Audi SQ5 News

2026 Audi Q5 positioned to wedge BMW & Merc
By James Cleary · 30 Jul 2025
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 
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Don't count diesel out! Popular models such as the 2025 Audi Q5 and Q7 can survive Australia's new emissions laws well into the future despite rivals bowing out
By Tom White · 05 Oct 2024
Why Audi says diesel has lots of life left in Australia despite harsh new emissions laws being introduced.
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Plug-in hybrids finally return to Audi's line-up with launch of electrified Q5 SUV
By Tom White · 20 Jan 2023
Audi's hybrid push is finally here, kicking off with the popular Q5 mid-size SUV.
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Cars we hate to love! - The overlooked gems that deserve more sales: CarsGuide Podcast #207
By CarsGuide team · 05 Nov 2021
Episode 207 - Cars we hate to love! - The overlooked gems that deserve more sales
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2022 Audi Q5 Sportback price and features: New BMW X4, Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and Porsche Macan rival coming with SQ5 TDI diesel flagship
By Justin Hilliard · 13 Jul 2021
Audi Australia has released pricing and specification details for the all-new Q5 Sportback, with the coupe-style mid-size SUV set to enter showrooms next month with a diesel-powered SQ5 TDI performance flagship
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2021 Audi SQ5 TDI pricing and specs detailed: Facelifted BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 rival nears with massive diesel torque
By Justin Hilliard · 26 Feb 2021
Audi Australia has released pricing and specification details for the facelifted version of the second-generation SQ5 TDI (diesel), with the performance-focused mid-size SUV to become a permanent fixture in the new Q5 range from April
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2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback detailed: New Mercedes-AMG GLC43 Coupe and BMW X4 M40i rival combines style with performance
By Justin Hilliard · 27 Nov 2020
Audi has revealed the sportiest version yet of its new Q5 Sportback coupe-style SUV, with the SQ5 Sportback mid-sizer debuting with a diesel engine, although a petrol alternative is just around the corner
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2021 Audi SQ5 TDI diesel detailed: Less power for oil-burning BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC43 rival
By Tung Nguyen · 13 Nov 2020
Audi's latest SQ5 TDI performance SUV will make less power than it did before, but is expected to be a permanent fixture in the Australian line-up when it arrives in the second quarter of next year.Audi Australia is just launching the pre-facelift version
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Looking for a new luxury SUV? Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi SQ5 TDI, Genesis GV80 and other premium crossovers hitting showrooms soon
By Stephen Ottley · 19 Sep 2020
Give the people what they want. It's the ethos of businesses around the world - including the car industry.Which is why the last decade has seen a proliferation of SUVs from premium car brands.
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New Audi SQ5 TDI 2021 pricing and spec detailed: Diesel power returns to German performance SUV, but only for a limited time
By Tung Nguyen · 03 Sep 2020
Audi Australia will finally launch the second-generation diesel-powered SQ5 TDI in November, more than three years after the local arrival of the new mid-size SUV range.However, the SQ5 TDI will not be a full-time offering as denoted by its Special Editio
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