Audi Q5 News

Facing intense competition from emerging Chinese brands, the impact of US tariffs and increased manufacturing costs in Europe, the Volkswagen Group’s current financial trauma is well documented with a minimum cut of 50,000 jobs (likely 100,000) by 2030 and closure of four production plants in Germany already flagged.And now, as part of its Future Plan presentation, the Group’s executive board has said, “The (group) model lineup will be gradually concentrated on the most attractive market segments and streamlined by up to 50 percent; offering complexity will be reduced by up to 75 percent.”Which means key models currently sold by brands including Audi, Cupra, Skoda, Porsche and VW are set for early discontinuation, the latest by 2030, with the number of available options slashed by three quarters and annual production capacity dropping from 10 to nine million vehicles.Question is, which models are headed for the chop first and German publication Bild believes it has the inside scoop with a "concrete list” of 10 cars headed for extinction.Here’s the Bild VW Group product hit list.Audi: The Q5 Sportback and Q6 e-tron Sportback are unlikely to be replaced. And interestingly, even though the Porsche Taycan is marked for extinction (see below) its Audi e-tron GT twin under the skin isn’t.Cupra: The list marks the Cupra Raval (which hasn't even launched in Australia yet) as headed for the exit after a single generation.Porsche: In unsurprising news the underperforming Taycan is set to retire after the current model reaches the end of the road and the internal-combustion (ICE) Cayenne Coupe is gawn.Sadly for sports car devotees Bild’s mail is that even though Porsche’s ‘strategic realignment’ from late last year pointed to internal combustion power for flagship versions of the 718 Boxster and Cayman, that plan is kaput with the roadster and coupe again lining up as EV only.Skoda: The Bild report puts the Skoda Fabia small car on the chopping block, although there’s no mention of its closely-related Seat Ibiza and VW Polo siblings.Volkswagen: The Jetta compact sedan, now primarily sold in North America, and the Taos crossover-style SUV, currently offered in global markets including North America, South America and Russia (and marketed as the Tharu in China) look unlikely to make a next-gen iteration.No mention of Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini or Seat although Bentley has already shelved its plan to go pure-electric by 2035 and Lambo’s put production of its first EV firmly on the back burner.Bild estimates VW Group savings of up to €6.5 billion (~$10.7 billion) by 2031 by finishing up these 10 cars but even that’s far from a 50 per cent reduction in the across-the-board model count.Stay tuned for more VW Group model obituaries surely coming soon.

Premium medium-sized SUVs are a small but consistently popular segment of the new-car market, and it’s easy to understand why.While providing an aspirational mix of luxury, performance and technology, they’re still spacious, practical, versatile and – perhaps most importantly – relatively accessible SUVs.Basically, they’re the sporty family friendly reward purchase for people who’ve earned it –which means they have a lot to live up to.As part of our ongoing 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, here are our top 10 mid-size SUV model ranges from the sub-$130K category in alphabetical order and why they made the cut. Our top three, including the category winner, will be announced on February 6.Nearly four years late to Australia, the Q4 e-tron is available in elegant SUV wagon and racier SUV coupe body-styles that are both pleasingly spacious and practical.And despite leveraging a shared dedicated-EV architecture with other Volkswagen Group vehicles, the interior quality, layout and presentation are on-brand, matching the slick and easy driving experience, with a lovely balance of speed, agility, control and comfort.But the lack of full single-pedal braking and spare wheel are disappointing, while the 55 twin-motor/AWD’s prices are too high.Still, the Q4 e-tron is smart, stylish and sophisticated. And the 45 is all the Audi SUV EV you need.The third generation of Audi’s popular Q5 steps up in several ways, including in price, size and tech, adopting new mild-hybrid assistance for the petrol and diesel choices as well as a PHEV option.Chunkier than before, the Mexican-made medium-sized SUV sits on an evolved architecture. With the same wheelbase as before, it isn’t as roomy as its increased length suggests, whilst the screen-heavy dash looks modern but lacks physical buttons for too many vehicle functions.On the other hand, the boot is big, all powertrains deliver on performance, refinement and efficiency, whilst the handling and ride qualities have improved noticeable from before.Not class-leading, then, but certainly now highly competitive.BMW’s renaissance continues, following on after the excellent X5 and X1, with the fourth-gen X3, sharpening its reputation as the driver’s choice among mid-sized SUVs.Larger yet lower than ever, with ample space, the futuristic, tech-heavy interior is artfully executed, while there’s more equipment as standard nowadays.It’s mild-hybrid xDrive AWD all-round for the punchy inline petrol and diesel engines, along with a PHEV AWD providing ample muscle as well as impressive economy.As you’d hope, the chassis dynamics are first class, with an immersive and flowing driving experience that’s second to none.Expensive options, divisive styling, a fiddly transmission selector and no spare don’t overshadow a brilliantly executed luxury/performance SUV.Another VW Group EV, Spanish brand Cupra’s take on the Audi Q4 e-tron effortlessly melds style and attitude, elevating the genre in the process.With point-and-squirt acceleration, sharp steering and immersive handling – and all without ruining ride comfort – Tavascan is the keen driver’s delight. You can thank the sober German engineering underneath.The interior is spacious for its compact proportions, the ergonomics are fine and the front seats are brilliant, but the scaly-looking dash texture seems cheap, the lack of a spare wheel jars and, being sourced from China, we expect more standard equipment in the base Endurance.Still, there’s personality aplenty in this unique EV SUV and we’re here for it.Challenger brand Genesis’ take on the BMW X3, the GV70’s styling has the visual swagger of a Bentley, while providing a comfortable and functional cabin experience.The Series II facelift brings sweeping improvements, especially to refinement and tech updates, with lots more equipment, upping the lush Korean luxury SUV’s value quotient.Neither petrol engine is a slouch, but the V6’s considerable performance better suits the commanding roadholding and aggressive aesthetics more, while the GV70 Electrified EV’s effortless, isolated pace make it a peaceful retreat. Too bad the former is thirsty and the latter lacks a spare.Whichever you choose, Genesis’ mid-sized SUV is highly enjoyable – and better than you might think.One of this decade’s greats, the Ioniq 5 has been a breathtaking symbol of Hyundai’s tremendous engineering ambition, creating an EV benchmark that’s still yet to be equalled for the money.Yes, prices are creeping up, but the 5’s ability to deliver elevated performance, efficiency, driving athleticism, refinement and pleasure shade rival efforts.And that’s not even taking in the timeless design, vast cabin, thoughtfully presented ergonomics and exceptional practicality.We wish it included a spare wheel and some of the interior plastics look more Aldi than Audi, but otherwise there’s so much that’s radiant about the Ioniq 5. It remains a modern motoring masterpiece. And that’s before even considering the supersonic 5 N that out-Porsches any Macan.The second-gen NX cracks the German mid-sized luxury SUV code that its underwhelming predecessor could not, without abandoning hard-won advantages like exquisite quality and reliability.Basing it on the enduring fifth-gen RAV4 ensures a robust and refined platform, along with affordable hybrid tech access.Yet the NX transcends those with its unique design, sumptuous interior, great seats and ample practicality. The base turbo is rapid, the hybrids are efficient and the PHEV flagship powerful, while the steering, handling and ride qualities are also up to brand expectations.Inevitably, a spare wheel isn’t offered and the PHEV’s electric-only range pales against Chinese alternatives, but the NX provides luxury without the risk.A step forward in quality, ride comfort and refinement over the patchy previous model, the second-gen GLC from 2022 has remained Mercedes-Benz’s best-seller for sound reasons.Along with advanced technologies, a sturdy cabin, top-shelf safety and family-orientated practicality, the GLC provides the luxury of choice – from an attainable 200, through to indecently-quick AMG versions. The newly released PHEV is on the money for buyers seeking efficiency. And the GLC Coupe boasts a sleeker silhouette.The model’s sheer ubiquity may put some people off, options can be very expensive, servicing isn’t cheap, the stop/start tech can be annoying and most models are not exciting to drive, but there’s solid engineering behind the GLC.Devised before the global EV sales slowdown, the second-gen Macan was meant to be a bold, electric-only statement of intent, with Porsche’s formidable engineering expertise delivering a breakthrough experience.Though almost identical at first glance, everything changes, including the body structure and alluring double-screen interior presentation.But it is the 800-volt architecture (shared with the Audi Q6 e-tron) that moves the game on, providing tremendous steering, handling and ride-comfort attributes, along with a powertrain ranging from a brisk (and very on-brand) rear-mounted electric motor opener to the twin-motor AWD missiles.The Macan II’s driver-focused tactility, alacrity and control rewrite the rulebooks. Mission accomplished, then, but we wish it wasn’t so expensive.Launched in 2017, the second-gen XC60 proved to be a compelling premium contender, with lovely proportions, a gorgeous interior, stellar seats and state-of-the-art Volvo safety.An advanced platform provided a sophisticated base, adding to the luxury aspirations of the Swedish family SUV, and enhanced by progressive powertrains, including a rorty PHEV. The XC60 II was ahead of its time.Which explains why the 2025 facelift is so minor – a more-contemporary nose, updated multimedia and fresh trim are the main changes.But the driving experience feels as dated compared to the leading BMW X3 as the styling. Which is classic Volvo: evolve over time. The beloved 240 of the ‘70s lived nearly 20 years and XC60 II could be next!

Audi has announced it’s bringing the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of its Q5 mid-size SUV back to Australia in new-generation guise.

Why Audi says its sales model will keep it ahead of new rivals

Buyers now have another coupe-style SUV to choose from.

Is this a rare case of a brand underselling important hybrid drivetrain tech?

Australians have a "strange love" for big wheels and option packs, according to Audi executives - and Ingolstadt is taking notice.

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has published ratings for several new cars after crash testing new SUVs, a ute and a sedan.

Petrol power is returning to the Porsche Macan

Audi’s third-generation Q5 and sporty SQ5 hit showrooms next month and have been priced aggressively and specified generously with the aim of putting a dent in the market share of its premium German mid-size SUV rivals, the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC, while getting closer to the lower-priced, segment-leading Lexus NX.Starting at $81,000, before on-road costs, the all-new Q5 undercuts the BMW X3 (from $86,100) and Mercedes-Benz GLC (from $89,000) while dipping down to put some pressure on the Lexus NX (from $63,400).The new Q5 line-up starts with the entry-grade TFSI, powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine sending 150kW/340Nm to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission. That combination receives mild-hybrid support from an integrated powertrain generator tipping in up to 18kW/230Nm and allowing low-speed pure EV propulsion for short distances.A redesigned interior features an 11.9-inch digital dash display and 14.5-inch multimedia screen with a 10.9-inch passenger touchscreen available as part of a ‘Tech pro’ option package.Other standard features include 19-inch alloy rims, matrix LED headlights, leather-appointed upholstery, power front seats (with heating and memory), three-zone climate control, colour ambient lighting, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and eight-speaker audio (including digital radio).The TDI quattro ($87,600 BOC) offers an almost identical standard specification but swaps out the TFSI’s petrol engine for a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel unit, this time sending 150kW/400Nm to all four wheels via the same seven-speed auto and an on-demand version of Audi’s quattro AWD system. It also features the mild-hybrid support system.Next, the TDI quattro Sport ($94,100 BOC) retains the same diesel powertrain but adds 20-inch alloys, a panoramic tinted glass sunroof, sports front seats, a three-spoke leather sports steering wheel, black headlining, stainless steel pedal covers and more.Step into the even more focused world of the SQ5 and power is bumped up to a 3.0-litre, turbo-petrol V6 engine pushing 270kW/550Nm through the seven-speed auto and quattro AWD system. With a revised suspension tune and 4.5-second 0-100km/h acceleration Audi positions it as the fastest SQ5 so far.From local launch, a limited SQ5 edition one model ($106,400 BOC) will be available for a “short period”, featuring gloss-black roof rails, mirror caps and window trims, anthracite grey badges, dark tailpipe trims and privacy glass. It also boasts 20-inch Audi Sport black metallic alloy rims and red brake calipers.Inside, the leather-appointed seats feature S embossing and a flat-top and bottom multi-function steering wheel is added.The ongoing SQ5 variant ($122,400 BOC) retains the edition one’s powertrain but switches its black elements for bright and brushed metal pieces while adding acoustic front door glass, premium diamond-stitched leather trim, additional massage and ventilation functions for the front seats, dynamic ambient interior lighting, a head-up display, top-shelf Bang & Olufsen audio and more.Underpinned by Audi’s ‘Premium Platform Combustion’ (PPC) platform the new Q5/SQ5 features progressive rate steering and ‘Frequency Selective’ dampers (using a valve to adjust damping force based on the vibration frequency) are standard across the line-up.Safety is comprehensive with a full ADAS suite including auto emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, speed sign recognition, ‘Audi Side Assist’, park assist plus and a 360-degree camera view standard. The airbag count runs to nine.Audi Australia has confirmed these five initial models will be joined by Q5 and SQ5 Sportback variants later this year.2026 Audi Q5 / SQ5