With 270kW on tap, Audi’s Q5 55 TFSI e quattro is the most powerful version of the SUV ever sold
The iconic Audi Q5 range steps up its game for 2023, bringing forth some notable tweaks and introducing exciting variants. A revisiting of pricing, reinstatement of the 35 TDI as a permanent roster member, and a fresh TFSI e plug-in hybrid variant constitute key highlights this year.
In the preceding year, Audi Australia debuted several 'Limited Edition' Q5 models in response to component scarcities and delivery difficulties. These models featured tweaked specs and pricing as compared to the core collection. Now, things appear to have stabilized.
The reemergence of the Audi Q5 35 TDI as a full-time player came in response to Australian consumers' enthusiastic reception to its Limited Edition version. Essentially, the 35 TDI mirrors the specs of the base 40 TDI quattro and 45 TFSI quattro, albeit with a toned-down state of tune and front-wheel drive replacing the all-wheel drive.
The line-up also welcomes the Q5 55 TFSI e, a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid variant that takes the reins as the most potent member, capable of delivering up to 55 kilometres of all-electric driving.
The core Q5 range, however, no longer boasts a six-cylinder engine option. The 50 TDI quattro, sporting a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel with mild-hybrid technology, has exited the local selection, leaving the SQ5 TDI as the only variant with a non-four-cylinder engine.
Pricing for the 2023 models has increased slightly since production began last year, fluctuating between $1,000-$2,500 depending on the variant. Both SUV and Sportback body styles remain available.
Drivetrain
The Q5 35 TDI Limited Edition takes the spotlight, slashing the price of the entry-level model to $68,350 plus on-road costs, while offering front-wheel drive for the first time in Australia's Q5 history. This version comes with a 2.0-litre diesel engine with reduced outputs of 120kW and 370Nm, down from 30kW/30Nm, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The 40 TDI and 45 TFSI come equipped with seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearboxes, 12-volt start-stop (mild-hybrid) systems, and all-wheel drive, paired with a 150kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder in the 40 TDI, or a 183kW/370Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder in the 45 TFSI.
The 50 TDI S Line Q5 wagon version comes with a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel V6, delivering 210kW and 620Nm to all four wheels through an eight-speed torque converter-type automatic transmission.
The Q5 55 TFSI e Quattro S Line or Q5 PHEV, the first Audi plug-in hybrid sold in Australia since the Q7 E-Tron large SUV was discontinued in 2018, is equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 195kW and 370Nm, combined with a 105kW/350Nm electric motor for a combined output of 270kW and 500Nm. This model can reportedly run from 0 to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.
Audi claims the 14.4kWh battery (net, or 17.9kWh gross) in the Q5 PHEV can deliver up to 55km of electric driving range based on European WLTP testing. The battery can be recharged from empty to full on a 7.2kWh AC home wallbox in approximately 2.5 hours, and charging through a 240-volt home power point is also feasible via one of the two cables that come with the car.
The flagship SQ The flagship SQ5 TDI is a performance-focused variant of the Q5 range, which offers plenty of power with a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel V6 that churns out 251kW and a mammoth 700Nm of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed torque converter-type automatic transmission. The SQ5 TDI is all-wheel drive, ensuring excellent grip and handling across various driving conditions. It can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 5.1 seconds, making it a truly impressive performer for its size and weight.
The Audi Q5 and SQ5 lines continue to uphold a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on Euro NCAP tests. Safety features affected by semiconductor shortages, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear autonomous emergency braking, and safe exit warning, are also absent from the Limited Editions. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to consult your local Audi dealer.
2023 Audi Q5和SQ5 Sportback Pricing (estimated drive away prices)
Q5 SUV
2023 Audi Q5 35 TDI: $75,247
2023 Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro: $82,912
2023 Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro: $83,227
2023 Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro Sport: $89,212
2023 Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro Sport: $90,577
2023 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line: $114,047
2023 Audi SQ5 TDI: $121,922
Q5 Sportback
2023 Audi Q5 Sportback 40 TDI quattro S line: $91,102
2023 Audi Q5 Sportback 45 TFSI quattro S line: $100,132
2023 Audi Q5 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro S line: $121,712
2023 Audi SQ5 Sportback TDI: $128,012
It is always recommended to check with your local dealer for exact pricing and availability details.
Availability is set to start from late June 2023 for Australian buyers. As with all new Audi models, the Q5 comes with a three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with extended warranty options available.
While the Audi Q5 range faces stiff competition from rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3, and Volvo XC60, its mix of style, performance, luxury, and now an extended range with more price points and powertrain options, makes it an enticing choice for customers seeking a premium mid-sized SUV.
2023 Audi Q5 standard specs includes:
19-inch alloy wheels
235/55 tyres
LED headlights
Keyless entry and start
Power tailgate incl. gesture operation
Heated exterior mirrors
Tri-zone climate control
Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Aluminium door sill inlays
Floor mats front, rear
Ambient lighting
12.3-inch virtual cockpit plus digital instrument cluster
10.1-inch MMI touchscreen infotainment system
Satellite navigation
Voice control
DAB+ radio
Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
8-speaker sound system, 100W output
Wireless phone charging
Audi connect plus Navigation & Infotainment*
Online traffic information
Destination entry via myAudi, Google Maps
Parking information
Weather
Fuel prices
Google Services
Audi connect plus Security & Assistance*
Car finder incl. remote signal
Remote lock, unlock
Emergency call
Online roadside assistance
Electric front seats incl. 4-way lumbar
Leather-appointed upholstery
*Audi connect plus service subscription valid for up to three years after delivery
2023 Audi Q5 Sport adds:
20-inch alloy wheels
Exterior mirrors with heating, folding, auto dimming, dipping
Panoramic sunroof
10-speaker Audi sound system, 180W
Driver seat memory
Heated front seats
Sport front seats
Assistance package
Adaptive cruise control incl. stop/go
Speed limiter
Traffic Jam Assist
360-degree cameras
2023 Audi Q5 S line adds:
S line exterior package
S bumpers front, rear
Tailgate spoiler
Red painted brake calipers
Rear privacy glass
Colour ambient lighting (30 colours)
2023 Audi SQ5 TDI adds:
21-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels
Matrix LED headlights
Dynamic turn signals
Quad tailpipe trims
19-speaker 755W Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system
Fine Nappa leather upholstery, diamond stitched
Electric steering column adjustment
2023 Audi Q5 price and specs: Entry-level diesel back for good
2023 Audi Q5 price and specs: Entry-level diesel back for good
Note – there are some minor spec differences between the Q5 and Q5 Sportback line-up, detailed below.
2023 Audi Q5 Sportback 40 TDI S line highlights over Q5 40 TDI:
Sport front seats
Exterior mirrors with folding, auto dimming, dipping
Black cloth headliner
Inlays in aluminium rhombus
Black gloss accent surfaces
Illuminated S line door sill trims
2023 Audi Q5 Sportback 45 TFSI S line adds over Q5 45 TFSI:
Fine Nappa leather upholstery, diamond stitched
Inlays in matte brushed aluminium
Pedals in stainless steel
Rear seat bench seat plus
Slide, recline functions
2023 Audi SQ5 Sportback TDI adds over SQ5 TDI:
Different 21-inch alloy wheel design
Options
Assistance package (Q5): $1,769
Assistance package
Adaptive cruise control incl. stop/go
Exterior mirrors with folding, auto dimming, dipping
Speed limiter
Traffic Jam Assist
360-degree cameras
Comfort package (Q5 Sport): $1,300
Electrically adjustable steering column
Rear seat bench plus
Slide, recline functions
Technik package (Q5 Sport, S line): $4,307
Matrix LED headlights
Dynamic front, rear indicators
Bang & Olufsen 755W 3D surround sound system
Head-up display
Rear privacy glass
Technik package (Q5 Sportback 45 TFSI S line): $5,000
Matrix LED headlights
Digital OLED tail lights incl. active graphics
Dynamic front, rear indicators
Bang & Olufsen 755W 3D surround sound system
Head-up display
Rear privacy glass
Beyond the optional packages, a wide range of single-item cost options are available depending on variant.
Colour
Ibis White
Brilliant Black (Q5)
District Green Metallic*
Floret Silver Metallic*
Glacier White Metallic*
Manhattan Grey Metallic*
Matador Red Metallic* (Q5)
Myth Black Metallic*
Navarra Blue Metallic*
Ultra Blue Metallic* (Q5 Sportback, SQ5)
Daytona Grey Pearlescent* (Q5 Sportback, SQ5)
*Premium paint costs $1531 extra for Q5 and Q5 Sportback. $NCO for SQ5