2025 Audi Q5 And SQ5: Compelling Alternatives To The Ageing Gas-Powered Porsche Macan?

Enter the Gas-Guzzling 2025 Audi Q5

Redesigned from the ground up for 2025, the all-new Audi Q5, built on the German automaker’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) rolls up like a knight in slightly less shiny armor. Styling-wise, we’re talking a bolder grille, fresh set of LED headlights,, and taillights with animation capabilities. I’m not surprised to see this, as Audi is the pioneer of this lighting tech, going back to the first-gen R8.

But under the hood? the Q5 boasts a set of familiar power plants. The mid-size Audi SUV ditches its old 201-horsepower engine for a 268-horsepower mill with a 2.0-liter turbo four-banger. The more potent SQ5 steps things up with a 362-horsepower 3.0-liter V6, which should outrun most minivans at the stoplight. A plug-in hybrid version is coming later, but for now, it’s pure gasoline power. As for the Porsche Macan, the base model and Macan T offer the same 2.0-liter powertrain with 261 horsepower. The Macan S and GTS feature the larger 3.0 unit with 375 horsepower and 434 horsepower respectively.

2025 Audi Q5:

• Engine: 2.0-liter turbo I4

• Power: 268 hp

• Transmission: 7-Speed DCT

• 0-60 mph: 6.1 seconds (estimated)

• MPG: 26 combined (estimated)

• Starting MSRP: $47,400 (estimated)

Audi SQ5

• Engine: 3.0-liter turbo V6

• Power: 362 hp

• Transmission: 7-Speed DCT

• 0-60 mph: 5.1 seconds (estimated)

• MPG: 21 combined (estimated)

• Starting MSRP: $58,000 (estimated)

Inside the all-new Audi Q5 and SQ5, forget fiddling with knobs and buttons. These new models are all about touchscreens. You get a massive 14.5-inch control infotainment, while an 11.9-inch job displays your speed and other vitals. Feeling fancy? Opt for the head-up display and a passenger-side screen. The Macan meanwhile features a 10.9-inch central infotainment display and if you like the feel of tactile aforementioned buttons and knobs, you’ll find plenty of them in the gas-powered Macan. Here’s the deal on the specs (and what we expect on pricing):

Making A Case For The All-New Audi Q5

Starting at $62,900, the Macan continues to offer the undeniable prestige of a Porsche badge. But the upcoming Audi Q5, scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. by spring next year, should fight back with a more attractive price tag and decent performance. Where the Macan has timeless appeal and the promise of a more engaging driving experience, (it is a Porsche first after all); the latest Audi offers a modern and edgier style with even more cutting-edge tech on the inside. The Q5 and Macan have previously been known to share 20% of parts, so with the Macan, you truly are getting a very different experience. Having said that, while it might not be the most exciting option on paper if you prioritize practicality and affordability over pure brand cachet, the Q5 may just be the smarter choice.