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Audi Q5 models explained

Explore all the different Audi Q5 models including the new model Audi Q5 to work out which is the one for you

Red Audi Q5 driving on country road with trees in background

What is the best Audi Q5 model?

If you’re looking to buy an Audi Q5, you might notice there are two variants widely available at the moment. The third generation, introduced in 2025, and the second generation, which was available between 2016 and 2024.

We’re specifically focusing on the 2020-2024 model year for the previous-generation Q5 – considered a mid-life facelift with a renewed design.

Use this guide to compare trim levels from both generations as well as engine options, performance versions and plug-in hybrid systems.

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Audi Q5 model lineup

Audi makes it really easy to understand what’s what with a short and simple list of trim levels, starting with the well-equipped Sport.

From there, you can get sportier-looking S line variants and premium, high-end Vorsprung and Edition 1 trims.

There’s also the hot SQ5, which has its own look, more equipment and a more powerful 3.0-litre engine.

Audi Q5 Sport (2020-2024)

Interior view of an Audi Q5 featuring a black leather dashboard, steering wheel, touchscreen display, gear shift, and front seats against a rural backdrop.Entry-level model that gets a 10.1-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and a powered boot lid from factory.

Audi Q5 Sport (2025-present)

Standard pick with bright LED headlights, automatic high beams, heated front seats, three-zone climate control, 14.5-inch OLED touchscreen, 360-degree parking camera, adaptive cruise control, ambient lighting and plenty more.

Audi Q5 S line (2020-2024)

A blue Audi Q5 driving on a rural road, surrounded by green fields and under a cloudy sky.

This model gets a distinctive body kit, sports suspension, part-Alcantara part-leather upholstery and larger alloy wheels.

Audi Q5 S line (2025-present)

Sportier upgrade with dedicated Audi Sport styling, tinted windows, bigger alloy wheels and stiffer suspension.

Audi Q5 Vorsprung (2020-2024

Rear interior of a blue Audi Q5 showing two-tone quilted leather seats, ample legroom, and a view of a grassy landscape through the windows.

Top-of-the-range model with 21-inch diamond-cut alloys, OLED taillights, adaptive air suspension, heated rear seats, Bang & Olufsen speaker system and head-up display.

Audi Q5 Edition 1 (2020-2024)

High-spec model to celebrate the facelifted Q5’s launch, including black styling pack, black 20-inch alloys and similar equipment to S line models.

Audi Q5 Edition 1 (2025-present)

Red Audi Q5 parked on a gravel road, with a scenic backdrop of forested hills under a clear sky.

Launch edition model that’s more similar to the previous Vorsprung range-topper, with adaptive/matrix LED headlights, an additional 10.9-inch display for the front passenger and digital key that works with your smartphone or smart watch.

Audi SQ5 (2020-2024)

Rear view of a blue Audi SQ5 parked on a paved area, surrounded by green trees under a clear sky.

This sporty SUV gets a large Singleframe grille with Audi’s iconic honeycomb design, 20-inch alloys, matrix LEDs headlights, adaptive damper control with lowered suspension, sports seats and more.

Audi SQ5 (2025-present)

Audi SQ5 driving on a winding road through rolling hills, under a cloudy sky. Roadside guardrail and lush greenery in the background.

Besides adding more power, you get a lot more kit, such as adaptive air suspension, a panoramic sunroof, cooled front seats, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Audi Q5 engine lineup

All versions of the Audi Q5 come with four-wheel drive, called ‘quattro’, but there are a few different power options to choose from.

Since a 2020 update, the petrol and diesel engines have also included mild hybrid tech to help reduce emissions somewhat.

Petrol

Close-up of an Audi Q5 engine featuring the TFSI label, showcasing various components and a sleek black cover with the Audi logo.

Previous-generation 2.0-litre models sold between 2020 and 2024 were labelled 45 TFSI, coming with 265hp and completing 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds.

The current generation (2025-present) has a less powerful 204hp 2.0-litre engine, so it’s slower (7.2 seconds) but more efficient (40mpg vs. 33mpg).

Current models also have a petrol-powered performance variant, badged SQ5. This uses a bigger 3.0-litre engine to produce 367hp, reaching 62mph in 4.5 seconds.

Diesel

Close-up of Audi Q5's fuel compartment showing a blue AdBlue cap and a black Diesel cap with yellow text.

You can still buy diesel versions – badged TDI, you get 204hp, a 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds and up to 47mpg.

Previous-generation 40 TDI models have the same power output, but poorer fuel economy (44mpg) and acceleration (7.6 seconds).

The outgoing SQ5 was also diesel-powered, not petrol-powered. It had 341hp and a 5.1-second 0-62mph time.

PHEV

Close-up of an Audi Q5 TFSI e charging port with an open flap, revealing a Type 2 connector and charging buttons on a silver car.

Both generations offer a 299hp plug-in hybrid with a total system output of 299hp and similar 0-62mph times of 6.1 to 6.2 seconds.

The biggest difference is that the outgoing 50 TFSI e model had a 17.9kWh battery and 38 miles of electric-only range.

Now, though, Audi sells the Q5 e-hybrid with a bigger 25.9kWh battery that has a 62-mile electric range.

What’s the best Audi Q5 model?

  • Budget-friendly option – Sport is the cheapest, but it’s hardly short on kit. Pair it with the 40 TDI or TDI engines for the best fuel efficiency this side of a hybrid

  • Luxurious trim – consider a previous-generation Vorsprung or a current Edition 1 for all the toys

  • Performance variant – the petrol SQ5 is quicker than the outgoing diesel SQ5

  • Efficient version – newer Q5 e-hybrid models with the 25.9kWh battery let you do most of your daily driving without the engine ever turning on

Read our Audi Q5 review

Explore used Audi Q5 cars

The Audi Q5 is a seriously posh family SUV, but if you look in the right places, you don’t have to empty your wallet to buy one.

Using our guide, you can work out exactly the right Audi Q5 models, Audi Q5 model years and Audi Q5 engines to fit your own circumstances.

Once you’re ready, browse our selection of used Audi Q5s for sale and place your order.

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