Introduction to the 2025 Audi Q5 TDI quattro
If you haven't noticed that the Q5 has become one Audi's biggest successes, well, where have you been for the past 17 years? Starting out as a niche model, at a time when Audi was riding high in Irish sales terms with super-frugal and well-priced A4 diesels, the Q5 has since ridden the crest of the SUV wave to enormous success for Audi, and not only has it found 2.7 million homes around the world since 2008, in 2024 it was Audi's best-selling model of all globally (in spite of that Q5 being the last of the previous generation).
Technically, this new Q5 is something of an evolutionary model - under the skin is basically the same platform as was used before, but as with the lower, sleeker Audi A5 and the updated A6 (the combustion version, not the electric A6 e-tron), there have been enough revisions of what was the old platform for Audi to redesignate it 'Premium Platform Combustion'.
The Q5 sticks with an all-combustion engine lineup, with a choice of turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol TFSI (the only engine which comes with front-wheel drive as standard), or the long-serving 2.0-litre TDI diesel, in quattro four-wheel-drive form, as tested here. There's also the option of a plug-in hybrid version, with a potential 100km electric-only range.
Style-wise, this Q5 clearly borrows a lot from the all-electric Audi Q6 e-tron, which uses the Premium Platform Electric - or PPE - architecture. Both have high-set, slim lights at the front, surmounting a massive grille, and of course here in the combustion Q5, the grille is actually functional.
The slender light motif is repeated around the back, but there's a 'heckblende' full-width rear light bar, and is anyone else getting bored with those? Just me?
Otherwise, the Q5 looks exceptionally handsome, with the S line body kit of our test car lending it a certain air of muscular menace, although some colours suit that better than others.
Pros & cons of the 2025 Audi Q5 TDI quattro S line
Pros: Handsome, comfortable, roomy, good to drive, well-made
Cons: Hugely expensive with options
Irish pricing for the 2025 Audi Q5
The Q5 has a relatively benign starting price of €69,305 for the most affordable SE version of the e-hybrid (that's a plug-in hybrid), which benefits from lower VRT rates, so its list price is a touch lower than the other versions.
If you want a diesel model, it's €75,600 for an SE version of the 40 TDI quattro, while the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol is cheaper, at €71,115. Moving up to the popular S line trim with either engine pushes the Q5's price above €80,000, which suggests that the e-hybrid, which costs a 'mere' €72,305 in S line form, should be a big seller in the Irish market.
You could, of course, go nuts and get the enjoyably rapid SQ5 with its 369hp 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, but presumably few will, although given that the basic SQ5 costs as much as our optioned-up diesel test car...
Standard equipment is very good, and includes big, content-filled digital screens, LED lights front and rear, 18-inch alloys, heated front seats, three-zone climate control, parking assistance, adaptive cruise and connected services.
However, once you go for S line, and once you start adding options, the price spirals fast. Let's walk through some of the options fitted to our test car. The biggest option of all was the Tech Pro pack, which costs a whopping €7,999 and which adds a surround-view camera system, Matrix LED headlights, OLED brake lights, heated, folding and auto-dimming mirrors, electric steering wheel adjustment, a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats.
Our car also had €4,000 worth of 21-inch alloy wheels, a €1,300 'Black Styling Package', €1,200 for electrically adjustable front seats, €696 for tinted windows and much more.
All in all, the price of our test car had swollen to a fairly unbelievable €113,385. Excluding delivery. This for a car whose predecessor once had a starting price of €45,000 or thereabouts. Yes, we know, everything is more expensive now, but this is truly ridiculous, and surely prices like this for mid-sized cars simply aren't sustainable? To be fair, you could save yourself a bunch of money by stripping out most of the options.
Neil's take on the 2025 Audi Q5 TDI quattro S line
One option you should absolutely keep is the air suspension, a relative snip at €3,315. This doesn't necessarily transform the Q5's driving experience utterly, but it adds such a deep additional layer of comfort, control and adaptability that I don't think you should do without it.
We've become tiresomely used to new cars, even SUVs with long-travel suspension, arriving on test with crummy ride comfort. This Q5's great rival, the BMW X3, is a case in point, as it has suspension that's just too firm, but gets away with it thanks to exceptional damping and sharp steering.
The Q5 swerves (almost literally) around that issue with its air springs, which give it exceptionally good body control through corners, but don't cost you the sanctity of your spine when there are bumps. In that sense, the Q5 - suitably optioned - is better suited to Irish roads. The steering of the Q5 also rather belies Audi's long-held reputation for having heavy, dull helms, as it feels nicely weighted and rather sharp, so you can actually enjoy cornering this chunky, two-tonne SUV.
The cabin is a high point too, although there are caveats. Space is only just about good enough in the back, and while Audi still bolts its cars together with exceptional precision, there are some cheap bits finding their way into the cabin which have no place in a €70,000 car. A reliance on 'Piano Black' trim comes close to ruining the Q5's cabin, as we know all too well what a magnet this stuff is for marks, scratches and dust.
The Q5's dash is saved by its touchscreen, which at 14.5 inches across is big enough to need a stretch to reach some of the furthest buttons, but which has an easily understood menu layout and is fairly intuitive to use. The only demerits really are that, as ever, more physical buttons would make life easier (although thankfully Audi has stuck with a proper physical volume control) and the on-screen graphics are a bit black and gloomy.
The 2.0-litre TDI diesel is a familiar engine, and it's absolutely fine. There is still a bit too much hesitation at low speeds when asking for power, such as when joining a busy roundabout, but other than that it's mostly smooth, mostly quiet and fine from an economy point of view.
We averaged 6.5 litres per 100km, which isn't exceptional, but which is bang on Audi's WLTP figure, doubtless helped by the engine's mild-hybrid system. It does kick in surprisingly frequently around town and gives you at least a mental fig-leaf of electrification.
As ever, I tend to be unmoved by SUVs and an A6 Avant, for similar money, would be far more my speed - but if I had to, the Q5 would be a totally acceptable choice.
Shane's take on the 2025 Audi Q5 TDI quattro S line
The Q5 has undoubtedly taken a step forward in terms of technology and style, and it's very much aligned with the Audi Q6 e-tron on those counts. I found the infotainment system to be a little buggy, unfortunately, presumably something that can be sorted with updates as time goes on, and I really dislike the look of the extra passenger-side touchscreen.
Nonetheless, the exterior of the new Q5 looks smart, especially in S line specification and on larger wheels.
Don't go for those unless you're also paying for the air suspension. The latter really does enhance the car no end.
The smart money obviously goes on the more affordable plug-in hybrid version, though the diesel engine does allow for exceptionally long distances between fill-ups, which some will require.
Shame the new mild-hybrid assistance system is so obvious in its operation at times, as it detracts from the smooth driving manners, even if it does aid efficiency. The diesel engine itself is commendably quiet and smooth - if not always the most responsive.
If I sound a little underwhelmed, then I've conveyed my thoughts on this car well.
Verdict - should you buy the 2025 Audi Q5 TDI quattro S line?
Possibly, but you should probably buy the plug-in hybrid version rather than this diesel, as you'll save some cash, and have more to spend on that ruinous options list. Definitely get the air suspension though, as it adds a great deal of polish to the Q5's comfort and driving dynamics.
FAQs about the 2025 Audi Q5
How far does the Audi Q5 e-hybrid go on electric power?
The latest Audi Q5 e-hybrid has a WLTP electric range of 100km on a full battery charge, although you'll almost certainly get less than that in real-world driving.
Is the Audi Q5 TDI reliable?
While Audi tends to make solid and reliable cars, the 2.0-litre TDI engine has had its problems over the years, including issues with damp affecting the mild-hybrid starter/generator, while the Q5 itself had some recurring issues with brake master cylinders. This model is too new for us to have a proper handle on its long-term reliability though.
How many ISOFIX points are in an Audi Q5?
This latest Q5 gets three ISOFIX points - two in the back seats, and one in the front passenger seat.
Want to know more about the Audi Q5?
If there's anything about the Audi Q5 we've not covered, or you'd like help in choosing between it and other cars, you can avail of our expert advice service via the Ask Us Anything page.
