The 2025 Audi SQ5 continues its reign as one of the most well-rounded luxury performance SUVs on the market. Audi has taken its immensely popular Q5 and injected it with an extra dose of adrenaline, equipping it with a 349-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine and quattro all-wheel drive for sharp handling and year-round confidence. While it may not lead the pack in raw horsepower, its blend of luxury, practicality, and driving dynamics makes it a compelling choice against rivals like the BMW X3 M40i, Mercedes-Benz GLC AMG 43, and Porsche Macan S.
On the inside, the SQ5’s cabin offers the kind of meticulous craftsmanship Audi is known for. Premium materials, thoughtful design, and advanced technology create an inviting space for both driver and passengers. Combine this with generous cargo capacity and everyday usability, and it’s clear why the SQ5 remains a favorite in the segment.
But no car is perfect. The SQ5’s infotainment screen feels a bit undersized compared to newer competitors, and its fuel economy lags slightly behind class leaders. Still, these are small trade-offs in an otherwise impressive package.
Why the Audi SQ5 Deserves Your Attention
- Turbocharged V6 Power: 349 hp delivers brisk acceleration and refined power delivery.
- Luxurious Interior: Premium materials and impeccable fit and finish throughout.
- Quattro All-Wheel Drive: Confidence in all weather conditions and exceptional grip.
- Balanced Driving Dynamics: Agile handling without sacrificing comfort.
A Few Trade-offs:
- Competitors Offer Slightly More Power: The BMW X3 M40i and Porsche Macan S have a performance edge.
- Infotainment Screen Could Be Larger: Some rivals offer more impressive displays.
- Fuel Efficiency Isn’t Class-Leading: It’s adequate, but others perform better.
Verdict: The 2025 Audi SQ5 excels at blending high-performance driving dynamics, everyday usability, and refined luxury. While rivals might outshine it in certain metrics, the SQ5’s well-rounded package is hard to resist.
What’s New for 2025?
The 2025 Audi SQ5 carries forward largely unchanged from last year, maintaining its proven formula of sporty performance, premium interior, and sharp design.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2025 Audi SQ5 is available in three trims: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. A Sportback body style (with a coupe-like roofline) is also available for each trim.
Premium – Starting at $58,400
- 20-inch Alloy Wheels
- Adaptive Suspension
- LED Headlights with DRLs
- Heated Front Seats and Steering Wheel
- Three-Zone Climate Control
- 10.1-inch Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Power Liftgate
Sportback Price: $61,800
Premium Plus – Starting at $63,300
- Includes Premium Features Plus:
- Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System
- Surround-View Camera System
- Power-Folding Side Mirrors with Memory Settings
- Panoramic Moonroof
- Hands-Free Liftgate
Sportback Price: $65,700
Prestige – Starting at $66,500
- Includes Premium Plus Features Plus:
- Matrix-Design LED Headlights
- OLED Taillights
- Navigation System
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Head-Up Display
- Automatic Parking Assistance
Sportback Price: $68,900
Engine and Performance: Turbocharged Precision
The 2025 Audi SQ5 is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine producing:
- 349 horsepower
- 369 lb-ft of torque
Paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system, the SQ5 launches from 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds.
Performance Highlights:
- Sharp Handling: The five-link suspension delivers confidence through corners.
- Smooth Power Delivery: The Tiptronic transmission ensures seamless gear shifts.
- All-Weather Confidence: Quattro all-wheel drive provides unmatched grip on various surfaces.
While the SQ5 feels composed and agile, enthusiast drivers might notice sharper handling from the BMW X3 M40i or the Porsche Macan S. But as an all-around performer, the SQ5 holds its own.
Fuel Economy: Middle of the Pack
The EPA estimates fuel economy for the 2025 Audi SQ5 at:
- 19 mpg city
- 24 mpg highway
- 21 mpg combined
While respectable, rivals like the BMW X3 M40i (23 mpg combined) and Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 AMG (22 mpg combined) offer slightly better efficiency.
Interior: Elegant, Comfortable, and Quiet
Audi’s cabins are known for their precision craftsmanship, and the SQ5 is no exception. The interior is a masterclass in fit, finish, and ergonomic design.
Interior Highlights:
- Premium Leather and Synthetic Upholstery: Tasteful and upscale.
- Comfortable Front Seats: Supportive with adjustable bolstering.
- Spacious Rear Seats: Above-average legroom for the segment.
- Cargo Space: Practical with plenty of room for luggage or groceries.
Higher trims unlock additional options, including quilted leather seating in bold colors like red.
Infotainment and Connectivity: Feature-Rich but Slightly Dated
While the 10.1-inch infotainment screen is bright and responsive, it feels smaller than what some competitors offer.
Tech Features:
- 10.1-inch Touchscreen: Intuitive controls and customizable menus.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Seamless smartphone integration.
- Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System: Crystal-clear audio quality.
- Steering Wheel Controls: Easy access to key functions while driving.
The system is user-friendly, but rivals like BMW and Mercedes-Benz have taken their infotainment displays a step further.
Safety: Advanced Tech for Peace of Mind
While the 2025 Audi SQ5 hasn’t been crash-tested yet, the mechanically similar Audi Q5 earned:
- IIHS Top Safety Pick Award
- 5-Star Overall Rating from NHTSA
Standard Safety Features:
- Forward-Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane-Keeping Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist
- Rear Parking Sensors
Optional:
- Top-View Camera System
- Automatic Parking Assistance
- Rear-Side Airbags
Audi SQ5 vs. The Competition
- BMW X3 M40i: Slightly quicker, sharper handling, but less refined cabin.
- Porsche Macan S: Sportier handling, but pricier and less practical.
- Mercedes-AMG GLC 43: Bold styling and strong tech, but less agile.
The SQ5 strikes a perfect balance of luxury, performance, and daily usability, making it an exceptional all-around choice.
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