New Audi Q5 caught: the last traditional one

Audi will add the Q6 e-tron to its line-up sometime in 2023, a brand-new electric SUV on a Premium Platform Electric (PPE) basis. The arrival of that electric model does not mean that it is over and out for the Q5. At least not yet. In Europe, the Q5 undergoes one more conventional generation change. These photos show the new Audi Q5, the last to be available with combustion engines, for the first time. And good too!

Audi Q5 (2024 – )

Although the new third generation Audi Q5 is still quite fanatically covered with camouflage stickers in these photos, Audi’s competitor from cars like the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Lexus NX and BMW X3 is already showing much of its new packaging. The new Audi Q5 apparently grows several centimeters on all sides and benefits, among other things, from a larger wheelbase. The new Audi Q5 will have a relatively high front with high-positioned headlights that connect the hood. Audi has the upper part of the single framegrille taped off, but lovers of that design element need not worry: if you look closely, you can already see the contours of the entire grille. The Q5 doesn’t seem to get two-layer lighting like Audi’s electric e-tron models have or get. At the rear are strange-looking rear light units, temporary ones that will eventually be replaced by the definitive rear lights. Don’t be surprised if Audi connects the rear lights of the Q5 optically this time through an LED strip.

Audi Q5 (2024 – )

The new Audi Q5 naturally shares its technology with the A4, even if it concerns the A4 of the next generation. Count on further development of the current MLBevo platform, which is currently already under the A4 and Q5. Count on mild-hybrid powertrains and on a range of plug-in hybrid machines. In addition, Audi will undoubtedly come back with sporty S and RS flavors, with the latter again being the superlative of the former.

The current generation Audi Q5 was presented in 2016 at the Paris Motor Show and came on the market in 2017. Two years ago the Q5 went under the knife and in the same year Audi added the Q5 Sportback to the Q5 family. Whether that Sportback variant returns? We assume so. However, we don’t expect to see the new Q5 before next year. Assume a market launch in 2024.