Audi has just unveiled the third-generation Q5, built atop the brand’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) platform.

Three new powertrain options (two gasoline variants and one diesel) all sport a mild-hybrid component and drive either the front or all four wheels via a Quattro-equipped seven-speed dual-clutch wet-type transmission.

The diesel variant is a surprise as Audi previously said it would abandon the ‘dirty diesel’ post-Dieselgate scandal a decade ago.

The other big news on the Q5 is that it will be made in Mexico, at least for now as rising costs in Germany have plagued cost-competitive manufacturing there.

The Q5 shares many design cues with the recently launched Q6 e-Tron and A5 sedan and Avant.

Key of which is the new front fascia with the large single-frame trademark Audi grille atop the lower opening and framed by two side vents. There are new sleek-looking matrix LED headlights that provide impressive illumination at night and during adverse weather.

The overall body lines are an evolution of the previous generation—giving it a sleeker, taut, more athletic physique. Toward the rear, a full-length OLED strip replaces the previous model’s rear taillights, increasing visibility. An aggressive rear bumper with an integrated diffuser rounds out the rear end.

The new Q5 will have a range of alloy wheels from the basic 17-inch wheel/tire combination to massive 21-inch forged alloys.

Audi interiors have always been gorgeous, functional, and high-tech. The latest Material Driven Design approach does not disappoint.

Three sizable screens greet the front occupants: an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster for Audi’s virtual cockpit, an enormous 14.5-inch touchscreen for the Multi Media Interface, and an optional 10.9-inch passenger screen that, aside from displaying navigation, can also be used to stream videos.

A privacy screen prevents the driver from seeing what’s on the passenger screen, and prevents distracted driving. There are a lot of nifty leather and suede-effect touches inside, too (plus, matte aluminum trimmings to give some stylish contrast to a very black interior).

Numerous cubbyholes and storage spaces abound, plus a larger bin underneath the center console.

Two 60W USB-C outlets are available up front, with more in the back. A 15W cooled charging pad is standard, and even optional 100W outlets in the back to power your laptop. A new three-spoke steering wheel design with buttons for the infotainment and vehicle systems greets the driver’s hands. It’s of course supremely practical, with a total cargo capacity of 1,473L.

There is also an available Bang & Olufsen 16-speaker surround-sound system with Symphonia technology developed by the Fraunhofer Institute that improves 3D sound imaging for the occupants.

The ICE powertrains will be two four-cylinder turbocharged versions, a gasoline and a diesel. They both pump out 201hp—with 340Nm of torque for the gasoline version, and 400Nm for the diesel.

The top SQ5 variant at launch will have a turbocharged V6 producing 362hp and a wall-climbing 550Nm of torque.

The 48V electric powertrain generator can provide as much as an additional 24hp and 230Nm of torque allowing the latest Q5 to crawl in slow-moving traffic, at the parking lot, or other low-speed driving activities in fully electric mode. A 300hp plug-in hybrid electric version is in the works, with some 100km fully electric range.

Steel-sprung suspension with advanced Frequency Selective Damping is standard. The FSD setup allows a sportier feel with a more pliant ride. Adjustable adaptive air suspension is available.

A full ADAS safety suite is standard.

Dubbed Adaptive Driving Assistant Plus, this technology utilizes high-resolution map data and swarm data from other vehicles calculated in the cloud to optimize traffic sign recognition. It assists with acceleration, maintaining speed and distance, and lane guidance.

Active Front Assist combines four assistance functions: front emergency brake assist, evasion assist, turn assist, and front cross traffic assist.

Other assistance systems available include traffic sign-based cruise control, park assist plus, and rear turn assist. This supposedly enhances safety aside from the usual traction/stability control and ABS brakes with emergency brake assist, and the surety of grip afforded by the optional Quattro all-wheel drive.

Let’s hope the new and improved third-generation Q5 doesn’t cost significantly more than its predecessor. European sales start in October, and according to our friends over at Audi Philippines, they expect the all-new Q5 to reach our shores in the second quarter of 2025.