Audi Q5 Review | Luxury SUV | Technology | Driving Comfort

In the Australian luxury SUV market, the Audi Q5 has consistently been a top choice for families, professionals, and enthusiasts who value refinement, technology, and comfort. Positioned between the compact Q3 and the larger Q7, the Q5 is considered the “sweet spot” in Audi’s SUV lineup. It blends everyday practicality with German engineering and premium craftsmanship, making it one of the most versatile vehicles in its class.

With SUVs dominating Australian roads—whether in bustling city suburbs of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane or long outback stretches—the Q5 is built to meet diverse lifestyles. This review will cover design, interior features, technology, powertrain options, driving experience, safety, and ownership considerations. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive picture of whether the Audi Q5 deserves a spot in your garage in 2025.

Exterior Design: A Modern, Understated Luxury

Audi’s design philosophy has long been associated with clean lines, subtle aggression, and timeless elegance. The Q5 embodies this with a strong, proportioned stance that appeals to Australian buyers who prefer a luxury SUV that doesn’t shout but impresses.

• Front Fascia: Dominated by the Singleframe grille, the Q5 strikes a balance between sporty and classy. LED headlights come standard, while Matrix LED technology is available on higher trims for superior illumination.
• Side Profile: With sharp shoulder lines and wheel options ranging from 18 to 21 inches, the Q5 maintains a robust yet premium road presence.
• Rear End: LED tail lamps with dynamic indicators give the SUV a distinctive Audi signature, while subtle chrome trims enhance the luxury appeal.

In Australia, exterior packages such as the S Line styling kit are popular, adding sportier bumpers, badges, and wheels to elevate its look.

Interior Luxury: Comfort Meets Technology

Step inside the Audi Q5, and it’s evident why Audi consistently ranks high for interiors in luxury car reviews. The cabin is minimalist yet rich, prioritising both driver comfort and passenger relaxation.

Cabin Materials

• Soft-touch surfaces, brushed aluminium inlays, and available walnut or oak veneers.
• Optional Nappa leather upholstery adds an extra layer of plushness.

Seating & Space

• The Q5 comfortably accommodates five passengers with generous headroom and legroom.
• Rear seats slide and recline, ensuring family trips across Australia are comfortable.
• Boot space measures 520L, expandable to over 1,500L when rear seats are folded—practical for camping gear, prams, or golf clubs.

Technology & Infotainment

• 10.1-inch MMI touch display with haptic feedback.
• Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus: a fully digital, customisable instrument cluster.
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
• Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system for audiophiles.

Audi has managed to blend luxury with intuitive tech, ensuring that long drives from Melbourne to Adelaide or quick city commutes remain effortless.

Driving Dynamics: Comfort & Confidence

Engine Options in Australia

• 2.0L TFSI Petrol: Efficient and responsive for city driving.
• 2.0L TDI Diesel: Known for torque and long-distance cruising efficiency.
• 3.0L V6 TDI (SQ5 variant): For performance-minded buyers, delivering sports-car acceleration in SUV form.

Quattro All-Wheel Drive

One of Audi’s hallmarks, the quattro system, ensures stability and grip on both city streets and off-road gravel tracks. For Australians who split driving between highways and country roads, this feature is a standout.

Ride & Handling

• Adaptive suspension adjusts based on terrain and drive mode.
• Steering feels precise, with enough weight to inspire confidence without fatigue.
• Acoustic glass and sound insulation minimise road and wind noise.

The Q5 is tuned for comfort over outright sportiness, but in S Line or SQ5 trims, it becomes a surprisingly dynamic SUV.

Technology & Features

Luxury car buyers in Australia expect cutting-edge features, and the Q5 delivers with a tech-loaded cabin.

• Driver Assistance Systems: Adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and traffic jam assist.
• Head-Up Display: Projects navigation and speed information directly onto the windscreen.
• Audi Drive Select: Lets drivers switch between efficiency, comfort, auto, dynamic, and off-road modes.
• Connected Services: Audi Connect with real-time traffic, Google Maps integration, and emergency call.

Audi ensures the Q5 isn’t just a car but an extension of a digital lifestyle.

Safety Ratings

Safety is a core concern for Australian buyers, especially families. The Q5 has achieved 5-star ANCAP safety ratings, thanks to its robust build and advanced active safety features. Standard equipment includes:

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• 360-degree camera system
• Multiple airbags and Audi’s pre-sense safety suite

Variants & Pricing in Australia (2025)

While prices vary based on dealer offers and trim levels, here’s a broad breakdown for the Australian market:

• Audi Q5 40 TDI / 45 TFSI: Starting around $72,000–$80,000 before on-road costs.
• Q5 Sportback models: Sleeker coupe-style design, priced slightly higher.
• SQ5 TDI: Performance model, approx. $115,000+.

Optional packages such as Luxury Pack or Technology Pack add features like heated/ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, and advanced sound systems.

Audi Q5 vs Competitors

The mid-size luxury SUV market in Australia is crowded. How does the Q5 compare?

• BMW X3: Sportier drive, slightly higher starting price.
• Mercedes-Benz GLC: Plush cabin, more aggressive styling.
• Volvo XC60: Focuses on Scandinavian design and hybrid options.
• Lexus NX: Known for reliability and lower long-term ownership costs.

The Audi Q5 stands out for its balanced package: understated design, leading interior tech, and comfortable dynamics.

Ownership & Running Costs

Buying a luxury SUV isn’t just about the upfront price—it’s about long-term ownership.

• Warranty: 5 years/unlimited kilometres in Australia.
• Servicing: Audi offers service plans that bundle costs, ensuring predictable ownership expenses.
• Fuel Efficiency:
  • Petrol variants average 8–9L/100km.
  • Diesel variants sit lower at 6–7L/100km, ideal for long-distance drivers.
• Insurance: Being a luxury SUV, premiums are higher but manageable, depending on the driver profile.

Who Should Buy the Audi Q5?

The Audi Q5 is best suited for:

• Families seeking a safe, luxurious SUV.
• Professionals wanting a premium daily driver with tech convenience.
• Enthusiasts who appreciate quattro performance without compromising comfort.
• Long-distance drivers who value diesel efficiency or SQ5 thrills.

Conclusion

The Audi Q5 continues to be one of the most appealing luxury SUVs in Australia. It doesn’t chase extreme sportiness like the BMW X3 nor prioritise opulence like the Mercedes-Benz GLC. Instead, it positions itself as a well-rounded, technology-rich, and comfort-focused SUV—perfect for Australian roads and lifestyles.

If you’re looking for an SUV that delivers understated style, German craftsmanship, advanced tech, and refined comfort, the Audi Q5 remains a top contender in 2025.