New Audi Q5 Sets a New Standard For SA Luxury SUVs

Audi South Africa continues its new model assault with the introduction of the all-new Q5 and Q5 Sportback siblings. These two models made their international debut about two years ago. Audi’s midsize SUV had become the default choice for buyers who wanted a premium badge that was competent, but not standout memorable next to the likes of the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Porsche Macan.

Stylish

The latest generation Q5 (third gen) and Sportback (second gen) land in SA with the company’s new design aesthetic. The Singleframe grille sits higher, the headlights are slimmer, and air curtains do actual aerodynamic work. A pronounced shoulder line runs the length of the body, terminating in a body-width three-dimensional light strip at the rear. The Sportback variant keeps the coupé roofline but with a high degree of practicality. Every model boasts S line specification. Twenty-inch alloys are standard across the board.

A 2 820 mm wheelbase translates to extra rear legroom than before. Luggage capacity is quotes as 520 litres in the SUV body and 515 litres in the Sportback, with flexible rear seating for added practcality. Optional adaptive air suspension on the standard Q5 and Adaptive S air suspension on the SQ5 allows adjustment between comfort and control

Techy Inside

Inside, the cabin revolves around what Audi calls its Digital Stage. The 11,9-inch virtual cockpit plus and 14,5-inch curved MMI touch display dominate the view forward, but the hardware is less interesting than its integration. Haptic feedback is present on the MMI. There’s also an optional 10,9-inch passenger display that runs independent navigation and entertainment through Active Privacy Mode, so your passenger can binge series or second-guess your route without driver distraction. Wireless charging and full Audi connect services are standard, as they should be at this level. Electrically adjustable sport seats, three-zone climate control, and ambient lighting complete the cabin.

Powertrain choices

South African buyers get three engine options. A 2,0 TFSI petrol produces 200 kW and dispatches the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5,7 seconds. It runs quattro ultra all-wheel drive through a seven-speed S tronic transmission. For those who still prefer diesel there is a 2,0 TDI that offers 150 kW and 400 N.m of torque, also featuring all-wheel drive.

The 3,0-litre SQ5 leads the range. Its V6 TFSI makes 270 kW and 550 N.m, enough for 4,5 seconds to 100 km/h blast. Permanent quattro puts the power down. S sport suspension is standard, and Adaptive S air suspension is optional for those who want to adjust ride height and damping through Audi’s drive select. Red brake calipers with S branding are visible through the 20-inch Audi Sport alloys, and the flat-top, flat-bottom steering wheel tells you this is not a regular Q5. Inside, the S sport seats wear leather and artificial leather with embossed emblems, the Anthracite brushed aluminum inlays, and the Ambient Lighting Package Pro includes Dynamic Interaction Light that responds to drive modes and inputs.

Four trim lines

The standard S line has LED headlights plus, LED rear lights pro, adaptive cruise control, Park Assist Plus and surround view cameras. The S line Black adds the Black Styling Package Plus, which blacks out the roof rails, mirror housings, and exterior badges. Privacy glazing and dark chrome tailpipe trims complete the aesthetic, and a panoramic sunroof prevents the cabin from feeling like a cave.

The SQ5 stands apart with Matrix LED headlights that project digital light signatures, Adaptive Cruise Assist Plus, and those exclusive 20-inch Audi Sport wheels. The SQ5 Black combines the performance hardware with the dark visual treatment, upgrading to 21-inch Audi Sport alloys and adding entry and exit comfort lighting. Three additional 21-inch wheel designs are available for those who want to personalise further.

Two option packages extend the capability. Tech Plus adds Matrix LED headlights and Adaptive Cruise Assist Plus with assisted lane change. Tech Pro goes further with Digital OLED rear lights, Front and Rear Emergency Brake Assist, a 3D surround camera system, and Remote Park Assist through the myAudi app. The latter sounds like a gimmick until you need to extract the car from a space too tight to open doors.

Audi Q5/SQ5 Pricing

Powertrain	Trim	SUV	Sportback
2,0 TFSI	Q5 S line	R1 295 000	R1 365 000
2,0 TFSI	Q5 S line Black	R1 350 000	R1 420 000
V6 TFSI	SQ5	R1 510 000	R1 580 000 Sponsored
V6 TFSI	SQ5 Black	R1 565 000	R1 635 000
	Trim	SUV	Sportback
2,0 TDI	Q5 S line		R1 275 000
2,0 TDI	Q5 S line Black		R1 330 000