2025 Audi SQ5: Why This 'Subtle' Redesign Is Actually A Digital Revolution | Cars & Bikes | Forbes

ForbesAbout 3 min readMar 2, 2026Watch original
THE SUMMARYAI-generated

Key Concepts

  • 2025 Audi Q5/SQ5: Redesigned luxury SUV models from Audi.
  • Quattro: Audi’s standard all-wheel drive system.
  • Virtual Cockpit: Audi’s customizable digital driver display.
  • MMI Touch Response: Audi’s multimedia touchscreen system.
  • Light Signature Customization: New feature allowing personalized exterior and interior lighting.
  • Voice Assistant: Improved voice-activated assistance system ("Hey Audi").
  • Passenger Screen: Optional screen for passenger entertainment.

Powertrain and Pricing

The 2025 Audi SQ5 represents a complete redesign of Audi’s best-selling model, the Q5. The SQ5, the sport edition, has a starting price of approximately $55,000, with the top-of-the-line edition reaching around $74,000. The standard Q5 is powered by a V6 engine delivering 268 horsepower, while the SQ5 boasts a more powerful V6 producing 362 horsepower. The video emphasizes that while the horsepower figures are significant, a key selling point is the vehicle’s advanced lighting system.

Exterior Design Updates

Audi implemented subtle exterior design changes for the 2025 Q5. These modifications aren’t immediately apparent, requiring a close inspection to fully appreciate the updates. The focus of the redesign was not a radical aesthetic shift, but rather refinement of the existing design language.

Interior Redesign and Technology

The interior of the 2025 Audi Q5 has undergone a complete redesign. The SQ5 variant features distinct sporty details alongside advanced technology. A key element is the large, curved pane of glass housing both the driver display (Audi’s “Virtual Cockpit”) and the multimedia screen. The driver display is highlighted for its crisp, clear graphics and customization options. The multimedia screen has been redesigned with new functions and a refreshed look, maintaining the overall Audi aesthetic.

Audi’s “MMI Touch Response” system continues to be a central feature, providing intuitive control over vehicle functions. The video showcases the improved voice-activated assistance system, activated by saying “Hey Audi.” This system is described as faster, more flexible, and capable of understanding a wider range of commands. A new optional feature for 2025 is a dedicated screen for the front passenger. Further interior enhancements include a redesigned center console and a modern gear shifter. A panoramic sunroof, with partial and full opening options, is also standard.

Audi’s Technological Leadership

The video points out Audi’s role as a technology innovator within the Volkswagen Group. Features like the crisp driver display and touchscreen technology were initially introduced in Audi models before being adopted by other brands within the group. However, the video notes that buyers are often drawn to Audi vehicles primarily for their level of luxury relative to the price point, rather than specifically for the underlying technology.

Quattro All-Wheel Drive System

All versions of the 2025 Audi Q5 come standard with Audi’s “quattro” all-wheel drive system. This system is a defining characteristic of the Audi brand and contributes to the vehicle’s handling and performance.

Light Signature Customization – A Key Feature

A significant highlight of the 2025 SQ5 is the ability to customize the exterior and interior lighting. The system allows owners to create a unique “light signature” for both the exterior lights and the ambient lighting within the cabin, adding a personalized touch to the driving experience.

Sales Performance and Overall Appeal

The Audi Q5 has consistently been the brand’s best-selling model since its introduction, and Audi anticipates this trend will continue with the 2025 redesign. The combination of power, luxury, advanced technology, and the unique light show features are cited as key factors driving the vehicle’s popularity.

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