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Photo of a Audi Q5

Audi Q5

Diesel joins the S badge: the SQ5 TDI was Audi's first diesel-powered S model.1

Researched October 23, 2026 from 41 sources

Also called

  • Pale KingA reviewer's label for the Q5's inoffensive character and success in the marketplace.2

At a glance

0200400
141–362 hpPower
07.515
5.1–11.4 s0–100 km/h
0125250
190–250 km/hTop speed
0400800
320–700 N·mTorque
01,2502,500
1,735–2,150 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.1581213

Engine
2.0 L I4s; 3.0–3.2 L V6s; gas, diesel, hybrid and plug-in511
Layout
Front-engine; FWD or AWD (Torsen, twin-clutch quattro ultra)5912
Gearbox
6-speed manual; 6/8-speed Tiptronic; 7-speed dual-clutch S tronic25
Built at
First gen: Ingolstadt, Germany; later: San José Chiapa, Mexico5910

The story

Audi's answer to the BMW X3 shared the A4's chassis and all-wheel drive. The original 3.2 L V6 brought sports-sedan feel beneath a taller roof, with 540 liters of cargo space.34

2008: Beijing debut, 540-liter cargo hold20082011: A hybrid with 3 km of electric driving20112012: Facelift and the first diesel S model20122015: SQ5 TDI plus: 700 Nm and a sport diff20152016: Paris reveal, production heads to Mexico20162020: OLED taillights and the Sportback20202024: First PPC SUV, with 48-volt MHEV plus20242025: e-hybrid: 25.9 kWh and 11 kW charging2025 Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro concept: 2007Audi Q5, first generation (8R): 2008–20178RAudi Q5, second generation (FY / 80A): 2017–2024FY / 80A 20062008201020122014201620182020202220242026
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones57812
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2007Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro concept
2008–2017Audi Q5, first generation (8R)
2017–2024Audi Q5, second generation (FY / 80A)
2008Beijing debut, 540-liter cargo hold
2011A hybrid with 3 km of electric driving
2012Facelift and the first diesel S model
2015SQ5 TDI plus: 700 Nm and a sport diff
2016Paris reveal, production heads to Mexico
2020OLED taillights and the Sportback
2024First PPC SUV, with 48-volt MHEV plus
2025e-hybrid: 25.9 kWh and 11 kW charging
  1. 2008

    Beijing debut, 540-liter cargo hold

    The original Q5 debuts in Beijing: 4.63 m long and 1.65 m tall, with cargo space expanding from 540 to 1,560 liters.45

  2. 2011

    A hybrid with 3 km of electric driving

    The Q5 hybrid quattro pairs a 2.0 TFSI with an electric motor for 242 hp and 480 Nm; its 1.3 kWh battery allows about 3 km on electricity.5

  3. 2012

    Facelift and the first diesel S model

    Revised lights and engines refresh the Q5; the SQ5 TDI introduces a twin-turbo 3.0 L V6 and becomes Audi's first diesel-powered S model.15

  4. 2015

    SQ5 TDI plus: 700 Nm and a sport diff

    The SQ5 TDI plus adds the Q5 family's first active rear sport differential and 700 Nm; the Audi exclusive selection arablau package is limited to 100.6

  5. 2016

    Paris reveal, production heads to Mexico

    The second generation bows in Paris and is built at San José Chiapa, Mexico; it grows in size while shedding up to 90 kg.78

  6. 2020

    OLED taillights and the Sportback

    The facelift offers digital OLED taillights and swaps the rotary MMI controller for a touchscreen; the sloping-roof Sportback is revealed in September.89

  7. 2024

    First PPC SUV, with 48-volt MHEV plus

    The third-generation Q5 debuts on PPC with 48-volt MHEV plus, an 11.9-inch digital cluster and a 14.5-inch central OLED touchscreen.10

  8. 2025

    e-hybrid: 25.9 kWh and 11 kW charging

    The new Q5 e-hybrid offers up to 100 km of electric range from a 25.9 kWh battery; 11 kW AC charging fills it from empty in 2.5 hours.11

Every generation

  • Audi Q5, first generation
    8R2008–2017
  • Audi Q5, second generation
    FY / 80A2017–2024

Power over the years

From 208 hp to 362 hp in 17 years.

0100200300400 2010201520202025 hp 2008 · 208 hp · Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro2009 · 141 hp · Q5 2.0 TDI2009 · 265 hp · Q5 3.2 Quattro2013 · 309 hp · SQ5 TDI, twin-turbo V62013 · 349 hp · SQ5 3.0 TFSI, supercharged V62015 · 335 hp · SQ5 TDI plus2018 · 252 hp · Q5 2.0T, 7-speed dual-clutch2018 · 354 hp · SQ5 turbo V6, 8-speed automatic2025 · 295 hp · Q5 e-hybrid quattro, lower output2025 · 362 hp · Q5 e-hybrid quattro, higher output 362 hp Q5 e-hybrid quattro, higher output 208 hp Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro
23561114
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2008208Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro
2009141Q5 2.0 TDI
2009265Q5 3.2 Quattro
2013309SQ5 TDI, twin-turbo V6
2013349SQ5 3.0 TFSI, supercharged V6
2015335SQ5 TDI plus
2018252Q5 2.0T, 7-speed dual-clutch
2018354SQ5 turbo V6, 8-speed automatic
2025295Q5 e-hybrid quattro, lower output
2025362Q5 e-hybrid quattro, higher output

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Q5 UK trims: SE, S line, S line plus, Black Edition

    Standard

    Q5 UK trims: SE, S line, S line plus, Black Edition

  • Standard

    Q5 Premium / Premium Plus / Prestige (US)

    2025

  • Q5 Sportback (second generation)

    Standard

    Q5 Sportback (second generation)

    2021–2024

  • Q5L (China, second generation)

    Standard

    Q5L (China, second generation)

    2018–2024

  • Q5 hybrid quattro (first generation)

    Standard

    Q5 hybrid quattro (first generation)

    2011–2015

    242 hp
  • Q5 e-hybrid quattro

    Standard

    Q5 e-hybrid quattro

    2025

  • SQ5 TDI / TDI competition (first generation)

    Performance

    SQ5 TDI / TDI competition (first generation)

  • SQ5 3.0 TFSI quattro (first generation)

    Performance

    SQ5 3.0 TFSI quattro (first generation)

    2013–2017

    349 hp

  • Performance

    SQ5 TDI (2021 European facelift)

    2021

    337 hp

  • Special

    Q5 edition one

    2020

  • Limited

    SQ5 TDI plus exclusive selection arablau

    2015

    335 hp

  • Limited

    SQ5 Exclusive (Aral Blue)

    2013

    308 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • First generation: look for pronounced notches in the wheel spokes.21
  • Second generation: the tailgate wraps around the C-pillars.7
  • Third-generation SUV: a wide, high-set grille sits between vertical air curtains.10
  • Third-generation SUV: a rear light strip stretches across the full width.10

Year by year

  1. 2012 facelift (8R)

    LED daytime lights surround the headlights; the grille turns gloss black, with new bumper details, rear LED bands, diffuser and exhaust tips.51519

  2. 2017–2020 (FY)

    The second generation brings a flatter grille and more sculpted bodywork; optional dynamic turn signals animate the lamps.78

  3. 2020 facelift (cabin)

    A 10.1-inch touchscreen replaces the rotary MMI setup; a storage cubby takes the controller's place.9

  4. 2021 SQ5 TDI facelift

    Vertical fins fill the side intakes; the grille gets aluminum-finish honeycombs, with four chrome oval tailpipe trims at the rear.1

  5. 2024 third-generation reveal

    A full-width rear light bar arrives. Q5 diesels have paired square left outlets; Q5 gas models use rectangles on both sides.10

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Audi Q5
    Q5
    Photo of a Audi Q5 e-tron
    Audi Q5 e-tron

    Audi Q5 e-tron

    The e-tron suffix identifies an unrelated battery-electric model sold in China.5

Against its rivals

  • Q5 vs Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV Ultimate

    Price lower is better

    Q551,730 £
    Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV Ultimate49,010 £
    22

Prices

Value today $8.9K–$15.0K2627

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K$80K 2010201520202025 Value today: $8,900–$15,000 2009 · $38,000 · US est. base, Q5 3.2 Quattro2018 · $42,475 · US base, Q5 2.0T Quattro2018 · $52,700 · US as tested, Q5 Premium Plus2018 · $55,275 · US base, SQ5 Premium Plus2018 · $65,800 · US as tested, SQ5 Prestige2020 · $52,900 · US base, Q5 55 TFSI e quattro2025 · $45,400 · US MSRP, Q5 40 TFSI Premium2025 · $48,800 · US MSRP, Q5 S line 45 TFSI Premium2025 · $58,500 · US MSRP, Q5 S line 55 TFSI e Premium2025 · $58,400 · US MSRP, SQ5 Premium 2009 · $38,000 · US estimated base, 2009 model year 2023 · $31,000 · 2016 Q5 TDI Premium Plus, 29k miles, BaT2025 · $15,000 · 2018 Q5 Premium Plus, 78k miles, clean Carfax, BaT2025 · $18,177 · 2020 Q5 Premium Titanium Package, 64k miles, BaT2025 · $10,850 · 2015 SQ5, 128k miles, BaT2026 · $8,900 · 2016 Q5 Premium, 80k miles, accident history, BaT2026 · $13,500 · 2016 SQ5 Black Optic, 99k miles, service records, BaT2026 · $15,250 · 2015 Q5 Quattro Premium Plus, 46k miles, BaT2026 · $22,300 · 2021 Q5 Hybrid Premium Plus, 50k miles, BaT2026 · $20,500 · 2018 SQ5, 63k miles, BaT2026 · $27,250 · 2022 SQ5, 28k miles, BaT2026 · $20,300 · 2015 Q5 TDI Prestige, 48k miles, BaT $31.0K BaT, 2023
2351314172627323334353637383941
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2009Launch price$38,000US estimated base, 2009 model year
2009Price when new$38,000US est. base, Q5 3.2 Quattro
2018Price when new$42,475US base, Q5 2.0T Quattro
2018Price when new$52,700US as tested, Q5 Premium Plus
2018Price when new$55,275US base, SQ5 Premium Plus
2018Price when new$65,800US as tested, SQ5 Prestige
2020Price when new$52,900US base, Q5 55 TFSI e quattro
2025Price when new$45,400US MSRP, Q5 40 TFSI Premium
2025Price when new$48,800US MSRP, Q5 S line 45 TFSI Premium
2025Price when new$58,500US MSRP, Q5 S line 55 TFSI e Premium
2025Price when new$58,400US MSRP, SQ5 Premium
2023Auction sale$31,0002016 Q5 TDI Premium Plus, 29k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$15,0002018 Q5 Premium Plus, 78k miles, clean Carfax, BaT
2025Auction sale$18,1772020 Q5 Premium Titanium Package, 64k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$10,8502015 SQ5, 128k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$8,9002016 Q5 Premium, 80k miles, accident history, BaT
2026Auction sale$13,5002016 SQ5 Black Optic, 99k miles, service records, BaT
2026Auction sale$15,2502015 Q5 Quattro Premium Plus, 46k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$22,3002021 Q5 Hybrid Premium Plus, 50k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$20,5002018 SQ5, 63k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$27,2502022 SQ5, 28k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$20,3002015 Q5 TDI Prestige, 48k miles, BaT
2026Value today$8,900–$15,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “12.502 seconds with a booster seat”
    • “10.17 seconds on E70”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 3 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 41 sources
  1. Sporty, powerful, and efficient: Audi presents the new generation of the SQ5 TDI | audi.com audi.com
  2. Tested: 2018 Audi Q5 2.0T Quattro caranddriver.com
  3. 2009 Audi Q5 3.2 Quattro — Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  4. Sportief en veelzijdig. De Audi Q5 nieuws.audi.nl
  5. Audi Q5 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  6. Noch mehr Power und Top-Ausstattung: Audi SQ5 TDI plus mit 250 kW (340 PS) | Audi Medienportal audi.media-corner.ch
  7. Second generation Q5 unveiled | Audi Magazine Australia magazine.audi.com.au
  8. Audi Q5 FY – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  9. A bestseller gets even better: Audi unveils a new look for the Q5 | audi.com audi.com
  10. The new Audi Q5 SUV: proven concept in its third generation | audi.com audi.com
  11. The Audi Q5 e-hybrid: all-rounder with great electric range | audi.com audi.com
  12. Audi Q5 8R – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  13. 2020 Audi Q5 55 Hybrid Review: Who Needs Gas, Anyway? thedrive.com
  14. Tested: 2018 Audi SQ5 is The New Normal caranddriver.com
  15. New Audi Q5 prices | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  16. Used Audi Q5 (Mk2, 2017-2024) review and buyer’s guide | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  17. Audi of America Updates 2025 model Lineup with Trim Selections, Compelling Option Packages & Extended Connectivity Offerings - Audi Club North America audiclubna.org
  18. Combinaison parfaite de force et d’efficience Audi Q5 hybrid quattro | Audi Medienportal audi.media-corner.ch
  19. Audi Q5 (2012) | Información general - km77.com km77.com
  20. Audi SQ5 'Exclusive' to launch at Paris | evo evo.co.uk
  21. „The wheels make the car“ | audi.com audi.com
  22. Audi Q5 vs Volvo XC60 vs Hyundai Santa Fe: 2021 group test review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  23. user awe-tuning.com
  24. Custom Audi SQ5 B9 World Record | Integrated Engineering performancebyie.com
  25. TAPEDRAWINGS by Chris Winkelmann-Tapedrawings by Chris Winkelmann Tape Artist tapedrawings.com
  26. No Reserve: 2016 Audi Q5 Premium for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,900 on March 2, 2026 (Lot #231,961) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  27. No Reserve: 2018 Audi Q5 Premium Plus for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,000 on November 10, 2025 (Lot #219,127) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. Audi B8 2.0T (A4, A5, A6, & Q5) Piston Kit - Symptoms And Product Review | FCP Euro fcpeuro.com
  29. Audi B8 2.0 (A4, A5, Q5 & More) Timing Chain Kit - Symptoms And Product Review | FCP Euro fcpeuro.com
  30. Used Audi Q5 (Mk1, 2008-2016) review - What should you look out for? | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  31. EPA and CARB Approve Emissions Fix for Audi Diesel 3.0 Liter Diesel Passenger Cars | US EPA epa.gov
  32. No Reserve: 29k-Mile 2016 Audi Q5 TDI for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $31,000 on May 26, 2023 (Lot #108,548) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 2016 Audi SQ5 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,500 on May 13, 2026 (Lot #242,330) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: 2015 Audi SQ5 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,850 on October 2, 2025 (Lot #212,893) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. 2022 Audi SQ5 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $27,250 on May 16, 2026 (Lot #242,877) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. No Reserve: 46k-Mile 2015 Audi Q5 Quattro Premium Plus for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,250 on September 16, 2026 (Lot #263,337) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. 2021 Audi Q5 Hybrid Premium Plus for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $22,300 on July 14, 2026 (Lot #252,116) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. No Reserve: 2018 Audi SQ5 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $20,500 on June 25, 2026 (Lot #249,553) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  39. No Reserve: 48k-Mile 2015 Audi Q5 TDI Prestige for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $20,300 on April 9, 2026 (Lot #237,014) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  40. No Reserve: 45k-Mile 2009 Audi Q5 3.2 Premium for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,500 on March 21, 2026 (Lot #234,410) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  41. No Reserve: 2020 Audi Q5 Premium Titanium Package for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $18,177 on December 18, 2025 (Lot #223,914) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • audi.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • nieuws.audi.nl
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • audi.media-corner.ch
  • magazine.audi.com.au
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • thedrive.com
  • carbuyer.co.uk
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • audiclubna.org
  • km77.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • awe-tuning.com

Photo credits

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