The discontinuation of the Audi R8 marked the end of not just the company’s top-performing vehicle but also one of its most attractive designs. Since then, the E-Tron GT has been the sole contender in Audi’s lineup for beautiful cars, but it too has lost its charm with recent updates. Fortunately, Audi has introduced a new standout model that is visually appealing: the 2025 Q5.
While the rise of midsize crossovers might seem tedious, it does appear to shape their aesthetic. Designers tend to focus on these vehicles when crafting brand identities. Audi’s traditionally awkward front-end proportions have come together nicely on the Q5.
The daytime running lights gracefully follow the contour from the front door through the fender to the bumper. The grille sizes harmonize with the overall front end, while the wheels are well-proportioned. The rear window’s angle blends seamlessly into the taillights, which protrude from the hatch. Audi’s designers have clearly put in dedicated effort to create an attractive midsize crossover.
Regrettably, the photos provided depict the vehicle with odd vignetting effects and subpar lighting, making it difficult to appreciate its beauty or discern details. While Audi’s design team excels, their photography does not seem to match that level of quality.
The interior of the Q5 falls short of the external beauty but remains an adequate space for passengers. The driver’s cockpit is designed with a focus on the driver, featuring inward-facing controls similar to a Corvette layout, complemented by a single display for the passenger. It boasts LED lighting, soft-touch materials along the doors, and an armrest beneath the touch screen for added comfort on uneven roads, a thoughtful touch from Audi.
However, the steering wheel buttons appear quite flat and may be sensitive to touch. Further testing is necessary to determine if they can be easily activated unintentionally. Moreover, the arrangement may allow front-seat passengers to change radio stations too easily, a minor inconvenience that feels akin to a flagrant offense.
In terms of performance, the Q5 is equipped with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine producing 268 horsepower, while the SQ5 features a more robust 3.0L six-cylinder engine delivering 362 horsepower. Both models are mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and powered by Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. It is important to note that Audi’s eye-catching “adaptive matrix LED headlights” will not be available in the U.S. and will revert to standard headlights until regulations change.
Details regarding fuel efficiency are still forthcoming for the U.S. market, but Audi promises to release these figures closer to the car’s launch date. Pricing information is also not yet available; however, the previous model started at $43,500, suggesting a possible increase due to the aesthetic appeal of the new model, though not excessively.
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