Like many automakers, Audi’s best-selling model is an SUV. In this case, the Q5/SQ5. So, when the luxury manufacturer introduces an all-new one, you know they sweat the details to get it right – there’s a lot riding on it. We couldn’t wait to get our hands on the all-new 2025 Audi SQ5, and now we have. Let’s take a look!

Enter the Bold

While the all-new SQ5 is instantly recognizable as an Audi SQ, it gets a look that’s more aggressive and sporting.

If you love honeycomb grilles, you’re going to be a happy camper, as the new model has a massive main grille, two huge side inlets with more mesh and a lower grille with – you guessed it – more mesh. The LED headlights dip a little lower for an angrier look, while an LED running light strip adds some cool elegance and also does some cool signature lighting effects.

The profile remains quite similar – which is great – but looks a bit more swept-back on the windshield and rear c-pillar, while a little more muscle in the fenders and sharper cut-ins make the SQ5 look like it hit the gym – it’s got added muscle, but stayed away from the juice that would make it look swollen up. Making a bold statement, our tester added 21-inch multi-spoke-S design wheels in a bi-color finish that adds a little bling to the subtle design.

The rearview is noticeably different, with cool digital OLED taillights that look a little slimmer and feature a new horizontal LED bar that spans the width of the back. We love how QUATTRO lights up in the back as well. Like the front, the lower fascia looks more aggressive, with more mesh grilles and a contrasting lower panel, and our favorite, quad exhaust tailpipes promising big performance.

Making our tester even more of a standout, ours had the Black optic package, which along with those handsome 21-inch rims, includes Anthracite Audi rings, black exterior trim, mirror housings and roof rails, as well as a dark chrome finish on the exhaust tips.

Adding to the overall badness vibe, our tester was finished in extra-cost, Daytona Gray pearl effect paint, a very handsome, elegant and rich-looking finish. Overall, our SQ5 looked powerful yet stealthy.

Next-Gen Interior

Inside, the SQ5 takes a big step forward.

Audi is known for having great interiors, and they continue to raise the bar. Open the door, and your eyes are drawn to the wall of displays Audi calls the Digital Stage.

The first part is a 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster, which is driver customizable and puts loads of information in front of you in an easy, quick-at-a-glance way. While we’ve become used to matching dual displays, the SQ5 enhances that with a larger 14.5-inch touchscreen display that gives lots of digital acreage and is impressively bright and crisp. Audi also puts the climate controls on the screen, but since they are dedicated at the bottom, it’s easy to find what you need – no fumbling around going through pages or screens. It’s also a Google Android Automotive system, and it works great with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

But there’s more! You also get a 10.9-inch MMI Passenger Display – yep, the co-pilot gets their own screen! It’s clever too, with Dynamic Privacy mode with shutter technology that blocks out the driver being able to view the screen and getting distracted. While that means the right seater can enjoy all sorts of in-flight entertainment, the system also lets the passenger do helpful stuff like assisting the driver with navigation tasks. Very cool! While the driver loses out there, we found the Head-up display to be well designed, and it worked great, especially with technology like Adaptive Cruise Control.

Tech is just the beginning – there’s a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system to soothe your ears, while the interior is covered in a rich hue Audi calls Arras Red, with a diamond stitched pattern that looks truly special.

They feel special too. The front seats are ventilated and feature a massage function, while those in the back fare nicely as well, as all seats are covered in fine Nappa leather, and the rear seats are heated as well. Audi’s always have a particular scent as well, that smells rich.

 The good vibes continue with lovely finishings throughout the interior with soft touch materials, suede-like coverings on the door panels and center console sides (in our tester a handsome contrasting red color).

We did find that the 2^nd row feels a little snug in legroom compared to some of the competitors, but adults up to 5’10” should be reasonably comfy. Audi also increased the cargo area slightly, and it is roomy with the rear seats up, and folding them down creates a spacious cargo hold. If you need more space, there’s always the Q7/Q8 models as well.

It’s all about the S.

While much of this goodness is available in the Q5, stepping up to the SQ5 brings a whole new world of performance and thrills.

Let’s take a quick look. While the new Q5 gets a raise to 268 horsepower for 2025, step up to an SQ5, and you get a turbocharged 3.0-liter, V6 that gets enjoys a 13-horse bump for ‘25 to a nice, fat 362 horses. Torque is even more impressive with a mountainous 406 lb.-ft at just 1,700 rpm.

And this is a lovely-sounding V6, with a deep throaty snarl at idle, a healthy growl as pulls hard up the rev-range, and a thrilling cry as it gets to redline. A 7-speed dual clutch transmission serves up lightning-quick upshifts and downshifts, and 0-60 is in the low 4-second range which very, very, very quick. We sometimes are amazed at how quick many EV’s are now, but they lack the drama, the soul and pure thrills of an operatic engine like this! We also think that a combined EPA mpg rating of 22 is quite reasonable considering how much performance you get.

You could love the SQ5 just for the power, but it’s a beautifully balanced performer that makes every drive a thrill. There’s a sport adaptive air suspension that lets you dial in a luxurious, creamy luxury ride, or kick it up to a firmer, sportier setting that cuts down on the body roll in turns and gives instant response to the steering. BTW, the SQ5 has an interesting steering wheel that’s flattened on top and bottom, to look seriously sporty.

It’s great fun to toss around and you have to remind yourself you’re not in a sport sedan like the S3 – the SQ5 could make any enthusiast smile and turn any driver into an Audi fan for life! All this is wrapped in a typically Audi demeanor, smooth, refined, with light controls that keep you clued in, but don’t work you hard when the going gets going.

We even found it a pleasure to driver in the mall, with its handy body size, and equally handy Top view camera system making parking a snap. Tech is your friend.

Speaking of tech, the Audi shows off its premium goodness with an excellent adaptive cruise system, side assist and helpful things like Traffic sign recognition.

S Quze me, but how much?

Glad you asked!

 The entire Q5/SQ5 line up got the refresh, so if you can temper your desires, the Q5 starts at $52,200, and for a handsome 5-passenger SUV brimming with Audi goodness and the recent enhancements, that’s a very attractive value. Be warned, like most European products failure to resist the temptation of delightful options can easily add another $10K or more.

The SQ5 is on a whole ‘nother level, with jaw-dropping performance, and starts at $64,800. Like the Q5, options are plentiful and tempting – our extremely well-equipped tester enjoyed the Daytona Gray pearl effect paint ($595), Prestige Package ($6,400) and Black optic package ($1,650). Adding in $1,295 for Destination, we rang the bell at $74,740.

Competitors would include the all-new BMW X3 M50, at $74,875. We think the BMW is aimed a bit more at the sporty side of things, with the Audi being a bit more luxurious.  And if you love performance, the Porsche Macan S certainly deserves a place at the table. And priced at just over $73,000 it comes to play. They are all great choices – and all distinct.

With a handsome new look, a gorgeous, tech-laden interior, and amazing performance that still is comfortable and livable, the 2025 Audi SQ5 is a superlative premium performance SUV!