First Drive: Audi Takes Few Risks With the Refined, Sporty, and Quiet 'All New' 2025 Q5

After putting more than 1,500 miles on the 2025 Audi Q5 Premium Plus we purchased for our test program, it appears that much of what made the previous-generation Q5 a highly competitive luxury compact SUV remains. 

The Q5 is available in traditional SUV and sportback body styles. The latter has an aggressively tapered rear roofline that gives the SUV a coupelike appearance in exchange for less cargo space. Most will come with the standard 268-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the SQ5 gets a 362-hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged V6. Both engines are paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and are available with either body style. 

Once we complete 2,000 break-in miles, we’ll put the Q5 through more than 50 tests at the CR Auto Test Center, including empirical tests of acceleration, braking, handling, and usability. CR members will have access to the full road-test results as soon as they’re available.

What we bought: 2025 Audi Q5 Quattro
Powertrain: 268-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine; 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission; all-wheel drive 
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $52,200
Options: District Green metallic paint, $595; Premium Plus package (adaptive cruise assist, Bang & Olufsen stereo system, dynamic integration light, head-up display, headlight washers, heated steering wheel with hands-on detection, LED headlights, LED interior lighting pro package, panoramic sunroof, top view camera system), $4,500; 20-inch wheel and tire package, $800; Audi Beam Rings, $295; Audi Guard all-weather floor mats, $225; Audi Guard wheel lock kit, $130
Destination fee: $1,295
Total cost: $60,040
Final assembly: San Jose Chiapa, Mexico