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Audi’s redesigned 2025 SQ5 delivers 362 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque—a 13-hp and 37-lb-ft bump over the outgoing model—good for a claimed 4.6-second sprint to 60 mph[1]. The new “Digital Stage” cabin with its curved 14.5-inch touchscreen and standard air suspension across all SQ5 trims elevate the ownership experience[2]. But here’s the catch: MotorTrend called the SQ5 “about two seconds behind the commands of its driver,” noting it lacks the visceral engagement that enthusiasts crave[2]. At $64,800 to start, this is a supremely competent SUV—just don’t expect it to set your pulse racing[3].
Why This Review Matters
The compact luxury performance SUV segment keeps getting more crowded. Buyers cross-shopping the 2025 SQ5 typically consider the BMW X3 M40i, Porsche Macan, and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. Audi’s bestselling nameplate since 2009 needed a refresh, and the third-generation Q5/SQ5 (internally called B10) builds on the Premium Platform Combustion architecture—distinct from Audi’s EV-focused PPE platform[2].
What makes this redesign interesting is Audi’s approach: evolution over revolution. Exterior dimensions barely change, but the powertrain gets a significant boost, and that new Digital Stage cockpit looks genuinely futuristic. The real question? Whether these upgrades justify a price increase of roughly $6,000 over the outgoing model.
Key Specifications
| Category | 2025 Audi SQ5 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L Twin-Scroll Turbocharged V6[1] |
| Horsepower | 362 hp @ 6,300 rpm[1] |
| Torque | 406 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm[1] |
| 0-60 mph | 4.6 seconds (mfr est.)[2] |
| Transmission | 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch[4] |
| Drivetrain | Quattro AWD[4] |
| Fuel Economy | 19 city / 26 hwy / 22 combined mpg (est.)[2] |
| Wheelbase | 111.0 inches[2] |
| Curb Weight | 4,250-4,500 lbs[2] |
| Base MSRP | $64,800 (+ $1,295 destination)[3] |
| SQ5 Sportback | $67,600 (+ $1,295 destination)[3] |
Performance & Driving Dynamics
That 406 lb-ft of torque now arrives at 1,700 rpm—low enough for instant response when you mash the throttle[1]. Under the hood sits a revised 3.0-liter V6 with a twin-scroll turbocharger “nestled within the V,” which Audi claims improves throttle response and power delivery[4]. Real-world translation? Getting off the line isn’t a problem.
Launch control dumps the clutch hard, and quattro makes terrific traction[2]. One early owner compared it to “a combination of sports car and comfortable SUV”[5]. And honestly, that’s accurate—the SQ5 can hustle when pushed. Edmunds praised its “nimble handling” and noted the summer tires “deliver more handling potential than you’d need for a public road”[6].
Here’s what the spec sheet doesn’t tell you: once underway, the V6 suffers from what MotorTrend called “a soft feel, both from slight turbo lag and a lack of top end oomph, which is compounded by the transmission’s hesitancy to downshift into the powerband”[2]. The 7-speed S tronic is quick to upshift but reluctant to kick down when you want sudden acceleration. That two-second delay between throttle input and response? It’s real.
The new Balanced mode—slotted between Comfort and Dynamic—actually hits the sweet spot for most driving[1]. There’s also an Off-Road Plus mode that loosens stability control for gravel or snow. One owner tackled “4-5 inches of snow/ice… like a champ while other Tahoes were spinning out”[5]. The quattro system still earns its reputation.
Standard air suspension on every SQ5 is the big news. It adjusts ride height based on drive mode—lowering in Dynamic for better handling, raising in Off-Road for ground clearance[2]. Ride quality leans firm rather than plush on big bumps, but stays smooth over textured surfaces[2].
Interior & Technology
The so-called “Digital Stage” is what you notice first. An 11.9-inch gauge display and 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen curve toward the driver within a single enclosure[2]. On Prestige trim, a 10.9-inch passenger touchscreen replaces the blank plastic of lesser trims—letting your co-pilot navigate or control media without fighting for the center screen[2].
One early owner described sitting inside as feeling “like I’m in a spaceship”[5]. That’s not hyperbole. The curved displays, ambient lighting, and updated materials create a cockpit that genuinely looks like 2025, not 2020 with a refresh. Edmunds praised the “luxurious but restrained interior design”[6].
Digital climate controls now live at the bottom of the touchscreen—a move that usually triggers complaints. But Audi’s execution works: they’re responsive, clear, and always visible[2]. The voice assistant recognizes over 800 commands, which serves as a workaround when you need both hands on the wheel[2].
Premium Plus trim adds the Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, panoramic sunroof, Top View camera, and Virtual Cockpit Plus with advanced navigation[7]. Prestige piles on Matrix-design LED headlights, OLED taillights, head-up display, and heated rear seats[7].
The catch? That Prestige passenger screen feels like a gimmick[2]. It duplicates everything the center screen does—nice for road trips, but most buyers won’t use it after the novelty fades.
Cargo space grows slightly despite nearly identical exterior dimensions, plus larger door bins and center console storage[2]. Rear seat space remains competitive—though one longtime owner noted the Porsche Macan sacrifices cabin room for its engine/transmission layout, while “the Audi didn’t sacrifice” that space[5].
Trim Levels & Pricing
| Trim | Starting MSRP | Key Additions |
|---|---|---|
| SQ5 Premium | $64,800[3] | 362-hp V6, air suspension, 11.9″ digital cluster, 14.5″ touchscreen, full safety suite |
| SQ5 Premium Plus | $71,000+ | Bang & Olufsen audio, panoramic roof, Top View camera, Virtual Cockpit Plus[7] |
| SQ5 Prestige | $75,000+ | Matrix LEDs, OLED taillights, head-up display, heated rear seats, passenger touchscreen[7] |
| SQ5 Sportback | $67,600[3] | Same powertrains, sloped roofline, reduced cargo space |
Quick reality check: a well-equipped Premium Plus or Prestige easily crests $75,000 with options. The SQ5 Sportback adds nearly $3,000 for the coupe-like roofline but actually reduces cargo space compared to the standard SQ5[8].
What’s New for 2025
This is a full redesign, not a refresh. Key changes include:
- More power: 362 hp and 406 lb-ft (up from 349 hp and 369 lb-ft)[1]
- New transmission: 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch replaces the previous 8-speed torque converter[4]
- Standard air suspension: Now included on all SQ5 trims[2]
- Digital Stage cockpit: Curved dual-display setup with up to three screens[2]
- New drive modes: Balanced mode added; Off-Road Plus with hill descent control[1]
- Fresh styling: Slimmer headlights, taillight bar, deeper hood sculpting[2]
Competitors Compared
| Model | HP | Torque | 0-60 mph | 2025 MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Audi SQ5 | 362[1] | 406 lb-ft[1] | 4.6 sec[2] | $64,800[3] |
| BMW X3 M40i | 382 | 398 lb-ft | 4.4 sec | ~$62,000 |
| Porsche Macan S | 375 | 383 lb-ft | 4.4 sec | ~$72,000 |
| Genesis GV70 3.5T | 375 | 391 lb-ft | 4.8 sec | ~$55,000 |
The BMW wins on raw acceleration and steering feel. The Porsche corners harder—one owner called the Macan “the best cornering SUV or 4 door vehicle I’ve driven… the builders clearly thought out the suspension as though they were thinking about a 911”[5]. But the Macan also rides stiffer.
Where the SQ5 wins: rear seat space (especially versus the cramped GLC 43 and space-compromised Macan), infotainment quality, and ride comfort with the standard air suspension[5]. One detailed owner comparison found the SQ5’s MMI system “significantly more intuitive, user friendly, sharp displays, and just all around better than the Porsche or Mercedes”[5].
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- The 362-hp V6 delivers 406 lb-ft of torque from just 1,700 rpm—strong low-end punch for confident merging and passing without waiting for boost to build[1]
- Standard air suspension across all trims delivers the rare combination of sporty handling and genuine long-distance comfort that the Porsche Macan can’t match[2]
- The curved Digital Stage cockpit with up to three screens represents a genuine leap forward in interior technology and daily usability[2]
- Quattro AWD handles snow and adverse conditions confidently—owners report outperforming larger truck-based SUVs in winter driving[5]
- More rear seat space than the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 or Porsche Macan, making the SQ5 genuinely family-practical[5]
Cons:
- The V6 and dual-clutch transmission feel “about two seconds behind the commands of its driver”—lacking the visceral engagement enthusiasts want[2]
- Starting at $64,800 and easily exceeding $75,000 when optioned, pricing has climbed significantly over the previous generation[3]
- The 7-speed S tronic is hesitant to downshift, requiring manual paddle intervention when you want immediate power[2]
- Fuel economy estimates of 19/26/22 mpg don’t improve over the outgoing model despite the powertrain updates[2]
- Sport tires on 21-inch wheels wear quickly at $350+ per tire—a significant ongoing expense noted by previous-generation owners[5]
Final Verdict
The 2025 SQ5 does almost everything well. And that’s precisely the problem—it doesn’t do anything spectacularly. MotorTrend summed it up perfectly: “We still wish for more verve, especially in SQ5 guise, so that how it drives could be a reason to want it more”[2].
What you get is a supremely competent luxury SUV that accelerates quickly, handles confidently, rides comfortably, and wraps you in one of the best interiors in the segment. It’s pragmatic excellence—the automotive equivalent of a well-tailored suit that fits perfectly but doesn’t turn heads.
- Choose the 2025 SQ5 if: You prioritize interior technology and daily comfort, want the security of standard air suspension and confident all-weather traction, and value practicality over driving thrills.
- Look elsewhere if: Driving engagement matters more than refinement—the BMW X3 M40i steers sharper, and the Porsche Macan feels more alive through corners. Or consider the Genesis GV70 3.5T if you want similar performance at significantly lower cost.
For those interested in comparing model years, check out our reviews of the 2024 SQ5 and 2023 SQ5. And if you’re exploring Audi’s broader SUV lineup, our best Audi SUV guide breaks down which models suit different needs.
FAQs
What’s new on the 2025 Audi SQ5?
The 2025 SQ5 gets a full redesign with 362 hp (up from 349), 406 lb-ft of torque (up from 369), a new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, standard air suspension on all trims, and the new Digital Stage cockpit with curved dual displays[1][2]. The exterior receives slimmer headlights, a taillight bar, and deeper body sculpting while maintaining similar dimensions.
How much does the 2025 Audi SQ5 cost?
Is the 2025 Audi SQ5 faster than the previous model?
Yes—the 2025 SQ5 gains 13 horsepower (362 vs 349) and 37 lb-ft of torque (406 vs 369)[1]. Audi claims a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds, down from the previous model’s 4.7 seconds[2]. The new twin-scroll turbocharger improves throttle response, though reviewers noted the transmission can feel hesitant to downshift[2].
How does the 2025 SQ5 compare to the Porsche Macan?
The Macan handles sharper and feels more engaging through corners[5]. But the SQ5 rides more comfortably thanks to standard air suspension, has a more spacious rear seat since Porsche’s engine/transmission layout intrudes on cabin space, and delivers a more intuitive infotainment system[5]. The Macan starts roughly $7,000-8,000 higher.
Refernces
- Car and Driver. (2025). 2025 Audi SQ5 / SQ5 Sportback Review, Pricing, and Specs. https://www.caranddriver.com/audi/sq5-2025
- MotorTrend. (2025). 2025 Audi Q5 and SQ5 First Drive: With All Due Respect. https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2025-audi-q5-sq5-first-drive-review
- Audi Elk Grove. (2025). 2025 Audi Q5 Specs: Redesign, Performance & Feature Comparison. https://www.audielkgrove.com/en/2025-audi-q5-specs/
- Audi USA. (2025). 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback | Luxury Sport SUV. https://www.audiusa.com/en/models/q5/sq5-sportback/2025/overview/
- Edmunds. (2025). 2025 Audi SQ5 Consumer Reviews. https://www.edmunds.com/audi/sq5/2025/consumer-reviews/
- Edmunds. (2025). 2025 Audi SQ5 Prices, Reviews, and Pictures. https://www.edmunds.com/audi/sq5/
- Audi Pensacola. (2025). 2025 Audi SQ5 Review & Specs. https://www.audipensacola.com/2025-audi-sq5-specs-features-model-review-pensacola-fl.htm
- Drive. (2025). 2025 Audi SQ5 Review: Australian First Drive. https://www.drive.com.au/reviews/2025-audi-sq5-review/
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
