Audi’s New Q5 Might Just Be the Most Thoughtful SUV Yet
The third-generation Audi Q5 isn’t trying to reinvent itself — it’s evolving in all the right ways. With a solid legacy behind it, this latest version keeps the heart of what’s made the Q5 a best-seller since 2008 but adds even more versatility, tech, and all-day comfort.
To show us what’s new, Audi’s Dominic Stern took the Q5 out for a day trip around Málaga, Spain, and it’s clear this SUV is built to make every day easier, and a lot more fun.
Smart Storage and Real-World Practicality
From a weekend hike to a grocery run, the Q5’s storage options are designed with actual life in mind. “I’m always impressed by the adjustable rear seat bench,” says Stern, as he loads a mountain bike with ease. With the rear seats folded, you get up to 1,473 liters of cargo space — plenty of room for bikes, backpacks, or whatever else your day needs. A small but clever update? The cargo cover now has a dedicated spot under the trunk floor, so it’s never in your way.
And if you’ve got kids in tow, Audi hasn’t forgotten you. “A child seat can be fixed onto the two outer seats of the rear bench as well as the front passenger seat – and we even offer this as standard,” Stern points out. Thoughtful extras like cooled wireless charging, up to 100W USB-C ports, and a larger center armrest make every drive feel a bit more organized.
Smooth on the Streets, Capable Off the Road
Even before you leave the parking lot, the Q5 gives you a taste of its efficiency with mild hybrid tech that allows for short stretches of electric-only driving. “Thanks to a small component on the transmission, the so-called powertrain generator, we not only reduce consumption, but also enable partially electric driving,” explains Stern.
Once you’re out on winding roads or gravel paths, the Q5’s adaptive air suspension is ready to meet the moment. Raise the car up to 45 millimeters in low-speed off-road mode, or lower it for smoother highway cruising. “The adaptive air suspension provides a good balance between comfort and sportiness,” says Stern. Tuning the ride with Audi Drive Select means you’re never stuck with a one-size-fits-all driving experience.
Lit from Every Angle
As the sun dips below the Andalusian hills, the Q5 keeps things stylish and safe. Matrix LED headlights brighten the road without blinding other drivers, while inside, the ambient lighting sets a relaxed mood for the ride into town.
But the real showstopper? Audi’s second-generation digital OLED taillights. The lights use 266 individual segments to create a constantly shifting light signature, updating several times per second thanks to a custom-designed algorithm. It’s lighting that doesn’t just look good—it interacts with the world around it.
Why It Will Win Over Daily Drivers
Whether it’s family errands, mountain trails, or late-night city drives, the new Q5 adapts to whatever your day throws at you. With clever storage, confident tech, and just the right balance of comfort and control, it’s not just an SUV—it’s your everyday co-pilot.