Audi 5E Reviews

Another year of new-model launches is behind us, and 2024 has been another doozy.While this past year is notable for the number of models that were scheduled for launch but still haven’t arrived, there were some big names making big waves.Throughout the year I have driven some cars that truly surprised me, and others that were real let-downs. But for this article I am solely focusing on the good ones, because why would I want to end the year on a negative note?For clarity, our various CarsGuide ‘top cars’ articles are focused on vehicles that brought each individual journalist the most joy this year. That doesn’t necessarily mean the model launched in the past 12 months — we might have only had the chance to drive them in that period.Following last year’s list, my 2024 best of is a mix of some possibly obvious choices, and some that are perhaps a bit more left of field.Let’s not waste any more time. Here are the cars I loved most in 2024, in alphabetical order.In September, I drove the updated 2025 Audi e-tron GT on home turf in Germany, not far from Frankfurt and stopping off for the night in Heilbronn, where the vehicle is produced.I hadn’t driven the pre-facelift model but heard good things, notably from my colleague Tom White. I have driven a number of grades of the mechanically related Porsche Taycan, and while I have great affection for that car, I fell deeply in love with the Audi.Where the Porsche is a more focussed sports car, the Audi is more of a grand tourer. It still has breathtaking performance, but it offers a level of comfort that surprises.Beyond its phenomenal on-road performance, the e-tron GT is superbly designed and has a striking and inviting interior.I’ll leave you with the second-last line from my Audi e-tron GT review to summarise;“The e-tron GT is one of the most deeply impressive cars I have ever driven.”Including a new Mustang on a best-of list? I know, groundbreaking, right?But this car had to be on my list.The new-gen Ford Mustang is based on old underpinnings but honestly, I don’t care. I’m just thrilled that Ford can still build this car in the age of electrification.I spent a week with a Mustang GT Convertible, which is only offered in auto guise. I am still yet to drive a manual Mustang, but, again, I don’t care. The 10-speed auto is a brilliant match for the delicious 345kW/550Nm 5.0-litre V8.I am not really a V8 guy these days, and I am not a fan of obnoxiously loud engines, but man it was fun to scare the neighbours with an overzealous rev or two.The interior is much better than the previous Mustang and while it’s not perfect (what is with the pretend old-school handbrake?) I loved every second I had with this car.I drove the Jeep Avenger EV in Italy a few months back and, to be honest, I wasn’t expecting much given some of Jeep’s current crop of models leave me cold.But it turns out there is something so charming about Jeep’s first electric vehicle that it was one of the first cars to make it onto my list this year.The exterior design is simple yet edgy, and while it has a distinct Jeep flavour it’s very modern. The thoughtful Jeepisms like the plastic bootlip to avoid scratching the paint when loading a bike in the back, or setback headlights to mitigate against damage in a collision just add to the charm of the little SUV.It’s no sports car but it is brisk, comfortable and — importantly — engaging to drive. I couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel again.There’s a reason the Jeep Avenger won European Car of the Year. It’s an adorable, capable and functional city EV. Before you put a deposit down on one of the many affordable small EVs hitting the market, go check out the Avenger. It’s the coolest Jeep I’ve ever driven.The Polestar 4 is the EV brand’s first medium SUV and it follows the larger and pricier Polestar 3 SUV to market. But there are big differences between the two models.This is a Tesla Model Y rival, but it is much more premium than Tesla can manage. It’s also a lot more interesting.A striking exterior design lures you in before you realise something’s missing — a rear windscreen. Instead, it has a camera with vision displayed on a digital screen where the interior rear-view mirror goes.Despite this feature being tech for tech’s sake, the Polestar 4 is seriously impressive.It has excellent real-world driving range, a serious focus on sustainability, a spacious and gorgeously designed interior, and the exact same standard features list in both the Single Motor and Dual Motor grades. The only caveat there is that there are a lot of options and option packs that can push the price out.But if you’re tech savvy, value good design and a genuine focus on sustainability, the Polestar 4 is hard to beat.As someone who grew up obsessing over cars and has been in automotive media for more than 12 years, I did not see this coming.But I am here to tell you, dear reader, the new ninth-generation Toyota Camry is that good!It’s easy to dismiss the Camry as the Uber driver’s car of choice, or the sort of vehicle your grandpa drives, but after a week behind the wheel of the SL grade I am convinced it’s one of the best cars released this year.The hybrid powertrain (there’s no petrol-only grades anymore) is smoother than before, it’s still incredibly efficient and it has the best ride quality of any car I have driven this year. In even more surprising news, it’s actually pretty fun to drive on twisty roads as well.Of course the cabin is spacious and there’s plenty of room for cargo too.This is truly all the family car most people will need. Forget the dreary reputation of Camrys past. Because this big sedan has got its mojo back.Hyundai Santa Fe - Well isn’t this a bold new look? While it might be too bold for some, the new-gen Santa Fe improves on what was already an excellent family SUV and takes its place at the top of the segment.Lexus LBX - The latest Lexus model is also the smallest, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less premium. The LBX looks sharp, has hot hatch vibes and was one of my clear favourites this year. Bring on the spicy Morizo RR version!Mini Countryman - In its third generation, the Mini Countryman finally grows up into a family friendly small SUV. In a win for value for money, the entry-level petrol grades are just as compelling as the higher-end EV variants.Peugeot 408 - A cousin to the Citroen C5 X (RIP Citroen), the 408 is plug-in hybrid only and one of the most striking cars to launch this year. It ain’t cheap but it’s a joy to drive and it offers buyers a sleek European alternative to all of the generic small SUVs.Renault Megane E-Tech - I have only just driven this spunky French EV but I am already in love. Stunning exterior design, a surprisingly spacious interior and keener pricing combine with a joyful drive experience. Renault is on the march, finally!

Audi has revealed its facelifted A3 and S3 hatch and sedan range with some design and performance upgrades, but with steeper pricing across the range.Scheduled to arrive from early 2025, the new A3 range kicks off at $54,800, before on-road costs, for the base Sportback 35 TFSI S line, representing an increase of $4200 on the pre-facelift version.It is still $1700 cheaper than the BMW 118 and $2100 cheaper than the Mercedes-Benz A200 hatchbacks, though.The sedan version, meanwhile, starts at $57,800 (before on-road costs), a rise of $4600 over its predecessor but still $600 cheaper than the A200 sedan.The more powerful 40 TFSI Quattro all-wheel drive variant, has been cut from the range for now, meaning customers are left with a single-variant front-wheel drive A3 lineup.CarsGuide has contacted Audi Australia to determine whether it plans to add it to the lineup in the future.In return for the higher price point, Audi has equipped the A3 with S Line packaging, which adds an S roof spoiler (hatchback only) and sportier S Line front and rear bumpers.There are also high-gloss exterior styling highlights such as anodised aluminium window strips and a blacked-out Audi emblem.Inside, Audi has reconfigured the A3’s cockpit with new air-conditioning vents, a bigger 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen and a fully-integrated gear shifter.S Line packaging adds sports front seats with integrated headrests and four-way lumber support, as well as heating and ventilation functions.Headlining comes in black with aluminium inlays, while there are stainless steel sports pedals and a multifunction steering wheel with the 'S' emblem and perforated leather stitching.A ten-speaker audio system remains standard as well as a wireless charging pad.Power is still derived from an 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which is paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system.Together it delivers 110kW/250Nm to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.The S3 has seen its power upped by 17kW/20Nm on its punchier 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine to 245kW/420Nm. The S3 rockets from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds with a limited top speed of 250km/h.The rise in power comes thanks to the addition of an RS3-derived torque splitter and new dynamic plus driving mode. Both features work together to distribute torque to the rear wheels more efficiently, while improving handling and agility.Braking performance has also been improved with larger perforated front brake disks fitted with new two-piston callipers, while a new Akrapovic sports exhaust with a titanium silencer adds a more distinct exhaust note.Inside, the S3 further differentiates itself from the A3 with Nappa leather upholstery that includes diamond stitching with 'S' embossing, black microfibre inlays and an auto-dimming interior mirror.There are selectable daytime running light signatures on the A3’s matrix LED headlights, along with ambient interior lighting and three-zone climate control.The S3 range will start at $3400 more for the S3 sportback and $4427 for the sedan.Both models carry a five-star ANCAP safety rating and are covered by a five-year/unlimited km warranty.All prices are at before on-road costs

Audi has revealed the last generation of its Q5 Sportback SUV with petrol or diesel engines.Headlining the upgraded model are new exterior and interior design upgrades, along with a brand new mild-hybrid system that delivers improved performance.Starting at the front, there is a beefier front grille in matte black and larger air intakes, both of which are underscored by a new geometric octagonal pattern. There’s sleeker LED headlights with more menacing LED light signatures.At the rear, the sloping roofline is even more dramatic than before, losing the sharply contoured tailgate for a more rounded edge and a brand new OLED light bar.The rear diffuser is new as well, continuing the same geometric pattern in matte black that we see up front.On the SQ5 variant, exterior trims on the grille, diffusers, doors and windows come in a chrome finish that Audi calls Scantium Grey, whereas the base Exterior Advanced package comes in standard Tambora Grey.Both variants boast 18-inch alloys with unique designs, while the SQ5 also adds double shotgun, chrome-tipped exhausts.As usual, you can upgrade to the SQ5's exterior trims – bar the exhausts – through optional S-Line packaging.The new design means cargo space is slightly less than the standard Q5 wagon, which packs 520 litres behind the second row compared to 515 litres on the Sportback. The SQ5 variant carries even less at just 470 litres.Inside, Audi has completely overhauled the interior, with a new triple-screen panoramic dash display now coming as standard.It boasts an 11.9-inch digital driver’s display, a 14.5-inch multimedia touchscreen and an additional 10.9-inch passenger’s display. The latter features a privacy screen to prevent the driver from being distracted while their passenger is browsing the web.The infotainment system is built on Google’s Android Automotive software, although it is still expected to offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.Optional features include a head-up display, along with a premium 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.There’s a flat-bottom, leather-wrapped steering wheel with haptic controls, which adds the Audi ‘S’ logo depending on whether you opt for the S-line or SQ5.Interior materials across the seats, door panels and dash come in a mixture of metallic, microsuede and cascade materials, which Audi said are made primarily from recycled materials. There is also ambient lighting across the dash and lining the cupholders.Underpinning the Q5 Sportback is Audi’s Premium Platform Combustion architecture, which is designed to serve as the brand's last internal combustion engine architecture. It debuted on the Audi A5 earlier this year.It carries Audi’s 48-volt mild-hybrid technology and 1.7kWh battery pack, which the brand said reduces driving emissions while increasing driving performance and comfort.Fuel economy estimates aren’t available yet, nor is a 0-100km/h time, but the new platform does allow for limited all-electric parking and manoeuvring and the new powertrain generator delivers up to 230Nm and 13kW.The 48-volt electrical system also allows for the air conditioning to run at full capacity even when the car’s engine is switched off, such as when coasting or stopped at a red light.In Europe, the Q5 Sportback will be sold with three engine options, with a plug-in hybrid variant set to join the lineup later.That starts with a 2.0-litre TFSI four-cylinder petrol engine, available with either front- or all-wheel drive. It boasts 140kW/420Nm.The TDI diesel version comes standard in all-wheel drive, or quattro in Audi-speak, with outputs of 150kW/400Nm.Finally, the all-wheel drive SQ5 gets a 3.0-litre six-cylinder TFSI petrol engine that leads the range with 270kW and 550Nm.Audi said mild-hybrid technology can deliver up to 18kW of additional power across the range. All variants use a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.Prices in Europe start at €54,800 ($88,459) and rise to €137,872 ($137,872) for the SQ5 variant.We expect prices in Australia to start north of $90,000 once it arrives here from the second half of 2025. Keep your eyes peeled for local pricing and specifications closer to that date.

Why Audi is confident now is the right time for its dual-prong assault of Q6 and Q4 e-tron SUVs to make an impact.

Audi explains the outsized impact EVs have on its NVES targets, and how this will let it hold onto V8s for years yet.

Audi has revealed price tags for its three variant strong Q6 e-tron range.Arriving in early 2025 to sit above the delayed Q4 e-tron and below the monstrous Q8 e-tron, it is an electric alternative to its incoming new-generation Q5.The Q6 e-tron kicks off from $115,500 before on-road costs for its most affordable rear-wheel drive Performance version.From there, the all-wheel drive Quattro adds significant styling and equipment tweaks, bringing the price tag to $122,500, while the top-spec SQ6 sits at $151,400, all before on-road costs.The German brand said recently-revealed Sportback versions of the Q6 e-tron will arrive in late 2025, expect pricing for those versions to be confirmed next year.These price tags places the Q6 mid-sizer between BMW's iX3 and iX, and nearly neck and neck with other larger rivals, like the more performance-oriented Polestar 3.On the topic of the Q6 price-tag Audi Australia’s head of product, Matt Dale, said: “We’re a premium competitor, so we look at the value in the premium segment relative to our range and our competitors. We’re not a brand which is going to drop prices overnight. The reason why we’ve set the pricing where we are is that it’s a sustainable business model.”Audi considers the Q6 e-tron its most important car in a decade, as it is the vehicle which globally debuts the brand’s new PPE architecture. Not only is it an upgrade from the J1 and MLB Evo platforms which underpin its previous electric cars, but it brings with it a fresh slate of features from its 800-volt electrical architecture, to new suspension components.Importantly it also has a new battery, offering up to 641km of WTLP range (in the furthest travelling base Performance spec) according to European specifications.Additionally, and despite its large 100kWh capacity, the 800-volt PPE electrical architecture allows the Q6 e-tron to charge up from 10 - 80 per cent in just 21 minutes from a compatible DC charger thanks to its 270kW.Audi says the Q6 e-tron can add up to 255km of range in just 10 minutes due to its fast-charging curve which keeps near-peak power for longer.The base Q6 e-tron Performance is rear-wheel drive, with a motor producing 225kW/485Nm, allowing a 0-100km/h sprint time as low as 6.6 seconds.It comes standard with features like 19-inch alloy wheels, matrix LED headlights, an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch multimedia touchscreen, electrically adjustable front seats with memory for the driver, heated front and outboard rear seats, a heated steering wheel, tri-zone climate control and a 360-degree parking camera suite.Next up, the Q6 e-tron Quattro offers all-wheel drive, with an increase to power outputs to 285kW/580Nm and a reduction in the sprint from 0-100km/h to 5.9 seconds. It also scores an upgrade to 20-inch alloys as standard, an S-Line exterior and interior pack, consisting of a bespoke bumper design and grille, dark contrast accents down the sides and at the rear, an S-Line steering wheel, black headlining, aluminium pedals, and illuminated door sills.Finally, the top-spec SQ6 ups power significantly to 360kW/580Nm, reducing the 0-100km/h sprint time to a claimed 4.4 seconds (or 4.3 seconds using launch control).In terms of equipment, the SQ6 adds the otherwise optional metallic paint options and adaptive air suspension, as well as 21-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, OLED tail lights (with eight different animated designs to be chosen from), a panoramic opening sunroof, an augmented reality head-up display system, a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system, colour ambient interior lighting, an electric steering column, and sport seat designs in Nappa leather with message functions.Audi has also packaged together various optional items, particularly for the Performance and Quattro grades. The ‘Tech Pro package’ ($4900) adds adaptive air suspension, electric steering column adjust and OLED tail lights, while the Premium package ($8,900) brings a panoramic sunroof, AR heads-up display, Bang & Olufsen sound system, ambient interior lighting, acoustic glazing for the front windows and higher-power USB C ports.Two Style packages are available, one for the Performance and one for the Quattro respectively. On the Performance, this pack comes in at $5,500 and adds S-Line exterior highlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a black exterior package with privacy glass.On the Quattro, this pack instead costs $3600 and adds 21-inch alloy wheels, a black exterior package, and privacy glass.The Q6 will be covered by Audi’s array of ownership terms, which includes a five-year and unlimited kilometre warranty, six years of roadside assist, an eight-year and 160,000km warranty for the battery and a one year subscription to Chargefox. The brand also confirmed service intervals will be in 24 month increments.The Q6 will be one of the first models to launch as part of a massive catalogue refresh for Audi over the course of 2025. The brand says it will launch 20 new or updated cars in the next 12 months, including other key models like a new-generation of its best-selling Q5 mid-sizer and the A6 electric car which is claimed to have “class-leading” driving range.Additionally, Audi will add more mild hybrids to its range of combustion cars and dive further into low-emissions tech with a new drivetrain it dubs mild hybrid plus, involving a more powerful electric motor which assists the transmission in providing power to the wheels.Stay tuned for more Audi news imminently.

The 2025 Audi Q3 Sportback attempts to spice up the premium end of the small SUV market by offering a design-focused 'coupe' body style, but is it enough for it to go 'tyre to tyre' against its main rival, the new BMW X2?

The real world fuel efficiency of cars has long been in question, with owners and road tests repeatedly finding huge chasms between ratings used in advertising and what happens on the road. 

The Audi SQ8 has had a mid-life refresh, but will its tweaks keep it a family favourite?

Audi has revealed a sleeker Sportback version of its Q6 e-tron electric SUV, which increases driving range by 15km to an impressive 656km.