Some media drives offer more than just scenic roads and spec sheets. The launch of the 2025 Audi Q5 and SQ5 in Aspen, Colorado, delivered both — and a reminder of how much your co-driver can shape your perspective.
After a relaxing breakfast in a stunning private home — which we later discovered on Zillow had sold for $69 million — we admired the mountain views from a dining room that was straight out of a luxury real estate dream. From there, we hit the road.
I started the day behind the wheel of the refreshed Audi Q5. Riding shotgun was my drive partner Kristen Shaw, who covers the automotive space with a particular focus on engineering and technology. While I tend to focus on everyday usability and driver feel, she zeroed in on things like turbocharger enhancements. That dynamic created a great balance during our test drive.
2025 Audi Q5: A Subtle Luxury Standout
The Q5 may not shout for attention, but that’s part of its charm. The design updates — a sharper grille, new LED lighting, and cleaner bumper treatments — refine the silhouette without overhauling it. This SUV seamlessly blends into daily life with elegance and delivers the kind of premium feel that Audi buyers expect.
Tech That’s Thoughtful, Not Just Flashy
The updated MMI system features a crisp touchscreen interface with haptic feedback. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and in our Prestige trim, Audi’s optional passenger infotainment screen was along for the ride.
That screen turned out to be surprisingly handy — not just a gimmick. Kristen used it to efficiently manage an Atlanta-inspired playlist she created on her Spotify account the night before. During our previous drive in the A5 and S5, I struggled to give her a clear picture of my favorite genre — something that actually caught both of us off guard.
But Kristen, having lived in Atlanta for nearly a decade after college, knew the cultural weight Atlanta carries in the music world. From the LaFace Records era of the 1990s to modern hip-hop and R&B, Atlanta’s sound has had a profound impact on the industry. So she leaned into that memory and curated a playlist that blended her love for Atlanta’s music with what she figured I’d appreciate.
The passenger screen made it effortless for her to browse, cue songs, and control playback — all without interrupting my drive. It was one of those moments where great tech meets real-life usefulness. She wasn’t just skipping tracks; she was setting the tone for the ride, and the system responded seamlessly.
Configuring safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, proved a little more frustrating, with a deeper learning curve than expected. Still, features like the “Hey Audi” voice command — which we eventually disabled — worked well for drivers who prefer hands-free control.
Ride and Comfort
The Q5’s seating is as comfortable as it is supportive, with good outward visibility and solid ergonomics. Ride quality is smooth and compliant, benefiting from updated steering hardware that gives better precision and road feel.
Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with mild-hybrid assist (261 hp), the Q5 moves with purpose. Turbo lag is still slightly noticeable, but throttle response has clearly improved compared to the previous generation. Shifts are smooth and unobtrusive, and road noise is well-damped, especially with the smaller wheel and tire setup on our tester.
While the Q5 isn’t trying to be an off-roader, we did take it over a rut-filled dirt road. Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive was unbothered, and the cabin stayed impressively tight — no squeaks, rattles, or vibrations.
2025 Audi SQ5: The Business Suit with a Hidden V6
Post-lunch fatigue was real — but the SQ5 was the perfect antidote.
Swapping into the sportier sibling of the Q5, the contrast was immediate. The 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 (362 hp) brings this SUV to life, with quick power delivery and a deep exhaust note that gives it real personality. The twin-scroll turbo is tuned for low-end torque and mid-range pull, offering sharp throttle response that keeps the SQ5 feeling alert in every driving mode.
This isn’t just about what’s under the hood, though — the SQ5’s design upgrades make its performance intentions loud and clear.
The front fascia is dominated by a more aggressive grille design with gloss black accents and functional side air inlets that aren’t just for show — they help manage airflow for cooling and aerodynamic efficiency. The lower valance is deeper and more sculpted, setting the tone for the SUV’s muscular posture.
Around back, Audi’s “iconic quad tailpipes with a new, sharpened design” are a visual signature, not just an afterthought. These functional outlets sit on both sides of a unique rear diffuser, emphasizing the SQ5’s performance DNA — and delivering a soundtrack worthy of its badge.
But the biggest difference? The stance.
I genuinely appreciated the larger 21-inch wheel and tire package, which completely transforms the SQ5’s personality. Combined with the adaptive sport air suspension, it sits lower, looks wider, and begs to be driven hard. It’s aggressive in all the right ways — a sharp contrast to the Q5’s quiet confidence.
In Dynamic mode, the ride height drops further, and the handling tightens up beautifully. Hairpin turns through the Colorado mountains felt less like SUV work and more like sports sedan play. The steering was quick, direct, and engaging — and yes, Kristen had to remind me of the speed limit more than once.
Inside the SQ5
Sport seats with massage function, contrast stitching, and a flat-bottom steering wheel bring the athletic theme full circle. The cabin is as refined as the Q5 but with added flair — a subtle reminder that this isn’t just an upscale crossover.
Second-row passengers enjoy adjustable seats with reclining backs, rear sunshades, and dual USB-C ports that support fast charging. Up front, we had a ventilated wireless charging pad that worked reliably during our all-day drive. Storage space in the cargo area has increased slightly, although it remains more compact and luxurious than full-on utility.
Prestige Trim Highlights (Q5 and SQ5)
• Audi MMI Navigation plus with 10.1” touchscreen
• Virtual Cockpit Plus (12.3”)
• Augmented Reality Head-Up Display
• Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound
• Heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats
• Quattro all-wheel drive (standard)
• Adaptive cruise with lane centering & intersection assist
• Rear sunshades, ambient lighting
• Fast-charging USB-C ports front and rear
• Ventilated wireless charging pad
• Optional passenger infotainment screen (Prestige only)
SQ5 adds:
• 3.0L V6 turbo engine (362 hp)
• Adaptive sport air suspension
• Flat-bottom steering wheel
• Quad exhaust outlets with sharpened design
• 21” wheels (available)
• Red brake calipers
• Sport front and rear fascia with functional vents
Final Thoughts
After spending several hours behind the wheel of both models — and nearly equal time as a passenger — I can say confidently that Audi has hit the mark with the updated Q5 and SQ5.
If you’re working your way up the corporate ladder or navigating life with a growing family, the Q5 Prestige is more than enough SUV — smooth, confident, and genuinely luxurious.
But suppose you crave more engagement behind the wheel and have an appreciation for traditional German performance. In that case, the SQ5 Prestige offers a level of driving satisfaction that’s hard to beat — all while keeping your daily comfort intact.
It’s no wonder the Q5 is a staple for the brand. And judging by this latest refresh, Audi isn’t apologizing for sticking with what works — they’re doubling down.
