Audi Q5 debuts in SA with bold new look and digital luxury
The third‑generation Audi Q5 is now on sale in South Africa, arriving in both traditional SUV and Sportback coupe silhouettes. The lineup offers ten variants, spanning standard and high‑performance trims, with choices of gasoline or diesel engines but no hybrid options.
New models and styling
All versions debut with a single‑frame grille that dominates the front fascia, giving the car a monolithic appearance. Standard equipment includes the S line trim and 20‑inch alloy wheels, while 21‑inch designs are optional in several finishes. Buyers can select from ten metallic paints, such as Sakhir gold, Grenadine red, and Tambora, plus a carbon‑style package for extra flair.
The cabin of the new Q5 introduces what is termed Audi’s most advanced interpretation of digital luxury of a new Digital Stage that seamlessly integrates an 11.9‑inch Audi virtual cockpit plus display and 14.5‑inch curved MMI touch display. An optional 10.9‑inch MMI passenger display is available, too, with independent control and an active privacy mode that isn’t distracting to the driver on the move. Premium materials, sculptural details and ambient lighting enhance the surroundings, which are fitted with sport seats, three‑zone climate control, wireless smartphone charging and more depending on trim: the S Line, the S line Black with hallmark black exterior detailing, and the SQ5.
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Optional Tech Plus and Tech pro trims are also available. The former brings OLED rear lights, remote park assist, a factory-installed dashcam and connected technologies while the former adds matrix LED headlights, adaptive cruise assist plus and other additional convenience and driver assistance technologies.
Powertrains and technology
Engine options begin with a 2.0‑liter TFSI gasoline unit delivering 200 kW, paired with quattro all‑wheel drive and a seven‑speed gearbox. The diesel counterpart, a 2.0‑liter TDI, produces 150 kW and 400 Nm of torque, also mated to quattro and a similar transmission.
The top‑end SQ5 carries a turbocharged 3‑liter V6 that outputs 270 kW and 550 Nm, sprinting from 0‑100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. It shares the quattro system but adds a sport‑tuned suspension for sharper handling.
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All models can be fitted with adaptive air suspension, which works with Audi drive select to adjust ride height and damping. Safety hardware is full, including adaptive cruise control, front emergency brake assist, cross‑traffic alerts, park assist plus, surround‑view cameras, side assist, exit warning, rear cross‑traffic assist, and the Audi Pre‑Sense suite.
The new Audi Q5 range is sold with the five‑year/100,000‑km Audi Freeway Plan.
PricingAudi Q5 2.0 TDI S Line — R1,275,000 Audi Q5 2.0 TDI S Line Black — R1,330,000 Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI S Line — R1,295,000Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI S Line Black — R1,350,000Audi Q5 SB 2.0 TFSI S Line — R1,365,000Audi Q5 SB 2.0 TFSI S Line Black — R1,420,000Audi SQ5 V6 TFSI — R1,510,000Audi SQ5 SB V6 TFSI — R1,580,000Audi SQ5 V6 TFSI Black — R1,565,000Audi SQ5 SB V6 TFSI Black — R1,635,000
