2026 Audi Q5 Australia Review – Price, Hybrid, Interior, Performance and
The 2026 Audi Q5 now arrived in Australia with sharper looks, advanced hybrid tech, luxurious interiors, and bold performance. Explore our in-depth review on features, safety, capabilities, pricing, pros & cons, and why the Q5 remains a luxury SUV favourite.
A Story That Started in 2008
In 2008, Audi gambled. SUVs were on the rise, but in the premium mid-size category, there weren’t many options. BMW X3 was creating its niche, Mercedes had GLK outside the country, and Volvo was slowly catching on. Audi stepped into the fray with the Q5—a vehicle that succeeded in being both premium and practical.
Australians quickly embraced it. It was smaller and easier to drive than the Q7, but it carried the same quattro all-wheel-drive andtech and that subtle German style Audi fans love. By 2010, it had become one of Audi’s best-selling models globally—and Down Under, it fit perfectly with our mix of city commutes and coastal escapes.
Now, almost two decades on, the 2026 Audi Q5 is the third iteration of this success story. And unlike many sequels that fizzle, this one is larger, brasher, greener, and much more digital than before.
First Impressions: The Looks That Matter
Design is a personal taste, but Audi has never been in the business of “wild innovation” but always of “fine evolution.” The 2026 Q5 follows this philosophy.
From the outside, it wears a more confident face. The single-frame grille is larger and sharper, skirted by new HD Matrix LED headlights that look futuristic and adapt dynamically to conditions. The profile remains familiar—sleek, muscular, but never shouty. It’s the kind of SUV that says, “I’m successful,” without screaming, “I’m trying too hard.”
The rear sees slimmed-down OLED taillights that can display different light signatures depending on the mode you’re in. It’s a small touch, but it adds character. Wheel options now range up to 21 inches, giving it stance without sacrificing comfort.
The Cabin: Where Audi Still Leads the Pack
Step inside, and it’s clear why Audi interiors continue to set the standard in the class. The 2026 Q5 interior is contemporary but recognizable, digital but human, luxurious yet functional.
Here’s why it’s different:
Audi Digital Screen: An 11.9-inch driver’s displayblend with a 14.5-inch OLED touchscreen. The graphics are piercingly sharp, the response is instant, and the interface is finally less busy than before.
Passenger Entertainment: A 10.9-inch touchscreen for the front passenger. No more fighting over playlists—your co-driver can put on music or surf content while you drive.
Premium Materials: Soft-touch leather, aluminium trims, and accurate stitching. The cabin smells luxurious, and whatever you touch, it feels like it’s made to last.
Comfort & Space: Backseat riders are not left out—sliding and reclining back seats, plenty of legroom, and tri-zone climate control mean long trips don’t conclude with aching backs.
Mood Lighting: Ambient lighting that can be personalised makes the cabin either a business lounge or a nightclub, depending on your inclination.
All in all, the Q5 feels more like interior space and less like it’s inside a car.
Performance: Choices for Every Kind of Driver
Unlike some rivals stick with a “one size for all” approach, Audi’s 2026 Q5 range is varied and versatile.
Mild-Hybrid Petrol and Diesel
Both versions deliver around 150 kW, with the petrol (TFSI) being smooth and refined, while the diesel (TDI) provides torque-rich pull. They’re ideal for buyers who want efficiency without sacrificing Audi’s signature smoothness. Fuel economy figures hover around 5–6 L/100 km, making them practical for Australian commutes.
SQ5: The Powerhouse
This is the one die-hards will salivate over. Hiding under the bonnet is a 3.0-litre V6 turbo petrol with 270 kW and 550 Nm on tap. The payoff? 0–100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. Faster than some hot hatches, but wrapped up in an SUV body that accommodates kids, bags, and a golden retriever.
Q5 e-Hybrid Plug-In
The biggest addition. Aussies are embracing electrification, and the Q5 hybrid is meant to fill the middle ground. With a 25.9 kWh battery, it provides more than 100 km of electric-only driving—ideal for city commuting. But when you need to travel greater distances, the petrol engine kicks in, producing up to 270 kW combined. It’s simple to charge, as well: 11 kW AC wall box charges it in about 2.5 hours.
The e-Hybrid is the sweet spot for shoppers who need to future-proof but don’t want to fully commit to EV life.
Safety: Peace of Mind Standard
If a car’s going to cost more than $80,000, safety isn’t a choice—it’s a given. Luckily, Audi doesn’t disappoint.
The 2026 Q5 comes standard with:
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go
Lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring
Rear cross-traffic alert
360-degree cameras for squeezing into tight parking spots
A strengthened body and advanced airbag system
Driving the Q5 feels like having an invisible safety net around you. For families, that’s priceless.
Everyday Capability: The Real Audi Advantage
Australians love SUVs not just for city life, but for what they can do outside the city. The Q5 doesn’t pretend to be a hardcore off-roader like a Toyota Prado, but it doesn’t need to.
Quattro AWD provides grip in rain, gravel, or light off-road tracks.
Adaptive Air Suspension smoothes out the rough stuff on country roads and can lift the ride height if you require more clearance.
Boot Space gobbles up prams, sports equipment, surfboards, or a weekend’s camping gear.
It’s not about dominating the outback—it’s about being good enough for actual Australian life.
Pricing and Availability in Australia
Luxury never is cheap, and the Q5 is no different. But within its class, it presents solid value.
Q5 Petrol (TFSI): from ~$81,000
Q5 Diesel (TDI): from ~$87,600
Q5 Sport (diesel, premium spec): ~$94,100
SQ5 V6 Petrol: from ~$106,400, topping out at ~$122,400 fully loaded
Q5 e-Hybrid quattro: due in the first half of 2026, priced north of $100,000
Petrol and diesel variants are already on sale at dealerships across the country, while the hybrid is the one to watch for early adopters.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Luxurious and tech-driven interior
Wide selection of engines, including hybrid and high-performance SQ5
Strong safety suite
Audi brand prestige and resale value
Balanced ride comfort and handling
Cons:
Premium pricing
Options can quickly send the price sky-high
Not designed for hardcore off-road duty
Final Verdict: The SUV That Continues to Evolve
The 2026 Audi Q5 is testifying to how evolution can be beneficial. It is nottry to reinvent the wheel—it’s grind it, electrified it, and polish it until it shines. It’s a vehicle that’s desirable for families, executives, and enthusiasts alike.
If you want an SUV which appeases the style maven at a city café, glides through the Hume Highway with ease, and feels perfectly at home running down a dirt road to a seaside holiday house, the Q5 is your car.
The SQ5 is the ultimate choice for adrenaline junkies, and the soon-to-arrive e-Hybrid makes it clear that Audi is committed to sustainability. Competing against the likes of the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, the Q5 remains steadfast in its segment—arguably providing the best-rounded package in its division.
FAQs
Q: How much is the 2026 Audi Q5 in Australia?
A: The Q5 begins from approximately $81,000 before on-road, and the SQ5 goes over $120,000.
Q: Is the 2026 Audi Q5 available in hybrid?
A: Yes. The Q5 e-Hybrid quattro goes on sale early in 2026 with more than 100 km electric range.
Q: How quick is the new Audi SQ5?
A: The SQ5 sprints from 0–100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.
Q: What safety tech come on the 2026 Audi Q5?
A: It has AEB, adaptive cruise, lane assist, blind-spot monitoring, 360-degree cameras, and strengthened crash protection.
Q: When will the 2026 Audi Q5 Hybrid be released in Australia?
A: Audi confirmed that it will land in the first half of 2026
