Beneath those screens, the tactile upgrades are just as impressive. Soft-touch leathers wrap the dash, brushed aluminum frames each control, and every button press has the reassuring clunk of purpose. Back in college, my roommate would mock me for loving solid-feeling knobs and switches—but here, it all makes sense. It’s as if Audi reminded us why analog feedback still matters in a digital world.

On the outside, the Q5 sheds its previous curves for a sharper, more upright silhouette. The grille has grown in size and attitude, flanked by narrow, slanted LED headlamps that slice into the fenders. At night, these headlights aren’t just bright—they greet you with animated start-up sequences, setting the stage for full-width OLED taillights and even a projection-style brake light banner on the SQ5 [5]. Watching one family’s jaw drop as the rear lights illuminated like a mini fireworks display at a football game, I realized this is storytelling through metal and light.

Under the hood, Audi sticks to gasoline for this generation, rolling out on its new Premium Platform Combustion. A turbocharged four-cylinder leads the entry-level charge, but the SQ5’s 3.0-liter V6 unleashes a thrilling 370 horsepower, all delivered through standard quattro all-wheel drive [3]. Every time you nail the throttle, the surge feels more confident, less hesitant than before. There’s a tangible sense that Audi’s simply not willing to compromise—yet.

Major Highlights of the 2025 Audi Q5

Sliding behind the wheel of the new Q5 feels like stepping into a living concept car. Audi’s “digital stage” greets you instantly, melding digital gauges and infotainment into one sweeping display. In my week with the SUV, I found myself glancing less at the road ahead and more at the artistry of the interface—but only briefly, because the system is so intuitive that you barely need to look twice [1]. Upgrading from quilted door panels to a softly padded dash, the cabin surpasses expectations for a premium midsize SUV.

Exterior changes are equally arresting. The Q5’s new lines stand more upright, lending it an assertive posture. Character lines carve through the doors, meeting a pronounced shoulder crease that catches light in dramatic fashion. Prestige models let you play with eight distinct lighting signatures across the LED matrix, while the SQ5 ups the ante by projecting a glowing banner from its third brake light [3]. Frankly, it’s hard to imagine returning to plain taillights after witnessing that evening spectacle.

Performance is where the Q5 really steals my attention. On standard air suspension, the ride floats over highway imperfections, smoothing rough asphalt like a luxury cruiser—but flick it into Dynamic mode and the whole SUV snaps into a taut, agile companion, hugging corners with composure I didn’t expect from a 4,000-pound machine [4]. I found myself grinning in the driver’s seat, wondering if any other crossover in this price bracket could balance comfort and cornering so well.

Completely New Interior

The star of the Q5’s cabin overhaul is undoubtedly the “digital stage.” Audi’s design philosophy marries form and function: the curved 11.9-inch cluster wraps around your field of vision while the 14.5-inch screen centralizes every command. Tapping through menus—be it climate control or navigation—feels less like a chore and more like browsing an elegant tablet. The backlit icons glow softly, reducing eye strain on long drives [2].

But it’s not all pixels and code—tactile warmth abounds. Supremely soft leather surfaces envelop the dash, contrasted by sculpted wood trim and satin-finish aluminum bezels. I often caught myself tracing the stitch lines on the door cards, marveling at how something as simple as thread can elevate perceived quality. And when the optional 10.1-inch passenger display arrived, I finally understood why two screens can be better than one: while I plotted our route, my partner controlled music and weather apps without a single “excuse me” interruption Mercedes-Benz GLC200 showdown.

Sound insulation deserves its own praise. Even at highway speeds, cabin chatter remains hushed, making podcasts and phone calls crystal clear. I once tested a competitor on the same stretch and ended up raising my voice—something I never needed to do in the Q5. That peace and quiet is part of the overall sensory upgrade Audi has woven into every seam.

Summary Table: Key Changes (2025 vs Previous Q5)

Conclusion

Peeling away the final layers of polish, the 2025 Audi Q5 stands as proof that evolution can feel like revolution. Its digital stage, wrapped in materials that invite touch, transforms a simple commute into a high-tech, yet cozy, retreat. On the road, the blend of turbocharged engines and adaptive air suspension keeps you grounded on straights yet ready to play in the corners—a rare gift for a midsize SUV [1].

Every detail—from the glowing LED signatures to the sliding rear seats—reinforces Audi’s commitment to marrying daily practicality with moments of genuine delight. Whether you’re shuttling kids, escaping for a weekend, or simply enjoying your favorite podcast at cruise speed, the 2025 Q5 feels like the Swiss Army knife of luxury SUVs: versatile, engaging, and undeniably forward-looking. Audi has clearly thrown out the rulebook, and I, for one, am eager to see where they head next.