Test of the Audi Q5 2025: a subtle balance between tradition and creativity

Ah, the Audi Q5, this faithful family steed which, in 2024, succeeded in defeating the A6 and Q3 to become the best-selling model of the four-ring brand. A spectacular feat, especially when one knows that its previous generation was at the end of its rope, displaying the wrinkles of time with the elegance of a somewhat graying old English count. But here it is, the arrival of the third generation in 2025 promises an astonishing alchemy between German seriousness and a touch of boldness. One might say that it will not be a revolution but a refined evolution, keeping the Q5 in the leading pack. The PPC platform, derived from the new A5, is invited under the hood, accompanied by engine options that are sometimes diesel, sometimes gasoline, with obviously mild hybridization in 48 volts to stay within eco-friendly standards. It is safe to say that Audi is playing the card of intelligent conservatism, making sure not to make purists scream while attracting enthusiasts of novelties.

a design that doesn’t revolutionize anything but reassures purists

Take a good look at this new Q5. First impression: nothing has really changed, and that is perfectly calculated. There is no question here of shaking up the rules like a rebellious teenager. The newcomer plays the “already seen” card with a certain talent. Beneath slightly rounder lines, one can clearly recognize the Audi touch, heir to the Q6 e-tron and other brand new electric SUVs of the brand. This aesthetic homogeneity serves a dual purpose: protecting the resale value of older models and reassuring conservative customers who do not want to wake up one morning behind the wheel of a creature from a science fiction film. However, upon closer inspection, no body part is common with the old Q5; like a discreet surgical act, this total overhaul goes unnoticed beneath a familiar cloak.

truly a lightweight? don't dream

If there is one thing that does not change, it is the weight. With its 2,030 kg for the 204 hp diesel model, this Q5 displays a silhouette worthy of a prince of the savanna pachyderm. The weight and CO2 penalty, graciously imposed by the State, reminds us that ecology, here, always rhymes with empty wallets. With a surcharge of €4,120, it’s better to have a good salary or comfortable income. The 48V micro-hybridization promises an electric boost of 24 hp and 230 Nm, but the driver is more likely to feel a gentle caress than the whip of a boxer. This additional electronic power is mostly noticeable in the smoothness of stops and starts, a welcome luxury especially in urban areas. But it won't have you leaping from your seat.

performance and comfort: a well-directed compromise

The 204 hp of the TDI will not trigger a revolution on the asphalt, far from it. The driving pleasure seems to falter in the face of the weight already mentioned and the rather gentle temperament of the block. The optional air suspension, billed at a nice price, holds the road with a contained roll, clearly steering the vehicle towards high-end comfort rather than a sporting demonstration. The steering responds with a hint of softness, like a somewhat tired but still present butler. One will have to wait for the plug-in hybrid version, promised for the second half of the year, to start talking about sensations. In the meantime, the Q5 relies on its softness and tranquility, like a Rolls-Royce in velvet gloves that refuses to play the matador.

an interior that teaches a lesson to the old one

Inside, where the new Q5 truly makes a splash, is its dashboard straight out of the recent Q6, A5, and A6. A generous space welcomes passengers, with a rear habitability significantly superior to its sister A5, and a trunk of 520 liters — not exactly Olympic but quite sufficient for cumbersome family weekends. Comparing this to the generous 570 and 620 liters of the BMW X3 or Mercedes GLC, it is clear that the Q5 is not aiming for first place in the loading competition. The price, however, plays in the big leagues, with a base model already starting at over €57,000, and quickly rising depending on options. The Tech Plus package, for example, essential for modern comfort, will set you back nearly €3,000. Audi has never been one to give away its toys, but it’s a necessary evil to maintain its premium aura.

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