New 3rd Generation Q5 Towing Review. Maximum 3rd Generation Q5 towing capacity. Need an AUDI 3rd Generation Q5 towbar.

New 3rd Generation Q5 Towing Review. Maximum 3rd Generation Q5 towing capacity.  Need an AUDI 3rd Generation Q5 towbar.

2025 Audi Q5 (3rd Generation) – In-Depth Review and towing specifications

The 2025 Audi Q5 ushers in the third generation of Audi’s best-selling SUV, and with it, a bold redesign that reflects the brand’s transition toward software-defined vehicles, electrified drivetrains, and sharper design language. Underpinned by the new PPC (Premium Platform Combustion) architecture, the new Q5 doesn’t just evolve — it takes a confident leap into a more digital, premium, and tech-centric future. Here's a detailed breakdown of what Audi's latest compact luxury SUV brings to the table.

Exterior Design and Dimensions

Visually, the new Q5 breaks away from its somewhat conservative past with a more muscular, athletic design that balances elegance with modern aggression. Audi has introduced sharper lines, broader fenders, and a more upright stance. A significantly revised front fascia sports a bolder trapezoidal grille — now more integrated into the overall design — flanked by slimmer, matrix LED headlights with intricate internal graphics and animated lighting sequences.

The rear receives one of the most striking changes: full-width OLED taillights with customizable animations. These aren’t just cosmetic — they can display warnings to following traffic in case of sudden braking or emergency maneuvers.

Dimensionally, the Q5 is slightly larger than the previous generation. It has grown by about 1.5 inches in length and roughly an inch in width, which translates to more interior space, especially in the rear seat. The wheelbase remains similar, but packaging improvements provide better legroom and cargo flexibility.

Interior: Digital First, But Still Audi

Audi has pushed forward with its “digital stage” interior concept — a tri-screen setup that brings both flair and function to the cabin. The primary display is a 14.5-inch center touchscreen that handles infotainment, navigation, and vehicle settings. This is powered by Google’s Android Automotive OS, offering built-in apps like YouTube, Spotify, Google Maps, and even integrated Google Assistant. It also supports over-the-air updates and future app integration.

Behind the steering wheel is an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster — clear, crisp, and configurable, though some reviewers have noted that its customization options are more limited than AUDI’s iDrive cluster. On higher trims, a third 10.9-inch screen sits in front of the passenger, capable of media control and navigation input, with a privacy shield that makes it invisible to the driver to reduce distraction.

Despite the shift to digital, Audi retains some key tactile controls — such as a physical volume knob and drive mode selector. However, many secondary controls (climate, lighting, seat functions) have moved to touch-sensitive surfaces on the dashboard and doors. This has proven polarizing, with some owners praising the futuristic aesthetic, while others lament the loss of physical buttons and haptic feedback.

Materials remain top-tier: soft-touch upper dash, stitched leather or sustainable leatherette alternatives, Alcantara accents, and customizable ambient lighting with up to 30 colors. Piano black is used sparingly but still shows up on certain trims — a common target for criticism due to smudges and fingerprints.

Rear Seat and Cargo Versatility

Rear passengers benefit most from the Q5’s redesign. Audi has added a sliding and reclining bench seat as standard, allowing passengers to prioritize legroom or cargo space. Rear legroom is noticeably improved, making the Q5 a more viable family vehicle. USB-C ports (up to 100W), rear climate controls, and optional heated seats improve comfort.

Cargo space stands at 520 liters with the seats up, expanding to 1,473 liters when folded. The seats fold in a 40/20/40 split, adding flexibility for skis or longer cargo. A hands-free power liftgate is standard on most trims, and top trims add adjustable cargo floors and rail systems for organizing gear.

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2025 Audi Q5 Towing Capacity

The third-generation Audi Q5, redesigned for 2025, continues to offer respectable towing capacity for a compact luxury SUV. All combustion-powered versions of the Q5, including the performance-oriented SQ5, are capable of towing the same maximum trailer weight when properly equipped. A plug-in hybrid variant is expected later in 2025, with a slightly lower towing capacity due to its electric drivetrain components.

Standard Audi Q5 (2.0L turbocharged petrol, mild hybrid)
Maximum braked trailer towing capacity: 2,000 kg
 

Audi SQ5 (3.0L turbocharged V6 petrol)
Maximum braked trailer towing capacity: 2,000 kg
Despite its higher engine output and torque, the SQ5 retains the same towing limit as the base model. It benefits from improved towing dynamics thanks to the more powerful engine.

Audi Q5 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
Expected maximum braked trailer towing capacity: 1,200 to 1,600 kg
Final figures will be confirmed closer to launch. Plug-in hybrids typically tow less than their petrol counterparts due to the added weight of the battery and thermal management limitations.

General Towing Notes

• Adaptive air suspension (optional on some trims) automatically levels the rear of the vehicle when towing and improves ride comfort under load.
• Unbraked trailer towing capacity is typically limited to around 750 kg for all Q5 models.

Powertrains and Driving Experience

Base Engine:

The standard engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 producing 268 horsepower and paired with a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic. This represents a significant increase over the previous base engine’s 201 hp and provides noticeably more mid-range torque. All-wheel drive (Quattro) is standard across the lineup in most global markets.

Audi also integrates a mild-hybrid 48V system, which enables engine-off coasting, smoother auto stop/start, and improved low-speed efficiency. While this system won’t drive the wheels on electricity alone, it adds subtle polish to the driving experience and enhances fuel economy.

SQ5:

Performance enthusiasts will gravitate to the SQ5, which is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 generating 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. With its standard Quattro AWD and sport-tuned suspension, the SQ5 hits 0-60 mph in around 5.1 seconds. It also features larger brakes, sharper steering, and unique styling elements inside and out (quad exhausts, contrast stitching, etc.).

Plug-In Hybrid (Late 2025):

A plug-in hybrid variant is scheduled for a late 2025 launch. It will pair the 2.0-liter turbo-four with an electric motor for a combined output of around 362 hp and an estimated 23 miles of EV-only range. This setup offers a sweet spot for drivers who want efficiency without sacrificing performance.

Ride and Handling

The Q5 continues to straddle the line between sporty and comfortable. The base suspension is a well-tuned steel setup, while upper trims offer adaptive damping or optional air suspension. The latter provides height adjustability for off-road scenarios and self-leveling for heavy loads.

On the road, the Q5 exhibits minimal body roll, well-controlled damping, and a planted feel. The steering is light at low speeds and gains heft as you accelerate, but some reviewers note that it lacks the road feel of AUDI's Q5. Still, it's an excellent daily driver that feels confident in corners and serene on highways.

Notably, Audi has not added rear-wheel steering to the Q5, which some rivals (e.g., Genesis GV70, Mercedes GLC) now offer. This omission doesn’t hurt much in practice but does affect tight maneuvering and urban driving.

Technology, Safety & Driver Aids

Standard features on most trims include:

• Audi Virtual Cockpit
• Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
• Navigation with Google Maps integration
• Keyless entry and push-button start
• Power liftgate
• Audi Connect Plus with 5G LTE and Wi-Fi hotspot

Optional or trim-dependent features include:

• Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist
• Lane-keep assist and lane-centering
• 360-degree camera system
• Remote parking assist
• Augmented-reality navigation projection (via head-up display)

Audi’s semi-autonomous system ("Adaptive Cruise Assist") allows for hands-on Level 2 driving, especially useful in traffic. It’s smooth, predictable, and unobtrusive — one of the best in the class.

Market Position and Competitors

The 2025 Q5 finds itself in a highly competitive segment, going head-to-head with:

• BMW X3: Offers sharper driving dynamics, especially in M40i trim.
• Mercedes GLC: Arguably more luxurious, with a softer ride and flashier interior.
• Genesis GV70: Excellent value, strong design, and premium materials at a lower price point.
• Lexus NX: Hybrid reliability, but less refined in ride and interface.

Where the Audi shines is in its balance: it combines performance, design, and digital capability without feeling overwhelming or over-stylized.

Final Verdict

The 2025 Audi Q5 isn’t just a refresh — it’s a technological and philosophical leap for Audi. It embraces the digital future with Google-integrated infotainment, OTA updates, and voice AI while maintaining classic Audi traits like quattro handling, understated elegance, and high build quality.

That said, not all changes will please longtime fans. The move away from tactile controls toward capacitive surfaces and glossy finishes may alienate traditionalists. Similarly, the emphasis on digital-first features might be too much for drivers who value simplicity over connectivity.

Still, for most buyers, the new Q5 represents one of the most well-rounded packages in the premium SUV segment. It’s a compelling combination of refinement, innovation, and performance that positions it as a strong contender heading into 2026.

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