Audi reveals third-gen Q5 with brand-new platform

Audi has revealed the third-gen Q5 with a brand-new platform, a new design inside-out as well as a bigger equipment list. The new Q5 is the first car to be based on Audi’s new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) that's now available with mild-hybrid tech.

The exterior design is all new, in line with Audi’s latest design language. It gets a new, slightly smaller grille that's flanked by slimmer Matrix LED headlights, and a redesigned front bumper. At the rear, it gets connected LED tail-lamps and a dual-tone bumper.

On the inside, the Audi Q5 borrows its cabin from the India-bound Q6 e-tron, including the Audi MMI panoramic display – the 11.9-inch digital driver’s display and the 14.5-inch touchscreen, with an optional 10.9-inch display for the front passenger. It also gets Audi’s new three-spoke steering that's flat at the top and bottom.

The new Q5 is available with three powertrain options. The entry-level engine is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol producing 204hp and 340Nm, with front-wheel drive or AWD setup. It also gets a 204hp, 400Nm, 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel quattro available as standard.

The range-topping SQ5 will be offered with a 3.0-litre, V6 turbo-petrol motor putting out 367hp and 550Nm. All engine options are mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and come with a 48V mild-hybrid system that generates an additional 24hp and 230Nm. The 48V system also enables the use of an electrically driven air conditioning compressor. Audi says that the Q5 range will also get plug-in hybrid tech with a large battery and external charging option at a later date.

Pricing for the new Audi Q5 starts from €52,300 (Rs 48.59 lakh) for the base petrol powertrain, €57,100 (Rs 53.05 lakh) for the diesel, and from €82,900 (Rs 77.02 lakh) onwards for the range-topping SQ5. The new Audi Q5 will be available in Germany later this month, followed by other countries in Europe. Deliveries will commence in the first quarter of 2025.

In India, the previous-gen Q5 is priced between Rs 65.51 lakh and Rs 72.30 lakh, and though the next-gen model will likely be launched next year, Audi India is yet to reveal a launch timeline. Upon its arrival here, the next-gen Q5 will continue to rival the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3 and Volvo XC60.