The Audi Q5 isn’t just another SUV; it’s the brand’s best-selling vehicle and a titan in the fiercely competitive luxury compact SUV segment. For nearly a decade, however, it’s been living on a successful but aging platform. That all changes now. The all-new 2025 Audi SQ5 has arrived, and it’s a complete redesign that brings stunning technology, enhanced performance, and a few delightful quirks to the table.
After spending some time with this crucial new model, it’s clear Audi didn’t just phone it in. They’ve modernized their champion in almost every way, aiming to solidify its top spot against rivals like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Let’s dive into what makes this redesigned Q5 so special.
A Dazzling First Impression: Lights, Projections, Action!
You know a car is trying to make a statement when its lighting does a full-on performance before you even get in. The 2025 Audi SQ5 takes the “welcome sequence” to a whole new level. Unlock the car, and the front and rear lights dance to life with intricate animations. But Audi didn’t stop there.
The most surprising feature is a crisp “Quattro” logo that gets projected onto the inside of the rear window. It’s not an LED screen but a clever projection from the third brake light housing. This isn’t just for show when you unlock it; it also illuminates every single time you hit the brakes, advertising your Quattro all-wheel drive system to the driver behind you. It’s a bold, unique touch that you won’t find anywhere else.
The lighting quirks continue with a helpful arrow projected on the ground to show you exactly where to swipe your foot for the hands-free tailgate. Even the dashboard joins the party, with an interior light strip that blinks in sync with your turn signal. It’s a mix of futuristic flair and genuine driver assistance.
Under the Hood: More Power, More Poise
The heart of the sporty SQ5 is its turbocharged V6 engine. For 2025, Audi has bumped the output to around 360 horsepower, a healthy increase over the outgoing model. This performance SUV is legitimately quick, capable of a 0-60 mph sprint in the mid-four-second range. It’s the kind of effortless power that makes highway merging and spirited backroad drives an absolute joy.
While the exterior styling is more evolutionary than revolutionary—maintaining the handsome profile the Q5 is known for—the SQ5 gets aggressive touches like quad exhaust tips and a massive front grille (even if much of it is for show). It strikes a perfect balance, looking athletic without being overly flashy.
Step Inside: A Cabin That Redefines Luxury Tech
The biggest leap forward is undoubtedly the Audi SQ5 interior. The outgoing model was starting to feel dated, but this new cabin is a technological masterpiece. Material quality is top-notch, with premium surfaces, beautiful diamond-stitched leather, and a solid, well-built feel everywhere you touch.
The dashboard is dominated by massive, brilliant screens. The central infotainment display is huge, incredibly responsive, and intuitive to use. It’s where you’ll control everything from navigation to the built-in video games (yes, really!). While integrating the climate controls into the screen is a common trend, it does mean simple tasks like adjusting fan speed require an extra tap in a menu.
Screens for Everyone
A fascinating addition is the dedicated passenger screen. While it largely mirrors the functions of the main screen, it allows your co-pilot to manage navigation or music without interrupting your display—perfect for keeping Apple CarPlay running on the main screen. The driver benefits from a fantastic head-up display that projects vital info directly onto the windshield, feeling like another high-resolution screen.
However, not all tech is an upgrade. The new Audi Virtual Cockpit—the digital gauge cluster—feels slightly less configurable than the previous generation, offering fewer options for a full-screen map or customized layouts. It’s a small step back in an otherwise massive leap forward.
Behind the Wheel: The 2025 Audi SQ5 Driving Experience
On the road, the SQ5 proves it’s more than just a pretty face with cool tech. The seating position is commanding, offering excellent visibility. What’s truly surprising is the handling. For a comfortable crossover, the steering is sharp and responsive, with minimal body roll in corners. It feels nimble and confident, almost like a hot hatchback in a more practical, grown-up package.
The only minor gripe is a slight hesitation right when you press the throttle from a standstill. There’s a small “dead zone” before the power kicks in. Once you’re moving, however, the engine is incredibly responsive, delivering a powerful surge for passing.
Ultimately, the new SQ5 drives like a perfected version of its predecessor. It’s quiet, comfortable, and composed for daily driving but has a genuinely sporty edge when you want to have some fun.
The Verdict: The King is Back
The 2025 Audi SQ5 had huge shoes to fill, and it has succeeded brilliantly. It modernizes a beloved formula with a stunning, high-tech interior, more power, and thoughtful features that enhance the daily driving experience. It’s a fantastic all-rounder that blends performance, luxury, and practicality better than almost any other family SUV in its class.
While competitors like the Porsche Macan or BMW X3 M50 might offer a slightly more thrilling edge, the SQ5 delivers an unbeatable combination of features and performance for the money. The Audi Q5 price point has always been a strong suit, and this new model continues that legacy of value. Audi has a massive hit on its hands, and you can expect to see these everywhere—for very good reason.
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