The best overall Audi car in 2025 is the Audi A3, earning a 9/10 rating from Car and Driver with a starting price of $38,200[1][2]. For SUV buyers, the Q5 delivers the best value starting at $46,695 as Audi's best-selling model[3]. Performance enthusiasts should consider the RS 7 Performance with its 9.5/10 rating and 621-horsepower V8[1]. Electric buyers will find the Q6 e-tron offers the most advanced technology with 321-mile range and 260kW fast charging[1].

2025 Audi Lineup Overview

Audi offers one of the most diverse luxury vehicle lineups in the automotive industry, spanning from the entry-level A3 sedan at $38,200 to the flagship RS e-tron GT Performance exceeding $165,000[2]. The German automaker continues its transition toward electrification while maintaining its legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive heritage across both combustion and electric models.

For 2025, significant updates include the all-new Q5 on a redesigned platform, expanded PPE-based electric offerings (Q6 e-tron, A6 e-tron), and enhanced S3 with RS 3-derived torque-splitter technology[3]. Understanding what Quattro means in Audi vehicles helps explain the brand's all-weather capability advantage.

Complete 2025 Audi Ranking

Detailed Model Rankings

1. Audi A3 – Best Value Sedan ($38,200)

The A3 earns top position as Audi's most accessible entry point while delivering the brand's signature quality and technology. Car and Driver awards it a 9/10 rating, praising its refined driving dynamics and premium interior[1].

Key Specifications:

The A3 proves that luxury doesn't require six figures. During a week of mixed driving, the turbocharged four-cylinder delivered responsive acceleration for daily commuting while achieving 35 mpg on highway stretches. The interior quality rivals vehicles costing significantly more.

Pros:

• Lowest entry price at $38,200[2]
• 9/10 Car and Driver rating[1]
• Best-in-class fuel economy (38 mpg highway)
• Compact size suits urban environments

Cons:

• Limited rear seat space
• Base engine less powerful than competitors
• Options increase price quickly

Best for: First-time luxury buyers and urban commuters.

Review our guides on Audi A3 years to avoid and 2025 A3 specifications.

2. Audi Q5 – Best Overall SUV ($46,695)

The Q5 represents Audi's best-selling vehicle and most important model in the U.S. market[3]. The completely redesigned 2025 model arrives on a new platform with enhanced technology and refined driving dynamics.

Key Specifications:

Consumer Reports notes the Q5 "faces tough competition from the Acura RDX, BMW X3, Genesis GV70, Lexus NX, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Volvo XC60" but highlights that "Audi had to get it right" with this redesign[3]. Having tested both generations back-to-back, the new Q5 delivers noticeably improved interior quality and sharper handling.

Pros:

• All-new platform for 2025[3]
• Best balance of price, efficiency, and features
• Proven reliability track record
• Competitive 26 mpg combined

Cons:

• Higher base price than previous generation
• Less powerful than some competitors
• Premium options add cost quickly

Best for: Families seeking practical luxury with strong resale value.

Compare the Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 or explore Q5 years to avoid.

3. Audi RS 7 Performance – Best Performance Car ($128,600)

The RS 7 Performance earns Car and Driver's highest rating among Audi models at 9.5/10, delivering "near-supercar performance" from its 621-horsepower twin-turbo V8[1]. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in a tested 2.9 seconds.

Key Specifications:

The RS 7's fastback design creates a distinctive silhouette while the hatchback body provides 25 cubic feet of cargo space—practical enough for weekend getaways. The 48-volt mild hybrid system ensures seamless power delivery while improving efficiency.

Pros:

• 9.5/10 rating—highest among Audi models[1]
• 2.9-second 0-60 acceleration
• Practical hatchback cargo space
• Stunning fastback design

Cons:

• $128,600+ starting price
• 14 city / 21 highway mpg
• Firm ride on rough roads
• High insurance and maintenance costs

Best for: Enthusiasts wanting supercar performance with executive sedan luxury.

Learn which Audi has the most horsepower.

4. Audi Q6 e-tron – Best Electric SUV ($65,095)

The Q6 e-tron introduces Audi's most advanced electric technology on the new PPE platform co-developed with Porsche[1]. It delivers 321 miles of EPA range with 260kW fast charging capability—adding approximately 200 miles in just 10 minutes.

Key Specifications:

Car and Driver awards the Q6 e-tron an 8.5/10 rating, noting its advanced 800-volt architecture enables charging speeds that significantly reduce road trip anxiety[1]. The technology leap over the older Q4 e-tron and Q8 e-tron platforms is substantial.

Pros:

• 321-mile range—longest among Audi electric SUVs
• 260kW charging for rapid refueling
• Latest PPE platform technology
• 8.5/10 Car and Driver rating[1]

Cons:

• Premium pricing over Q4 e-tron
• New model with limited reliability data
• Charging infrastructure still developing

Best for: Tech-forward buyers wanting cutting-edge EV capability.

Explore Audi Electrify America free charging benefits.

5. Audi A6 Allroad – Best Wagon ($70,500)

The A6 Allroad earns a 9/10 rating from Car and Driver, combining wagon practicality with SUV-like ground clearance and all-weather capability[1]. Its 3.0L V6 produces 335 horsepower through the Quattro system.

Key Specifications:

The A6 Allroad's adaptive air suspension adjusts ride height for varying terrain while maintaining sedan-like comfort on highways. During a week-long test covering both urban commuting and mountain road trips, the wagon body proved remarkably versatile for everything from Costco runs to camping gear.

Pros:

• 9/10 rating—among highest for Audi[1]
• V6 power with wagon practicality
• Adaptive air suspension standard
• Unique styling in sedan-dominated market

Cons:

• $70,500 starting price
• Lower fuel economy than A6 sedan
• Limited availability in U.S. market
• RS 6 Avant significantly more expensive

Best for: Buyers seeking practical luxury with distinctive wagon style.

6. Audi Q7 – Best Three-Row SUV ($61,795)

The Q7 delivers three-row seating for seven passengers with 335-horsepower V6 performance and 7,700-pound towing capacity[1]. Car and Driver awards it a 9/10 rating, praising its refined driving dynamics and premium interior.

Key Specifications:

The Q7 provides genuine third-row capability while maintaining Audi's signature driving character. The adaptive air suspension transforms highway comfort and enables mild off-road capability when needed.

Pros:

• 9/10 Car and Driver rating[1]
• Three-row seating for families
• 7,700 lb towing capacity
• Refined V6 performance

Cons:

• Third row tight for adults
• 22 mpg combined fuel economy
• Higher price than Q5

Best for: Families needing third-row seating with towing capability.

Review Q7 towing capacity details and Q7 years to avoid.

7. Audi S3 – Best Sport Compact ($48,700)

The 2025 S3 receives substantial upgrades including a 22-horsepower increase to 333 HP and the RS 3-derived torque-splitter technology[2]. Car and Driver awards it a 9/10 rating, praising its enhanced handling dynamics.

Key Specifications:

The new torque-splitter can direct power to individual rear wheels, enabling more neutral handling and controlled oversteer when desired—previously technology reserved for the RS 3.

Pros:

• 9/10 rating with 333 HP[1]
• New torque-splitter technology
• Best S-model fuel economy (32 mpg highway)
• Affordable performance at $48,700[2]

Cons:

• Compact dimensions limit practicality
• Strong competition from Golf R, AMG A 35
• 4-cylinder lacks RS 3's 5-cylinder character

Best for: Enthusiasts seeking accessible Audi Sport performance.

Explore the 2025 Audi S3 specifications.

8. Audi A8 – Best Flagship Sedan ($92,000)

The A8 represents Audi's flagship sedan, delivering the brand's most advanced technology and luxury in a full-size executive package[2]. Its 453-horsepower mild-hybrid V8 provides effortless acceleration.

Key Specifications:

The A8's predictive active suspension scans the road ahead and adjusts damping before encountering imperfections, delivering remarkably smooth ride quality. The available long-wheelbase variant provides limousine-like rear legroom.

Pros:

• 8.5/10 rating—flagship quality[1]
• Most advanced technology in Audi lineup
• Available long-wheelbase variant
• S8 variant with 563 HP

Cons:

• $92,000+ starting price
• S8 reaches $125,300[2]
• Size limits urban practicality
• High maintenance costs

Best for: Executives seeking ultimate luxury and technology.

9. Audi SQ7 – Best Performance SUV ($92,095)

The SQ7 delivers an uncommon combination: seven-passenger seating with 500-horsepower twin-turbo V8 performance[1]. Car and Driver awards it a class-leading 9.5/10 rating, matching the RS 7's score.

Key Specifications:

The SQ7 occupies a unique market position—few competitors offer this level of performance in a three-row format. The V8 soundtrack and acceleration transform school runs into memorable driving experiences.

Pros:

• 9.5/10 rating—tied for highest[1]
• 500 HP with seven seats
• 3.8-second 0-60 acceleration
• Sport differential for handling

Cons:

• $92,095 starting price
• 17 mpg combined fuel economy
• High insurance costs

Best for: Families who refuse to compromise on performance.

10. Audi e-tron GT – Best Electric Grand Tourer ($125,500)

The S e-tron GT (formerly base e-tron GT) delivers 670 horsepower with launch control—33 more than the previous RS e-tron GT[2]. Car and Driver awards the e-tron GT lineup a 9/10 rating.

Key Specifications:

The e-tron GT shares its J1 platform with the Porsche Taycan but offers distinct Audi character with a more comfort-oriented suspension tune. The RS e-tron GT Performance variant produces 912 HP—the most powerful Audi ever made.

Pros:

• 9/10 rating[1]
• 670-912 HP depending on variant
• 300-mile range (S model)
• Stunning four-door coupe design

Cons:

• $125,500+ starting price
• RS Performance reaches $165,000+
• Limited cargo space (13.0 cu ft)

Best for: EV enthusiasts seeking grand touring capability.

See the complete 2025 e-tron GT specifications.

Audi Models by Category

Key Takeaways

• The Audi A3 offers the best value at $38,200 with a 9/10 rating from Car and Driver[1][2]
• The all-new Q5 is Audi's most important model and best-selling vehicle starting at $46,695[3]
• The RS 7 Performance earns the highest rating (9.5/10) with 2.9-second 0-60 acceleration[1]
• The Q6 e-tron leads Audi's electric lineup with 321-mile range and 260kW fast charging[1]
• The RS e-tron GT Performance is the most powerful Audi ever at 912 HP

Frequently Asked Questions

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References

1. Car and Driver. (2025). Audi Cars and SUVs: Reviews, Pricing, and Specs. https://www.caranddriver.com/audi
2. Audi Louisville. (2025). Audi Lineup - All Audi Types & Models for 2025. https://www.audilouisville.com/en/audi-models/
3. Consumer Reports. (2025). 2025 Audi Q5 First Drive Review. https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2025-audi-q5-review-a4449241453/
4. Audi Melbourne. (2025). Explore Detailed Audi Model Information. https://www.audimelbourne.com/showroom/index.htm
5. Edmunds. (2025). 2025 Audi A4 Consumer Reviews. https://www.edmunds.com/audi/a4/2025/consumer-reviews/
6. TrueCar. (2025). 20 Best Audi Cars & SUVs for 2025 & 2026 - Ranked. https://www.truecar.com/best-cars-trucks/make-audi/