2026 Audi Q5 and SQ5 First Drive: Advancing Within Continuity

•    Auto123 gets in a first drive in the 2026 Audi Q5 and SQ5.

Malaga, Spain - The Audi Q5 is not only a mainstay in the German manufacturer's lineup, it’s been its bestseller for years. For 2026, the SUV gets a makeover with a third generation that builds on its reputation. A sharper design, updated technologies, and refreshed engines make it a serious contender for the title of benchmark model among compact luxury SUVs.

So how does this new opus measure up against rivals the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo XC60?

2026 Audi Q5 - What's new?

Mindful of its flagship model's sales prowess, Audi certainly didn’t want to upset its customer base. True to form, the brand chooses progress, but nothing radical. The biggest change might be that the Q5 is the brand's first product on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) platform.

Beyond that, Audi revised the suspension and steering for better driver involvement. The engines we already know add mild hybridization, increasing power output in the process.

Read more