If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to upgrade to a premium SUV, the arrival of the third-generation Audi Q5 and SQ5 might just be what you’re looking for. Audi Australia has finally revealed the complete pricing and specifications for their refreshed mid-size luxury SUV lineup, and there’s plenty to discuss about what’s changed, what’s improved, and whether it’s worth your hard-earned money.
Pricing Reality Check: What You’ll Actually Pay
Let’s cut straight to the chase – luxury SUVs aren’t cheap, and the 2025 Audi Q5 is no exception. The entry-level Q5 TFSI now starts at $81,000 before on-road costs, which represents a significant $7,600 increase from the previous model. While nobody likes price increases, it’s worth understanding what you’re getting for that extra investment.
The diesel variants sit in the middle of the range, with the Q5 TDI quattro priced at $87,600 and the Sport version at $94,100. At the top of the lineup, you’ll find the performance-focused SQ5, which comes in two flavors: an ‘edition one’ variant at $106,400 and the regular SQ5 at $122,400.
What’s interesting here is that while the entry-level model has seen a substantial price jump, the SQ5 edition one actually represents better value than before, coming in significantly lower than the previous generation’s starting price.
Understanding the Value Proposition
Before you get sticker shock, remember that these prices don’t include on-road costs like registration, stamp duty, and dealer delivery fees, which can add several thousand dollars to your final bill. However, when you compare these prices to similar vehicles from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and other luxury competitors, the Q5 lineup remains competitively positioned.
Engine Options: Power for Every Driving Style
One of the most appealing aspects of the 2025 Q5 range is the variety of engine options available, ensuring there’s something for everyone from efficiency-focused commuters to performance enthusiasts.
Petrol Power: The Q5 TFSI
The entry-level Q5 TFSI features a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 150kW of power and 340Nm of torque. While these numbers might not set your heart racing, they’re perfectly adequate for daily driving, family duties, and weekend adventures.
This engine comes paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive as standard, helping to keep the price competitive. The 0-100km/h acceleration time of 8.6 seconds is respectable for this class, and the combined fuel economy of 5.7L/100km is quite reasonable for a vehicle of this size.
Diesel Efficiency: The TDI Options
For many Australian drivers, the diesel variants will be the sweet spot in the range. Both the Q5 TDI quattro and Q5 TDI quattro Sport use the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, producing 150kW of power and 400Nm of torque.
The extra torque compared to the petrol engine is immediately noticeable, with both diesel models achieving a 0-100km/h time of 7.4 seconds – a full second quicker than the petrol version. More importantly for long-distance travelers, the combined fuel consumption of 5.4L/100km makes these variants ideal for highway cruising and towing duties.
Performance Flagship: The SQ5
At the top of the range, the SQ5 models feature a 3.0-litre mild-hybrid V6 petrol engine that delivers an impressive 270kW of power and 550Nm of torque. This is serious performance territory, with a 0-100km/h time of just 4.5 seconds that puts it in sports car company.
The mild-hybrid system helps improve fuel efficiency and provides additional low-end torque, while the combined fuel consumption of 7.6L/100km is surprisingly reasonable considering the performance on offer.
Features and Equipment: Premium Standard Inclusions
Audi has clearly focused on ensuring the 2025 Q5 feels premium from the moment you climb inside, with an impressive list of standard equipment across the range.
Technology That Actually Works
Every Q5 comes with a 14.5-inch OLED center touchscreen that includes built-in satellite navigation, voice commands, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The OLED technology ensures crisp, clear graphics with excellent color reproduction, making it easy to read even in bright sunlight.
The standard eight-speaker 160W stereo system provides decent audio quality for most listeners, though the SQ5 models step up to a premium 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen system with 685W total output that will satisfy even the most demanding audiophiles.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Modern luxury vehicles are expected to offer comprehensive safety features, and the Q5 doesn’t disappoint. Every model in the range comes standard with adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, speed sign recognition, automatic parking assistance, and a 360-degree camera system.
These aren’t just box-ticking exercises – they’re genuinely useful features that make daily driving more comfortable and safer for you and your family.
Comfort and Convenience
Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels (upgrading to 20-inch on some models), LED Matrix headlights, artificial leather upholstery, aluminum interior inlays, dual-zone climate control, and an electronic tailgate. The build quality and attention to detail is typical of modern Audi, with everything feeling solid and well-engineered.
Trim Levels: Finding Your Perfect Match
Understanding the different trim levels is crucial to getting the right Q5 for your needs and budget.
Q5 TFSI: The Accessible Entry Point
The base Q5 TFSI offers excellent value for those who want the Audi experience without paying premium prices. While it misses out on all-wheel drive, the front-wheel-drive setup is perfectly adequate for most Australian driving conditions, and the lower price makes luxury more accessible.
Q5 TDI quattro: The Long-Distance Champion
Adding all-wheel drive and diesel efficiency, this variant is ideal for buyers who regularly drive long distances or need occasional off-road capability. The quattro system provides confidence in all weather conditions and light off-road situations.
Q5 TDI quattro Sport: Enhanced Style
The Sport model adds visual appeal with larger 20-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and sports seats with ‘S’ logos. The brushed aluminum interior treatment also elevates the cabin ambiance. It’s perfect for buyers who want diesel efficiency with a sportier appearance.
SQ5 Edition One: Performance Value
The SQ5 edition one offers serious performance at a surprisingly accessible price point. While it comes with 20-inch black wheels and red brake calipers for visual impact, it focuses on delivering the core SQ5 experience without excessive luxury additions.
SQ5: The Complete Package
The range-topping SQ5 includes 21-inch wheels with three design options, premium Bang & Olufsen audio, and faster-charging USB ports. It’s for buyers who want the complete luxury performance SUV experience.
Color Options and Personalization
Audi offers a decent range of color options, though most will add to your final bill. Arkona White is the only no-cost option across most of the range, while other colors typically add $2,000 to the price. The special Sakhir gold metallic finish commands a premium of $3,300, reflecting its exclusive nature.
For SQ5 models, all exterior colors except Sakhir gold are no-cost options, which is a nice touch for buyers already paying premium prices.
Market Position and Competition
The Q5 has consistently been one of Audi Australia’s best-selling models, with sales up nearly 20% in the first half of 2024. This success isn’t accidental – the Q5 hits a sweet spot in the market for size, luxury, and capability.
Key competitors include the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Volvo XC60, all of which offer similar capabilities at comparable prices. What sets the Q5 apart is Audi’s reputation for build quality, the quattro all-wheel-drive system, and the comprehensive standard equipment list.
Looking Ahead: What’s Coming Next
While the current lineup offers plenty of choice, Audi has confirmed that plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants are expected to arrive in Australia during 2026. These will likely offer even better fuel efficiency for urban driving while maintaining the performance and capability that Q5 buyers expect.
The Bottom Line: Is It Worth Your Investment?
The 2025 Audi Q5 and SQ5 represent a compelling package for buyers seeking premium mid-size SUV capability. Yes, prices have increased, but the additional equipment, improved technology, and refined driving experience help justify the cost.
If you’re considering a purchase, think about your specific needs: the diesel variants offer the best long-distance efficiency, the SQ5 delivers genuine performance credentials, and the entry-level TFSI provides access to the Audi experience at the most affordable price point.
With deliveries beginning in the coming weeks, now is the perfect time to visit your local Audi dealer for a test drive and experience what the third-generation Q5 has to offer.