For much of the past two decades, the Q5 has been one of Audi’s most important models, quietly doing the heavy lifting while flashier RS badges grab the headlines. It’s the sensible choice, the family default, the one that keeps the spreadsheets healthy.
So when a new generation arrives, it isn’t just another product update. It’s a proper event for the brand, because if the Q5 gets it wrong, a lot more than pride is on the line.
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Last year, the Q5 wasn’t just doing well in the US, it was comfortably Audi’s best-seller, shifting 46,215 units. That’s roughly double the tally of the next most popular model, the smaller Q3, which tells you everything you need to know about where the real action is. It’s a big hitter in Australia too, so when the chance came up to see what the new 2026 model is made of, we didn’t need asking twice.
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There’s a lot to like about the new Q5, at least on paper. It looks sharp, promises efficiency, and carries all the tech you’d expect from a modern Audi. Spend more time with it, though, and the picture becomes slightly more complicated. It’s good, certainly, but as we discovered, it doesn’t always feel like it fully earns that premium price tag.
Range And Pricing
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
We only had the opportunity to test the new Q5 TDI, which is not sold in the US. In Australia, prices for this model start at AU$87,600 (US$61,600), meaning it’s the second cheapest version after the petrol-powered Q5 TFSI, which starts from AU$81,000 (US$57,400). Other models on offer include the Q5 TDI Quattro Sport (AU$94,100 / US$66,700), SQ5 Edition One (AU$106,400 / US$75,400), and SQ5 (AU$122,400 / US$86,700).
By comparison, the American range starts at US$52,800 for the base Premium TFSI Quattro S Tronic and extends to US$55,700 for the Premium Plus TFSI Quattro S Tronic, US$60,700 for the Prestige TFSI Quattro S Tronic, and US$65,400 for the SQ5.
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The example we tested was an optioned with AU$2,000 (US$1,400) Navarra Blue paint, the AU$5,400 (US$3,800) Premium Package, AU$4,900 (US$3,500) Style package, and a AU$3,500 (US$2,500) panoramic sunroof, bringing its price tag up to an eye-popping AU$104,000 (US$73,700) before on-road costs. Factor those in, and you’ll be looking at around AU$110,000 (US$78,000) that’s landed in your driveway.
Powering the new Q5 TDI is a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four working alongside a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The engine itself is good for 150 kW (201 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque, while the small electric motor adds an extra 18 kW (24 hp) and 230 Nm (170 lb-ft). Audi quotes a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 7.4 seconds, which is respectable.
Interior Design And Layout
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
The cabin of the new Q5 is pretty much a copy-and-paste replica of other new-generation Audi models, like the A5 and A6, which is no surprise as it’s also based on the same Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture. While we’re sure some will appreciate the familiarity across different models, equipping all of its new models with virtually the same interior says cost-saving to us.
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The interior is decent enough, although it does not feel fitting for an SUV that can easily cost six figures with a few options. No doubt, the highlight is the large curved display, which houses both the 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and the 14.5-inch infotainment screen.
Technology And Usability
Both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the infotainment display loads quickly and is easy to navigate. As with many new cars, all the climate controls are housed in the screen. In general, this is something most shoppers can live with, but it can be frustrating to use on the go.
Worse, it stopped working for one afternoon we were testing the Q5. To enter the climate control scene, you need to press a fan icon with the word ‘Menu’ at the base of the display. That icon wouldn’t respond for several hours, so I had no way to adjust the fan speed other than cycling through the Auto modes triggered by a separate icon.
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The new Q5 can also be configured with a display for the passenger, available through the AU$5,700 (US$4,000) Tech pro package. As we’ve found in other new Audi models, this screen is a neat feature. However, if you don’t opt for it, passengers will instead have to stare at a huge gloss black piece of plastic on the dashboard, which looks cheap.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Our tester included the no-charge Pearl Beige upholstery package, which helped give the cabin a very open, airy feel, aided by the large panoramic sunroof. However, the nice leather did little to hide the cheap plastics on the door panels and transmission tunnel. Fortunately, overall space and comfort in the front row are excellent.
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As part of the AU$5,400 (US$3,800) Premium package, the Q5 adds a head-up display, an excellent Bang & Olufsen audio system, configurable ambient lighting, 100-watt USB-C ports, and acoustic front windows.
Space And Practicality
The second row is also reasonably spacious, but best suited to children and smaller folks, which came as a surprise. Tall adults will have no issues with leg or toe room, but the thick pillars running on either side of the panoramic roof greatly reduce headroom.
I’m 6’2”, and my head was planted firmly against the headliner while sitting in the back. Cargo space is solid, with 520 liters (18.3 cubic feet) of space with the rear seats up, or 1,473 liters (52 cubic feet) with them folded down.
On The Road
While driving the new 2026 Q5 TDI for the first time, I was immediately impressed with just how smooth, quiet, and refined the diesel engine is, thanks in large part to the mild-hybrid tech. In fact, it’s almost hard to tell that it’s a diesel.
Diesels can often sound like truck engines, but you’ll need to open the Q5’s hood to notice any of that characteristic ticking. Behind the wheel, it feels every bit as civilized as a comparative petrol engine, but has the added perk of loads of torque low in the rev range, making it perfect for both inner-city use and while driving out on the open road.
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The mild-hybrid tech helps iron out any potential lag in throttle response you might otherwise get with the diesel and ensures the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission feels sophisticated, regardless of the driving scenario. It also helps give the Q5 TDI an extra dose of power right when you need it, making it great for overtaking and merging onto highways.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
Fuel efficiency is also good. Audi says the new Audi Q5 can average 5.4 l/100 km (41.2 US mpg) over the combined cycle. Throughout my time with it, I averaged 5.9 l/100 km (39.8 US mpg) with a mix of urban and highway driving.
The ride of the Q5 TDI is on the firmer side of things, which came as a bit of a surprise but wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. It remains poised over bumps while retaining a slightly sporty edge, and is well up to the task of everyday driving duties. However, I would prefer it to be slightly softer. The steering has also been beautifully calibrated, offering just the right amount of resistance and providing plenty of feedback.
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Audi offers Balanced, Efficiency, Comfort, and Dynamic driving modes for the new Q5, although the TDI feels best kept away from Dynamic mode, preferring instead to chug away in the background, producing as little noise as possible.
Driver Assistance
Australian models are equipped with most of the driver assistance systems you’d expect, but there is a notable exclusion: active lane centering. Yes, whereas some older models, including the RS3, have this function locally, some newer PPC-based models don’t. This function is expected to be added soon, but it’s disappointing it’s not available at launch.
Verdict
We have no doubt that the Audi Q5 will be popular, but whether it sells in the same high numbers as its predecessor remains to be seen.
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Audi has nailed the turbo-diesel and mild-hybrid powertrain, allowing the Q5 to operate at low speeds in all-electric mode, which means the electric motor smooths out any potential roughness from the diesel engine. Working against the new Q5 is that it can get very expensive with just a few options, and the interior doesn’t feel as premium as it should.
