To enter its third generation, the Audi Q5, the best-selling German carmaker’s model worldwide is currently undergoing a major overhaul. The 2024 Audi Q5 Hybrid is a key part of the company’s efforts to electrify its vehicle lines. We have everything we know so far about the next-gen Q5.
2024 Audi Q5 Hybrid
2024 Audi Q5 Hybrid Redesign
The design changes for the third-generation Audi Q5 will be much more drastic than those made for the second generation. This is what spy photos and spy videos of first test mules sporting the production body and many styling elements show. Although the proportions are similar, the front and back could be more striking in future generations.
The 2024 Audi Q5’s front features a more confident and shorter octagonal Singleframe and slimmer, technical-looking headlamps. The all-new Q5 will have a more striking rear appearance. It will feature a sleeker rear combination lamp and a narrow light band that runs between them. This will accentuate the SUV’s width, just like the new grille.
Audi engineers may reduce the number of controls inside and increase digitalization. You can expect a touchscreen infotainment system that features many new and improved connectivity functions. A spy shot of the interior has shown the 2024 Audi Q5 with the new-generation Audi Q4 etron steering wheel. View it on motor.es. It features a flattened top, bottom, and its design and position are similar to the instrument cluster. The steering wheel has a modern and more elegant appearance than the current model. However, the standard steering wheel could also be a round one. This spy shot also shows a large, free-standing touchscreen mounted to the dashboard. It will also be visible in the Audi Q6 E-Tron SUV.
Driving
Autocar’s May 19, 2022 report states that the upgraded version of the MLB platform will allow Audi Q5 Level 2 autonomous driving features. We believe the list could include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as lane keep, radar-assisted dynamics cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition. It may also include satellite navigation-based cornering speed control. L2 autonomous driving is still dependent on hands being on the wheel with full attention. It should not be mistaken for completely autonomous driving.
Interior & Exterior
A fully redesigned 2024 Audi Q5 Sportback should be available shortly after its 2024 counterpart. The Sportback model should feature the same dynamic exterior design as the 2024 Audi Q5, which could make it stand out among the compact luxury SUV-Coupes. With its coupe-like styling, the Sportback is targeted at younger customers. The car would have a dynamic appearance if the back glass sloped downwards. To stand out from the 2024 Q5 Sportback, it should have exclusive bumpers or wheels. It will only be available in higher trims with more equipment. Audi’s Q5 SUV is the most-loved vehicle in the marque lineup. The second-generation car is still in production and has been for almost six years. This means that work on its replacement can be well underway.
Audi engineers were kind enough to park the cars side-by-side so that we could take a few photos. The specifications will be released by Audi in the next few years as a 2024 version. However, these images suggest that the new version of the car is longer and that it is lower. The car’s windshield has a steeper slope, and the roof is lower to the ground at the back. This gives it a sportier appearance.
While the prototype has placeholder lights at both ends of the headlights, it appears that the Q5 will receive the traditional one-piece headlight unit and not the separate design seen on the forthcoming Q6 patron. The lights will be equipped with LEDs and Audi will offer an adaptive matrix LED lighting system. The exterior changes are minor compared to the Q5s. The current car had a rectangular touchscreen tablet and digital gauge package in a traditional dash design. These were sent to the design scrapyard. The new car will instead feature a square-shaped infotainment screen and a freestanding digital instrument cluster, which is a trend in the modern age. Its overall appearance is very similar to the Avant wagon and A4 sedans.
It will share many similarities with the A4 sibling’s underhood hardware, which includes petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid engine options. It will drive all four wheels regardless of where you are, via either a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or an 8-speed automatic box. We have been looking at the next-gen Audi Q5 SUV once more ahead of its unveiling in 2023 as the model 2024. The spy photographers captured this prototype camouflaged Audi Q5 SUV parked next to the current generation model. This allowed us to see the majority of exterior body changes.
The next-generation Q5 is noticeably wider and lower than the current model. The wheelbase appears to be longer, which could mean more interior space. The black-and-white swirl camouflage hides several design elements. It looks like the prototype from earlier in the year.
The interior of the Q5 prototype was also captured by our spy photographers. The cabin’s centerpiece is a large touchscreen with infotainment that is similar to the ones seen on the recent spy Volkswagen Tiguan or Golf prototypes. The center stack does not have climate control buttons and sliders so it is safe to assume that these can all be adjusted via the large touchscreen. Only the engine start-stop, drive mode, idle engine stop button, hazard lights button, and traction control buttons are found in the center stack. The mysterious button to the right is for volume control.
A cluster of digital instruments is located in front of the driver. It has no cover. The cluster tilts down to reduce glare. It looks very similar to the all-electric Q4 E-tron’s steering wheel, which has touch-sensitive buttons and a nubby selector. The next-gen Audi Q5 will likely use an updated version of the MLB Evo platform. This is similar to the Audi A4 that was seen earlier. A 48V mild hybrid system will likely be standard on both petrol and diesel engines, while a plug-in hybrid variant (PHEV) is also possible.
The next generation Audi will be the last ICE hurray for each model. Four Rings have announced that they will cease production of combustion engine cars in 2033. China may extend this timeline depending on demand. The third generation Q5 will receive TFSI and TDI engine. It is expected to arrive sometime in 2023. In the meantime, speculations have been made.
This design exercise is more than just a shot in the dark, as it was created after we published the first batch of spy shots earlier this week. The front fascia is inspired by recent Audi electric crossovers like the Q4 E-Tron. The camouflaged prototype has side mirrors at the base A-pillars. This seems to have made the increase in size noticeable. The mirrors on the Q5 are pushed toward the driver in the current model.
2024 Audi Q5 Hybrid Interior
The position of the doorknob has also been changed. It is now higher, while the top character line is lower. The Audi Q5’s rear features a more traditional and narrower tailgate. This is in contrast to the wraparound layout of its predecessors. Although the prototype does not have the final taillights we believe that the test car is concealing the light bar that was integrated into the rendering.
We can safely assume that the crossover will inherit the engine lineup of the forthcoming Audi A4 (B10). Both will share the MLB platform and next-generation petrol and Diesel engines with greater electrification. This was achieved after Audi stopped developing the ICE around a year ago and shifted to an electric powertrain. Non-PHEV models, or most of them, will likely use a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup. Car owners will be able to plug in one that is larger to provide a greater range. Audi Sport has not done a full-fat Q5 RS yet, so we won’t be expecting that to happen with Mk3. Although there may be a warm SQ5, it is likely too late to get hospital treatment.
2024 Audi Q5 Hybrid
The 2024 Audi Q5 has a more confident and octagonal single-frame design. It also features sleeker, more technical-looking headlamps and lowered intake and side intakes. The all-new Q5 will have a striking rear look. It will feature slimmer rear combination lamps, narrower, full-width lights between them, and an accentuating SUV’s width like a redesigned grille.
Audi engineers can reduce the number of controls inside and improve digitization. You can expect a touchscreen infotainment system that offers many new/improved connectivity features. A spy shot of the interior has shown that the 2024 Audi Q5 will feature a new generation steering column from the Audi Q4 E-Tron. The steering wheel has a flat top, and bottom, and is matched in design and appearance to the instrument cluster. The steering wheel has a modern and more elegant look than the current model. A standard steering wheel can also be made in a circular shape. This spy photo also shows a large, freestanding touchscreen integrated into the dashboard. It will also be available in the upcoming Audi Q6 e-Tron.
The 2024 Audi Q5 will be replaced by the completely redesigned Audi Q5 Sportback 20,24. The Sportback model will be distinguished from other compact luxury SUV-Coupes on the market with its dynamic exterior design. The Sportback model was created to appeal to younger clients and features a coupe-like design. The car will have a dynamic appearance because the rear glass tilts down sharply. To differentiate itself from the 2024 Q5 Sportback, it had to have exclusive bumpers or wheels. It will only be available in top-end trims with lots of equipment.
Platforms and Specs
The 2024 Audi Q5 will use an upgraded version of the MLB-Evo platform. According to Autocar, the new platform should support all-wheel steering (rear axle steer), among 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.
Auto Express reported that Audi intends to increase the wheelbase of the Q5 based on high-resolution photos taken from the prototype. Rear-seat passengers will have more legroom as a result. The Q5 currently measures 184.3 inches/184.6 inches in length and has a wheelbase measuring 111.0 inches. The back offers 38.0 inches of legroom. Audi has yet to introduce the final generation of its combustion engines as part of its Vorsprung 2030 strategy. Audi CEO Markus Duesmann stated at the Berlin climate conference in June 2021 that the “final internal combustion engine” would be the most powerful Audi has ever produced. The next-gen Q5 will likely use engines from the last and next generation. The 48-volt mild hybrid technology will likely be standard on most of the Q5 petrol and diesel engine models. Even though it is a mild hybrid, the SQ5 could be electrified.
Plug-in Hybrid
Audi will likely offer a 2.0-liter petrol engine and a plug-in hybrid technology. This model will also be available in the US. According to EPA testing methods, the current model has a range of only 62 km/39 mi on the WLTP cycle and just 23 miles at 23 miles. Audi’s next-generation Q5 PHEV can achieve a WLTP range of close to 100 km/62 mi according to EPA-est. A range of 35-40km. A larger battery pack can provide a significant increase in electric power.
The next generation Audi Q5 will feature mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and other engine options that are more efficient and friendly for the environment. They will be future-proofed and ready for Euro 7 emission norms, the company stated. Autocar reports that the 2.0-liter EA888 will receive an updated fuel injection system as well as a new particulate filter.
Although the RS Q5 variant wasn’t introduced for the Q5’s first two generations, it appears that the company is working on a third-generation variant. Motor.es announced that the Q5 RS was in development on September 14, 2022. This was based upon a prototype taken in Southern Europe. The flap conceals the fuel/charge doors on the prototype, which indicates it is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. A Spanish publication also claims that the test mule was equipped with an electrical hazard warning sign (possibly a yellow sticker in the driver’s windows), which supports the theory.
Motor.es claims the first and possibly last RS Q5 PHEV will be powered by a 2.9-liter V6 twin-turbo petrol engine with an electrical motor. The high-performance WLTP SUV has an electric range of only 20 kilometers. This means that the powertrain will direct most electric power to increase performance.
Audi Q5 PHEV
Audi.com published a December 21st, 2022 post that summarized its stance on Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). It considers PHEVs to be key to the success of its electrification strategy. Plug-in hybrids and pure electrical models will account for around a third each of its production volumes by 2025.
According to the company, PHEVs are better for users and the environment than cars that rely on internal combustion engines (ICE). The PHEV could be run in electric mode for short trips within the city, and switch to ICE power when needed. Audi already offers PHEV variants of its A6, A7, and A8, as well as Q5, Q5, and Q7. It will offer 8 PHEV models in a range of price points, from compact to luxurious. This includes plug-in hybrid versions of the A3, Q3, or flagship Q8.
Audi will double its PHEV production capacity, compared to 2021, due to positive customer reaction to its plug-in hybrid. Depending on the model and market, 35-50% of European orders are for Audi PHEV models. It is also considering a hybrid drivetrain for its next-generation RS models, which could include the Q5 PHEV RS we mentioned earlier in this story.
2024 Audi Q5 Hybrid Price & Release Date
The Audi Mexico plant in San Jose Chiapa specializes in Q5 production. It should be producing the third-generation SUV. Prices will start at USD 45,000. The 2025 Audi RS Q5 will likely follow in the second quarter of 2024. In 2022, the Q5 was the most-sold Audi model. The Q5 sold around 300,981 units worldwide, representing a 2.7% sales growth over 2021. The US was the top seller with 62,912 Q5s in 2022 (YoY sales increased 4 percent). Audi is hopeful that the forthcoming full model change will keep the vehicle on top of the sales charts.
2024 Audi Q5 Hybrid Review
The all-electric Audi Q5 E-tron is now available in China. It is expected that it will remain a regional product shortly. The new Audi Q5 could be available at American dealerships by the second 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 Audi RS Q5 will be followed by the new Q5 Sportback.
Sales
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 the top of the sales charts.
Audi will not launch new conversion EVs in Europe. The company will continue to launch EV models that have been designed and engineered from scratch in the future. Several EVs with dedicated designs will be launched on European markets, using the PPE platform. This platform has been heavily invested by the company.
The all-electric Audi Q5 E-tron is now available in China. However, it will remain a country-specific product for at least the near future. European customers may be interested in an all-electric Q5 and the Audi Q4 or Audi Q8 E-Tron. The company will release the Audi Q6 E-tron in 2024.
