Audi South Africa has unveiled the all-new third-generation Q5 range. It brings a fresh makeover, a tech-rich cabin and an expanded range that includes both SUV and Sportback body styles, as well as high-performance SQ5 derivatives.
For more than 15 years, the Audi Q5 has been a key player in the luxury midsize SUV segment. The Q5 is built on Audi’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture. Audi says the latest model is designed to deliver a more sophisticated driving experience through improved dynamics, greater connectivity, and enhanced comfort.
The new Q5 stands out with its athletic stance. A larger Singleframe grille dominates the front end, flanked by slim headlights and sculpted bodywork that creates a stronger road presence.
At the rear, a full-width light strip and redesigned diffuser add to the vehicle’s modern look, while the Sportback variants introduce a sleek coupé-inspired roofline without compromising practicality.
All South African models are offered in S line specification as standard, giving the Q5 a sportier appearance from the outset with distinctive styling elements and standard 20-inch alloy wheels.
The cabin is dominated by the brand’s new Digital Stage, which harbours an 11.9-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus display with a 14.5-inch curved MMI touchscreen. An optional 10.9-inch passenger display allows front-seat occupants to access navigation and entertainment functions independently.
Ambient lighting is present, and standard equipment across the range includes electrically adjustable sport seats, three-zone climate control, wireless smartphone charging, and Audi Connect services.
The Q5 comes with a substantial amount of driver-assistance technology. Standard features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Emergency Brake Assist, Park Assist Plus, Surround View Cameras, Side Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Assist and Audi Pre Sense.
South African buyers can choose between petrol, diesel and high-performance V6 powertrains. The Q5 2.0 TFSI produces 200kW and accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds, while the diesel-powered 2.0 TDI delivers 150kW and 400Nm of torque for those prioritising long-distance efficiency.
At the top of the range sits the SQ5, powered by a 3.0-litre V6 TFSI engine producing 270kW and 550Nm. Audi claims the performance SUV can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.5 seconds while still offering the comfort and practicality expected from the Q5 badge.
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The new Q5 remains practical despite its luxury positioning. Audi says the SUV offers up to 520 litres of luggage space, while the Sportback provides 515 litres. Combined with a 2,820mm wheelbase and flexible rear seating, the vehicle is designed to cater for family life, business travel and weekend adventures alike.
Key Features:
11.9-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus
14.5-inch curved MMI touchscreen
Wireless smartphone charging
Adaptive Cruise Control
Park Assist Plus
Surround View Cameras
Three-zone automatic climate control
Audi Connect services
Standard 20-inch alloy wheels
Optional Matrix LED headlights
Optional Digital OLED rear lights
Optional adaptive air suspension
The all-new Audi Q5 range is now available at Audi dealerships nationwide.
South African Pricing:
Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI
Q5 S line SUV – R1,295,000
Q5 S line Sportback – R1,365,000
Q5 S line Black SUV – R1,350,000
Q5 S line Black Sportback – R1,420,000
Audi Q5 2.0 TDI
Q5 S line SUV – R1,275,000
Q5 S line Black SUV – R1,330,000
Audi SQ5 V6 TFSI
SQ5 SUV – R1,510,000
SQ5 Sportback – R1,580,000
SQ5 Black SUV – R1,565,000
SQ5 Black Sportback – R1,635,000
All models are sold with Audi South Africa’s five-year/100,000km Audi Freeway Plan. In a nutshell, the new Audi Q5 enters the South African market as a serious contender in the luxury midsize SUV segment. Still, we feel options from the Chinese manufacturers may overshadow it.
