Audi’s Q5 SUV is so popular that it has become the marque’s most-loved vehicle. The second-generation Q5 SUV has been in production for six years. This means that work is well underway to replace it.
Audi’s engineers were kind enough to park the cars side-by-side so that we could take some photos. Although we will have to wait until Audi releases the car’s specifications, which is likely to be late next year for a 2024 model (or earlier), these images suggest that the new version of the car is longer and can be seen to be lower. The car’s windshield has a steeper slope, and the roof is lower towards the ground at its rear. This gives it a sportier appearance.
2024 Audi Q5 Redesign
While the prototype still has placeholder lights at both ends of the vehicle, it appears that the Q5 will receive the traditional one-piece front headlight units and not the split-lamp design on the Q6 e-Tron. The lights will be equipped with LEDs and Audi will offer its adaptive matrix LED lighting system.
However, the exterior changes are not as significant as what’s happening inside the Q5. The current car features a rectangular touchscreen tablet and a digital gauge package, which is being sent to the junkyard.
The new car will instead feature a square-shaped infotainment screen and a freestanding digital instrument cluster, which is in line with the current trend. Its overall appearance is identical to the spy shots of the Avant wagon and A4 sedan.
It will share many similarities with the A4 brother’s underhood hardware. This includes petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid engine options. It will drive all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or an eight-speed automatic box.
Platform and Specifications
The 2024 Audi Q5 will be able to use an upgraded version of the MLB-Evo platform. An Autocar report suggests that the new platform will include support for rear-axle steering (all-wheel steering) and other improvements. The rear wheels rotate in an opposite direction at low speeds to reduce the turning radius and decrease the turning radius. At high speeds the rear wheels rotate in the same direction as the front wheels, providing more stability and greater stability.
Rear-seat passengers will have more legroom as a result. The Q5 currently measures 184.3/184.6 inches long and has a wheelbase of 111.0 inches. The rear offers 38.0 inches of legroom.
Audi has yet to introduce a final combustion-engine generation as part of its Vorsprung 2030 strategy. Markus Duesmann, Audi’s CEO, announced that Audi’s last internal combustion engine would be the “best we’ve ever made.” He also stated at the Berlin climate conference in June 2021 that the next-generation Q5 will likely have engines from the final generation.
The next-gen Q5 could have 48-volt mild hybrid technology in its gasoline and diesel engines. Even mild-hybrid models of the SQ5 may come with electrification.
2024 Audi Q5 Plug-in Hybrid
Audi will soon offer a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and a plug-in hybrid, which should also be available in the U.S. Current model has a range of only 62 km/39 mi on the WLTP cycle and even less, 23 miles according to EPA’s testing method.
Audi could target a WLTP range of 100 km/62 mi for the next-gen Q5 PHEV. This is in line with EPA’s estimates. The range is between 35-40 miles. This significant increase in the electric range may be possible due to a larger battery pack.
The next-generation Audi Q5 will feature more efficient and environmentally-friendly engines, including mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids. They will be future-proofed and ready for Euro 7 emission standards. Autocar reports that the EA888 2.0-liter engine will receive an updated fuel injection system as well as new particulate filters.
2025 Audi RS Q5 Plug-in Hybrid
RS Q5 variants weren’t introduced for the Q5’s first two generations, but it seems that the company is working on a third generation for performance-oriented customers. Motor.es reported that an RS Q5 was in development, based on a prototype found in Southern Europe.
It had covers that covered the fueling/charging doors, which indicated it was a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The Spanish publication also claims that the test mule was equipped with an electrical danger warning sign (probably the yellow sticker that is found on the driver’s side window). This supports the speculation.
Motor.es claims the first and possibly last RS Q5 PHEV will combine a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 gas engine with an electrical motor. According to Motor.es, the SUV’s WLTP range will be around 20 kilometers. This would indicate that the powertrain will direct most electric power to enhance performance.
Specs
Audi.com posted its position on Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) in a December 21st, 2022 post. The company considers PHEVs a key component of the success of its electrification strategy. Plug-in hybrids will account for about one-third of its total production volume by 2025. PHEVs offer a better alternative to internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. The company suggested that PHEVs could be operated in fully electric mode for short commutes and switched to ICE power when driving long distances.
Audi already offers PHEV versions of its models A6, A7, and A8, as well as Q5 (and Q7). Audi plans to offer 8 PHEV models that span the compact-to-luxury segment, as well as plug-in hybrid versions of the A3, Q3, or the flagship Q8.
Audi will triple its production capacity for PHEVs, compared to 2021, due to the positive response from customers to its plug-in hybrids. Depending on the model and market, Audi’s PHEV models account for 35-50% of all incoming orders in Europe. The company plans to use a hybrid drivetrain in its next-gen RS models, possibly including the RS Q5 PHEV we mentioned earlier in this story.
2024 Audi Q5 Price and Release Date
The 2024 Audi Q5 could be available at U.S. dealers in the first half of 2024. The Audi Mexico plant in San Jose Chiapa specializes in Q5 production. It should produce a third-generation SUV. Prices will start at USD 45,000 In the second half of 2024, the 2025 Audi RS Q5 could be available.
In 2022, the Q5 was Audi’s most-sold model. The Q5 saw a 2.7% increase in global sales, with around 300,981 units sold. It was the highest-selling Audi in the U.S. with sales of 62.912 units in 2022 (YoY sales increased by 4%) Audi hopes that the forthcoming model change will keep the vehicle at top of the sales charts.