New hybrid-only Audi Q5 paves the way for future EV lineup

Audi’s best-selling SUV just levelled up. Based on an all-new platform and sporting a refined range of electrified ICE powerplants, the third-generation Q5 is the most advanced yet. But why hasn’t it gone all-electric?

With the 2035 new EV mandate fast approaching, car manufacturers are faced with two options. One: go from point A (pure combustion power) to point C (all-electric powertrains), in one fell swoop. Or, two: gently wean customers off ICE cars by visiting point B (hybrids), first.  

Guess which approach Audi has taken with the all-new Q5? That’s right, it’s the softly-softly one. And who can blame them? For lesser-selling models, like the new A6, the Ingolstadt brand can afford to adopt a bolder EV strategy. But, with stalling electric sales across the board, it makes sense to take more conservative action with its breadwinning SUV.

So, does the new hybrid Q5 represent the best of both worlds (efficiency and versatility), or would buyers benefit more from an all-electric option? Keep reading to find out.

The Q5’s new hybrid powerplants  

For the truly uninitiated, mild hybrid’s (MHEVs) offer some electrified benefits with none of the drawbacks or inconvenience. As such, Audi has elected to offer three different flavours of them in the Q5. Kicking things off, a trusty 2-litre turbocharged petrol pumps out around 201 bhp (of which, around 20 bhp comes from the 48-volt electrical system). This output is then channelled directly to the front wheels, although if you frequent green lanes and muddy fields, the firm’s legendary quattro all-wheel drive is optional.  

Those looking for greater fuel economy — particularly on the motorway — will likely opt for the equally powerful, but usefully torquier, MHEV diesel. Four-wheel drive is standard here, so rural buyers will likely favour this flavour.  

Finally, if you like an SUV that’ll throw you into the seat when you stamp on the loud pedal, the high-performance SQ5 sports a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6 with 362 bhp.  

To ensure the chassis copes with these new gruntier motors, Audi has also been hard at work optimising the suspension and steering set-up. Dynamically tuned steel springs and frequency selective dampers come as standard, while Michelin Sport 4 SUV tyres deliver sporty, safe handling come rain or shine.  

The Q5’s svelte new shape 

You’ll hardly struggle to tell the new Q5 apart from the old one. Borrowing more than a few accents and features from Audi’s latest models, the marque’s designers have thoroughly modernised the SUV’s look, without scaring off would-be customers with something too radical.  

According to Audi, ‘the taut and high shoulder line creates a powerful silhouette, connects the front and rear lights, and makes the vehicle appear longer.’ However, our favourite design elements are the rear light strip and rectangular tailpipes — both of which add some welcome aggression to the rear view.

The Q5’s ‘welcoming interior ambience’ 

Inside, a ‘human-centric’ feel leads. As with most modern cars, this means a dash festooned with touchscreens. In fact, if you pick the passenger-facing screen, you get a grand total of three. And, while we’re not sure if triple, dash-mounted screens are strictly necessary, they do at least offer outstanding functionality. For example, the passenger screen can display movies while the vehicle is in motion thanks to a special film which makes it invisible to the driver.  

Moreover, interior space and boot capacity have both seen upticks. Audi says head and legroom are noticeably improved compared to the outgoing car, while nifty features like the fully adjustable rear seats can be converted to offer up to 1,473 litres of storage space.  

How much does the new Audi Q5 cost? 

Full UK pricing is still to be confirmed so, for now, we can only offer a ballpark figure based on European numbers. The range should kick off at around £44,000 for the entry-level petrol engine, rising to nearly £48,000 for the diesel — standard all-wheel drive is likely responsible for the £4,000 hike.  

As for the top-flight SQ5, the cost of admission will be closer to £70,000. Oh, and if you’re in the market for something a bit sleeker (or faster), a Sportback and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) are also in the post. 

Tempted? Order books open later this year with the first editions arriving in the spring of 2025.  

Has Audi played it too safe with the new Q5? Or do you think this best-of-both-worlds approach is what buyers really want? 

Hero image credit:  Audi