Audi’s New Q5 Is Slick, but the SQ5 Is Built to Scare BMW and Benz

Quick Highlights:

New Q5 and SQ5 arrive in Australia from $81,000 to $122,400
SQ5 delivers 270kW and hits 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds
New curved OLED display, 48-volt mild-hybrid tech standard
SQ5 adds massaging seats, 21-inch wheels, Bang and Olufsen audio
Undercuts X3 and GLC in price, beats both in interior tech

2026 Audi Q5 and SQ5 Take Direct Aim at BMW X3, Mercedes GLC

The 2026 Audi Q5 and SQ5 are officially on their way to Australia, and Audi has made it clear—this isn’t just a facelift. With a sharper design, new platform, and a major tech overhaul, both models are aiming straight at rivals like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Pricing and Range

The new Q5 kicks off at $81,000 (before on-road costs) for the front-wheel-drive petrol TFSI, rising to $94,100 for the diesel-powered TDI quattro Sport. The performance-focused SQ5 Edition One starts at $106,400, while the fully loaded SQ5 climbs to $122,400.

Model	Engine	Drivetrain	Price (AUD)
Q5 TFSI	2.0L turbo petrol (150kW)	FWD	$81,000
Q5 TDI quattro	2.0L turbo diesel (150kW)	AWD	$87,600
Q5 TDI quattro Sport	2.0L turbo diesel (150kW)	AWD	$94,100
SQ5 Edition One	3.0L turbo V6 petrol (270kW)	AWD	$106,400
SQ5	3.0L turbo V6 petrol (270kW)	AWD	$122,400

Available Colors for the 2026 Audi Q5 and SQ5

Australian buyers can choose from ten exterior paint finishes, ranging from clean whites to dramatic metallics. These include:

Arkona White (solid)
Mythos Black Metallic
Navarra Blue Metallic
Glacier White Metallic
Sakhir Gold Metallic
Ultra Blue Metallic
District Green Metallic
Tambora Grey Metallic
Grenadine Red Metallic
Daytona Grey Pearl

Metallic and pearl finishes may attract extra cost depending on the variant.

Powertrains and Performance

All Q5 variants now feature Audi’s 48-volt mild-hybrid tech, but don’t confuse this with plug-in hybrids—there’s no charging port here. Instead, the system aids efficiency and smoothness. The base TFSI puts down 150kW and 340Nm, while diesel variants get a punchier 400Nm of torque.

The SQ5 is the real headline-grabber, running a 3.0-litre turbo V6 producing 270kW and 550Nm. It sprints to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, undercutting both the X3 M40i and GLC 43 in pace—and that’s before the premium interior is factored in.

Interior and Technology

Inside, Audi’s new curved digital stage makes a strong first impression. Every Q5 gets an 11.9-inch digital cluster paired with a massive 14.5-inch OLED touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a new wireless phone charger with fan cooling come standard.

Upper trims add a Bang and Olufsen 3D sound system, ambient lighting, a head-up display, and in the SQ5, massaging, ventilated seats wrapped in diamond-stitched leather.

Features Breakdown by Trim

Q5 TFSI: FWD, Matrix LED headlights, heated leather seats, 19-inch wheels
TDI quattro: Adds AWD and diesel torque
TDI quattro Sport: 20-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, S line interior
SQ5 Edition One: Red brake calipers, black styling, Bang and Olufsen audio
SQ5: 21-inch wheels, massaging leather seats, OLED taillights, Tech Pro options

Packages and Customization

Audi’s add-on strategy is typical German precision. Buyers can opt for the Premium Package (B&O sound, ambient lighting, acoustic glass), Style Package (black trim, privacy glass), or Tech Pro Package (passenger display, OLED taillights, rear heated seats). The full-fat Carbon Style Package adds carbon mirror caps, spoiler, and interior trims for $9,200.

How It Stacks Against BMW and Benz

The Q5 undercuts the BMW X3 20i by $5,800 and the GLC 200 by $8,000—while offering a sharper interior and more tech. Meanwhile, the SQ5 delivers more horsepower and better 0–100 km/h times than the X3 M40i and GLC 43, while including more luxury equipment as standard. Both rivals start at higher price points and require additional spend to match the SQ5’s kit.

Verdict

The 2026 Audi Q5 range is no longer just safe and premium—it’s bold, well-equipped, and tech-forward. And the SQ5? That’s where Audi stops being polite. It’s quick, brutal, and dressed to provoke. BMW and Benz should be watching closely.

Full Feature List by Variant (For Reference)

Q5 TFSI 150kW (FWD)

2.0L turbo petrol, 7-speed dual-clutch
48V mild-hybrid
19-inch alloys, Matrix LED lights
14.5″ OLED display, 11.9″ Virtual Cockpit
Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Heated leather seats, tri-zone climate
Adaptive cruise, 360 camera, lane/side assist
S line exterior, ambient lighting

Q5 TDI quattro 150kW (AWD)

Adds quattro all-wheel drive
2.0L turbo diesel, 400Nm torque
All Q5 TFSI features included

Q5 TDI quattro Sport

20-inch Audi Sport wheels
Panoramic sunroof
Sport seats w/ S embossing
S line interior, flat-bottom steering
Black headliner, brushed aluminum trim

SQ5 Edition One

3.0L turbo V6, 270kW/550Nm
Red brake calipers, 20-inch black wheels
Bang & Olufsen 3D audio (16 speakers)
Stainless steel pedals, black styling
Flat-top/bottom steering wheel
Leather sports seats w/ S embossing
Rear privacy glass, ambient lighting

SQ5

Adds: 21-inch black wheels
Ventilated, massaging diamond-stitched front seats
Head-up display, Dinamica trim
Premium interior lighting, OLED taillights
Tech Pro Package included (heated rear seats, passenger screen, etc.)

Read More:

Source: Audi

FAQs

When will the 2026 Audi Q5 and SQ5 arrive in Australia?

They’re set to hit Australian dealerships in the coming weeks—Sportback versions will follow later in 2025, so the full lineup should be on sale by spring next year.