2025 Audi Q5
After all these decades, people had grown quite tired of the old Audi front end. With the new design at the front, you have to give the manufacturer credit for a successful transformation after a few intermediate steps, without
abandoning the recognition of the brand.
The modular longitudinal matrix has been further developed into the Premium Platform Compact. One innovation we're noticing is a particularly sophisticated mild hybridization. In addition to the
usual electric drive at the belt pulley, there's also another one in the drivetrain.
Advantage: The latter also allows for driving (and starting) without the combustion engine, although it is limited in terms of speed. The vehicle is then always powered by just under 18 kW (24 hp), supplied with electrical
energy by a 1.4 kWh battery.
This also somewhat reduces the usual large luggage compartment capacity. Overall, with a weight of over two tons depending on the equipment, you shouldn't expect miracles in terms of fuel savings, although Audi once
again points to minor aerodynamic improvements.
There's also a version with all-wheel drive for a comparably modest €2,350. This further increases the CO2 footprint. The SQ5 will likely be available only with this drivetrain. The Sportback is generally €2,500
more expensive and has almost 60 liters less total luggage space.
For technicians, it's interesting to note that winter tires are also available on 17-inch rims, one inch smaller than the smallest tire configuration with summer tires. Due to their different cross-section, they have the same
circumference as summer tires. But Audi also denies these tires any grip on ice.
| The upper brake light is enlarged by projecting onto the shadow cast by the spoiler on the rear
window. |
Otherwise, this is a fine car with plenty of space and fine displays, including an optional display for the passenger seat. There's hardly any noticeable cost savings in less visible areas. The only thing missing is the plug-in
version, with at least twice the electric range of its predecessor (40 km).
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