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.
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.
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 made to appeal to 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.
2024 Audi Q5 Review
Audi’s Q5 SUV is the most-loved vehicle in the marque’s 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.
Exterior & Interior
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-generation 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-gen Q5 is significantly lower and wider than its predecessor. 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 looks very 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.
Specifications & Platforms
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 steering) 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 184.3/184.6 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.
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.
Charging
Audi could target a WLTP range of closer to 62 miles for the next-gen Q5 PHEV and an EPA-est. 35-mile range. Image: Audi 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.
2024 Audi Q5 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.