It's been almost two years since we first saw a prototype of the third-generation Audi Q5, and chances are it will be a few more months before the premium compact crossover debuts.
In the meantime, the four-ring brand continues testing it, making sure that everything functions before showing it to the world, presumably before the end of the year, and launching it in North America as a 2025 model.
The latest spy shots are also the most revealing. The model was caught in Europe's freezing north with thinner camouflage, especially up front, where it reveals more of that smaller grille. It has thinner headlights that remind us of the rivaling Alfa Romeo Stelvio, a larger central intake in the new bumper, and smaller side vents.
It has a bigger bumper at the rear with a single tailpipe cutout on the scooped tester. The license plate holder sits further up on the new tailgate, and it has a more modern lighting signature. The profile is similar to the outgoing iteration save for one important detail: the roofline that's less arched towards the rear. This means improved headroom for those sitting at the back and a more spacious cargo area.
Photo: Baldauf
We caught a glimpse of the interior at the end of 2022, which has a large central screen with a tablet-like design that sits next to a smaller display behind the new steering wheel that acts as the digital instrument cluster. It still has physical buttons and knobs, features what seems to be a push-button gear selector, and has a cubby on the new center console. That tester had its dashboard wrapped in fabric, which would be trickier to keep clean compared to vinyl/leather.
The second-gen Q5, aka its predecessor, builds on the MLB Evo platform, and if the latest reports are correct, then the new one will use an updated version of this construction. This is a very versatile architecture that underpins not only the current Q5, A4, and A5, but also the Q7, Q8, Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, VW Touareg, and others. The updated platform will also underpin the upcoming A5 series, which will replace the A4.
As you already know, this construction supports multiple powertrains, including gasoline and diesel units, mild hybrids, and plug-in hybrids. Chances are the all-new Audi Q5 will get partially electrified assemblies next to the usual gas mills and likely at least one 2.0L TDI low-revving lump on the right side of the pond. The SQ5 will also be part of the offering, perhaps mixing a V6 with the 48V tech and enjoying up to 370 horsepower, allegedly. More on the powertrain lineup during the unveiling that is probably due before the end of the year.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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