury compact crossover that was extremely versatile.

The Q5 had the same wheelbase as the a A4 and featured the same 3.2-liter V6 engine, the Audi’s Quattro (all-wheel-drive). Compared to the A4, additional ground clearance was given, as well as the length and width being reduced.

The luxury crossover could accommodate up to 5 people and was offered in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige.

The standard equipment offered more than decent features, with 18-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, 8-way power front seats, a tri-zone automatic climate control, a 10-speaker audio system, an AUX jack and an SD card slot. Bluetooth was optional for this trim level.

The Premium Plus trim level added xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, a power liftgate, heated fron seats and others.

The top of the range added 19-inch alloys, keyless ignition and start, as well as a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Safety wise, the Q5 came with stability and traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. The Q5 passed the crash tests with 5 stars out of 5 for frontal and side crashes.