Hot off the heels of the A6 and A6 e-tron launch in Singapore a month ago, Audi now turns its attention to the heart of the SUV game with the latest Q5, Q5 Sportback, and SQ5
The A6 and A6 e-tron were Audi’s way of resetting the business saloon, and the new Q5 family is the brand doubling down on where many Singaporean drivers actually live: in the premium mid-size SUV lane. The third-gen Q5 and second-gen Q5 Sportback have now landed on our shores, joined by a freshly fettled SQ5 performance flagship, all based on Audi’s new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), and all partially powered by efficient, partially electrified engines.
At the core of the line-up is the Q5 SUV, Audi’s long-time bestseller and the brand’s most important mid-size model globally. In this latest iteration, the proportions are cleaner and tauter: a higher and wider grille, sculpted headlights, and a strong shoulder line that visually stretches the car, while aerodynamic details such as air curtains and an optimised underbody help it slip through the air more cleanly than before.
Inside, the cabin follows Audi’s human-centric design philosophy, with a wide, horizontal dash, generous soft-touch materials and plenty of clever stowage, from a larger centre-console cubby to multiple USB-C ports for both rows.
The power on this comes from a 2.0-litre engine delivering 204 hp and 340 Nm, paired with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. In Singapore, buyers can choose between a front-wheel drive or a quattro all-wheel drive, both supplemented by a 48-volt mild hybrid system that can briefly add up to 18 kW while trimming consumption and emissions.
For those who like their practicality to arrive with a sweep of theatre, the new Q5 Sportback takes the same footprint and gives it a more coupé-like silhouette. The roofline now arcs downwards from the B-pillar into a crisply cut tail, with a sloping rear window and slim light strip that visually stretches the car.
The result is a Q5 that looks like it’s moving even when parked, yet still offers up to 515 litres of luggage space (and a rear bench that folds for up to 1,415 litres of load space).
Crowning the range is the SQ5, available as part of the broader Q5 family and aimed at drivers who want their family SUV to feel a little more sporty. Under the bonnet sits a 3.0-litre V6 that churns out 367 hp and 550 Nm of torque, good for a century sprint timing of 4.5 seconds, and topping out at an electronically limited 250 km/h.
Signature S details signal the extra intent; more muscular bumpers, distinctive exhaust treatment and larger wheels, while adaptive chassis tuning keeps the everyday ride polished.
Regardless of trim, you get Audi’s new Digital Stage: a curved OLED setup pairing the Audi virtual cockpit with a large central MMI touch display, plus an optional 10.9-inch passenger screen with privacy tech that lets your co-pilot manage navigation or media without distracting the driver.
The new Q5 range is now on display at the Audi House of Progress on 18 Cross Street, where members of the public can view the cars and book test drives. And the starting prices: S$347,999 for the Q5, S$380,999 for the Q5 Sportback, and the SQ5 joins the line-up from S$460,999, with the SQ5 Sportback from S$470,999—all prices inclusive of COE.
