Paris Motor Show 2024 Live: U.S.-bound new Audi Q5 levels up

The Audi Q5, the German automaker’s best-selling model worldwide, has undergone an overhaul to enter its third generation. As part of the company’s push to electrify its vehicle lines, the revised Q5 Hybrid variant should be a big part of the new global family.

This afternoon at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, I got to explore the next-gen Audi Q5. While the model on display was the diesel version, its core design and interior layout will carry over to the upcoming Plug-in Hybrid model. With that in mind, I took the opportunity to get a closer look and provide this preview.

Here’s everything we know and expect from the next-gen Q5 Hybrid, which should land in the U.S. for the 2026 model.

Design

The exterior design of the new Audi Q5 is strikingly familiar, and is a sharp evolution of the current design. The vehicle’s high shoulder line runs smoothly from the front to the back, giving it an elongated and powerful stance.

The Q5’s front is dominated by a wide Singleframe grille, flanked by vertical air curtains that improve its aerodynamic performance. I love the headlamps which give the Q5 a sharp and focused look.

At the rear, the clean and minimalist design continues with a light strip running across the width of the vehicle, connecting the taillights and emphasizing the SUV’s width.

The S model features twin round tailpipes, while other variants get either square or rectangular designs. Eleven color options are available, including Glacier White, Mythos Black, and the new Volcano Grey, with alloy wheel sizes ranging from 19 to 21 inches.

As for the new Q5 Plug-in Hybrid, we’re expecting minimal changes, with the most prominent being the additional charging flap on the fender.

Interior

The cabin offers a spacious feel with a fully adjustable rear seat, standard on S line trims and above, can be moved lengthways and tilted, increasing the boot capacity to 1,473 liters when folded. The dashboard layout is clean and functional, with a wing-like structure extending across its width.

The biggest highlight is Audi’s “Digital Stage,” featuring a 14.5-inch MMI touchscreen and an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit. On higher trims like Edition 1, a 10.9-inch MMI passenger display is available, enabling passengers to manage navigation and entertainment without bothering the driver. Sustainable materials like Cascade textile and Dinamica microfibre are used for the upholstery.

Besides the exclusive menus and special ‘EV mode’ option, we don’t expect any changes to the interior of the new Audi Q5 Hybrid.

My experience inside the new Audi Q5

Let me remind you that I’m in the new Audi Q5 TDI Quattro model, though I expect the plug-in hybrid version will feel very similar.

Stepping inside, it’s classic Audi, and instantly familiar. The seats are more comfortable than the current model, and once I adjust my seat, I find plenty of headroom. The shoulder and lumbar support are excellent, and while I initially thought the under-thigh support was lacking for a tall person like me (6 feet), the adjustable bolstering helps improve it significantly.

The flat-bottomed, flat-topped steering wheel feels grippy, though the piano black finish on the center console is a fingerprint magnet. The dashboard wraps around you, creating a cozy, sporty feel, with ambient lighting enhancing the atmosphere.

In the rear, knee room is still tight for taller adults, despite the scooped-out seatbacks. The backrest angle isn’t adjustable, which might be a downside for comfort for many people. The panoramic sunroof and ample natural light make the cabin feel open and airy.

Specifications

Audi is yet to detail the Plug-in Hybrid model, with the launch variants focusing on petrol, diesel, and mild hybrid power. The MHEV plus system includes a 48-volt electrical system that can recuperate energy during braking. It comes with optional adaptive air suspension for a smoother ride and enhanced handling.

In future, models with plug-in hybrid technology will expand the model family.

Audi, while announcing the new Q5 on September 2, 2024

Audi will likely offer a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with a plug-in hybrid system, which should also be available in the United States. The current model’s 14.4 kWh (net) battery pack provides an EV-mode range of 62 km/39 miles on the WLTP cycle and only 23 miles as per EPA’s test method.

Audi should install a new battery pack with an energy storage capacity of around 20 kWh in the next-gen Q5 PHEV for a significant improvement in the electric driving range. The company may target a WLTP range closer to 100 km/62 miles and an EPA-est. range of 35-40 miles.

Price & Release Date

Audi has confirmed that first customer deliveries of the new Q5 will begin in the UK in April 2025. In that market, prices range between £49,950 and £74,400 (OTR prices).

As for the U.S., Audi is expected to announce the details and prices early next year. The new Q5 is manufactured at Audi’s plant in San José Chiapa, Mexico.

Manufacturer estimated initial U.S. specifications are as follows, with full details being circulated closer to the U.S. on-sale date, in early 2025.

Audi USA on September 2, 2024, while detailing the world premiere of the new Q5

Sales

The Q5 is Audi’s highest-selling model worldwide. In the U.S., it was yet again the top-performing Audi in 2023, with sales of 74,145 units (YoY sales up by 18 percent). However, in the first half of 2024, its sales stood at just 24,571 units, 30% lower compared to the first half of 2023 (35,341 units). Audi would hope that the upcoming full model change would help the mid-size SUV regain its strength in the market in 2025.

No plans for an Audi Q5 Electric outside China

An all-electric Audi Q5 e-tron is available in China since mid-2022, but it will remain a country-specific product for the foreseeable future. For global customers looking for an all-electric Q5, the Audi Q4 e-tron or Audi Q8 e-tron may have some of the attributes they desire. Later this year, the company will begin sales of the Audi Q6 e-tron as well, which is an important launch for the four-ringed brand’s EV ambitions.

TopElectricSUV says

We expect the redesigned Q5 to offer more value for money. With compliance norms getting tougher, hybrids and plug-in hybrid electrification technologies aren’t disappearing anytime soon, and the next-gen Q5 will be a testament to that.

We’ll update this page as more information on the U.S.-spec Q5 Hybrid emerges.

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