Audi Q5 Review Australia | Luxury SUV | Features | Price in Australia

The Audi Q5 has long stood as the brand’s mid-size SUV cornerstone — a perfect balance between luxury, versatility, and performance. For Australians who want refinement without sacrificing practicality, the Q5 delivers a compelling blend of design, comfort, and capability. It competes directly with strong rivals like the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volvo XC60, and Lexus NX — but brings its own unique sense of understated elegance and precision engineering.

Available in petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid variants, the Q5 range offers something for everyone. Whether your priorities are efficiency, power, or luxury, the Q5 lineup adapts seamlessly to different driving lifestyles across Australia — from inner-city commutes to coastal escapes and regional touring.

Design and Exterior Styling: Modern and Muscular

The Q5’s exterior reflects Audi’s design evolution — sharp, modern, and confidently muscular. Its bold Singleframe grille dominates the front, framed by sculpted LED headlights that add both function and flair. Higher trims come equipped with Audi’s signature Matrix LED technology, which intelligently adapts to road conditions and oncoming traffic.

From the side, a strong shoulder line and subtle curves create an athletic stance, while the rear features sleek LED taillights with dynamic indicators that elevate the SUV’s road presence. Standard 18-inch alloy wheels can be upgraded to 20-inch options for a more aggressive look.

The Q5’s design manages to balance elegance and ruggedness — it feels equally at home parked at a five-star hotel or taking on a long road trip down the Great Ocean Road.

Interior: Craftsmanship Meets Comfort

Step inside, and the Q5 reminds you why Audi interiors are benchmark-setting in their segment. Every material, control, and surface has been crafted with precision. Soft-touch finishes, brushed aluminium, and high-quality leather come together to create a genuinely premium cabin environment.

Seating and Space

The Q5 comfortably seats five adults, offering supportive seats with multiple adjustment options. The driver and front passenger enjoy excellent visibility, while rear occupants benefit from generous legroom and reclining backrests. The panoramic sunroof (available in higher trims) floods the cabin with light, adding to the sense of openness.

The boot space measures around 520 litres, expanding to over 1,500 litres when the rear seats are folded — making it practical for family weekends or adventure gear.

Technology and Infotainment: Seamless Connectivity

Audi’s MMI (Multi Media Interface) remains one of the most intuitive infotainment systems on the market. The Q5 features a 10.1-inch central touchscreen that integrates seamlessly with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit — a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that displays navigation, media, and vehicle data with crystal clarity.

Infotainment Features

• MMI Touch Response: Fast, lag-free operation with tactile feedback.
• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Wireless connectivity standard across all variants.
• Audi Connect Plus: Real-time traffic, Google Maps integration, and weather updates.
• Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System: Available on higher trims for immersive sound quality.

Physical buttons are minimal — everything feels digital, futuristic, and driver-focused. The combination of responsive screens and premium graphics ensures the technology enhances, rather than distracts from, the driving experience.

Engine and Performance: A Balance of Power and Efficiency

Audi offers multiple powertrains for the Q5 in Australia, catering to varied preferences — from efficient diesels to dynamic petrol and plug-in hybrid setups.

Petrol Variants

The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (45 TFSI) produces around 183 kW and 370 Nm of torque, providing brisk acceleration and smooth highway cruising. The engine is paired with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel drive system — ensuring surefooted handling across diverse terrains.

Diesel Variants

For long-distance touring, the 40 TDI diesel remains a popular choice. It delivers strong torque and impressive fuel efficiency, averaging around 6.0L/100km in combined driving — ideal for Australians covering vast distances or towing small trailers.

Plug-in Hybrid (55 TFSI e)

The Q5 55 TFSI e combines a petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering nearly 270 kW of combined power. It can travel up to 55 km on electric-only range — perfect for short city commutes with zero tailpipe emissions. Charging can be done via standard home outlets or faster wall-box chargers.

Ride and Handling: Comfort with Confidence

On the road, the Q5 strikes an impressive balance between comfort and control. The adaptive suspension system (standard on higher trims) automatically adjusts damping based on driving conditions, ensuring a composed ride on bumpy roads and dynamic cornering on highways.

The steering is light but precise, making urban driving effortless while maintaining feedback during spirited driving. Audi Drive Select allows drivers to toggle between multiple modes — Comfort, Dynamic, Efficiency, and Off-Road — tailoring the driving feel to their preference.

Noise insulation is superb. Even at motorway speeds, the cabin remains whisper-quiet, adding to the luxurious feel.

Safety and Driver Assistance: Confidence in Every Drive

Audi places immense emphasis on safety, and the Q5 carries a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. The SUV comes loaded with advanced driver assistance systems designed to prevent accidents and protect occupants.

Key Safety Features

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist
• Blind Spot Monitoring (Audi Side Assist)
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• 360-Degree Camera System
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Parking Sensors (Front and Rear)

Optional packages add features like Intersection Assist and Predictive Efficiency Assist, which anticipate traffic flow and optimise energy use. These features make the Q5 not only safe but also one of the most intelligent SUVs in its class.

Fuel Efficiency: Smartly Balanced Power Use

Fuel economy has always been a strength of the Q5 range. Depending on the engine and variant:

• 40 TDI Diesel: Around 6.0L/100km combined
• 45 TFSI Petrol: Approximately 8.0L/100km combined
• 55 TFSI e Hybrid: As low as 2.0L/100km when using electric range effectively

This efficiency makes the Q5 an appealing option for Australians seeking premium performance without sky-high running costs.

Variants and Pricing in Australia

As of 2025, the Audi Q5 lineup in Australia includes several trims:

• Q5 40 TDI Quattro – around $78,000 before on-road costs
• Q5 45 TFSI Quattro – approximately $83,000
• Q5 Sportback 45 TFSI Quattro – about $90,000
• SQ5 TDI Performance – from $115,000
• Q5 55 TFSI e Plug-in Hybrid – roughly $98,000

These prices vary slightly depending on dealer offers, packages, and regional taxes. While the Q5 isn’t the cheapest SUV in its category, its combination of craftsmanship, technology, and refinement justifies its premium pricing.

Maintenance and Ownership Costs

Owning an Audi Q5 comes with predictable maintenance schedules. Audi Australia offers five-year servicing plans that cover scheduled maintenance, providing cost certainty for owners.

• Service Intervals: Every 12 months or 15,000 km
• Warranty: Five years/unlimited kilometres
• Roadside Assistance: Included during warranty period

Audi’s build quality and reliability have improved significantly in recent years, ensuring peace of mind for long-term ownership.

Interior Comfort and Practicality: Designed for Australian Living

Beyond the premium feel, the Q5’s cabin is built for real-world practicality. Door bins are deep, cupholders are well-positioned, and the rear seats split-fold easily to accommodate larger luggage.

Tri-zone climate control ensures every passenger enjoys their preferred temperature. Rear air vents, USB-C ports, and ambient interior lighting all add thoughtful touches that elevate the experience on long Australian road trips.

Infotainment and Connectivity in Detail

The latest Q5 integrates seamlessly with your digital life. Voice recognition is vastly improved, responding naturally to everyday commands. Navigation includes Google Earth overlays, making it easier to identify landmarks during drives through Australia’s scenic routes.

Over-the-air updates keep the system current, while wireless smartphone charging and multiple USB ports ensure convenience for modern lifestyles.

Competitor Comparison: How the Q5 Stacks Up

The Q5 holds its own against rivals — offering competitive pricing, class-leading technology, and an understated yet premium driving experience.

Why Australians Love the Audi Q5

The Q5’s appeal lies in its ability to do everything well. It’s luxurious without being flashy, sporty without compromising comfort, and high-tech without overwhelming the driver. Whether navigating Sydney’s urban traffic or cruising along the Gold Coast, the Q5 adapts effortlessly.

Final Verdict: The Smart Choice in Luxury SUVs

For Australian buyers seeking a premium SUV that blends performance, practicality, and polish, the Audi Q5 is an exceptional choice. It delivers the quintessential Audi experience — sophisticated design, refined ride quality, cutting-edge tech, and enduring value.

If you value quiet luxury, impeccable craftsmanship, and a driving experience that feels composed yet exciting, the Audi Q5 deserves a place at the top of your shortlist.