All-new Audi Q5 makes PHL debut
THE AUDI Q5 is one of the more understated SUVs in its segment. But make no mistake, it鈥檚 one of the better ones. It has always been a no-nonsense example of a premium European SUV, and has rightfully enjoyed success in the Philippines sales-wise.
I鈥檝e had the pleasure of reviewing the previous generation, and I can say that the Q5 should be known for punching above its weight and size class. An all-new model was introduced globally last year, and finally, the Philippines is getting it, too.
ALL-NEW PLATFORM
We鈥檙e no strangers to brands advertising a new car as 鈥渁ll-new,鈥 but in reality is just a heavy rework of the older model. In the Q5鈥檚 case, this is a ground-up, brand-new, next-generation SUV. Interestingly, the Audi Q6 EV heralded the brand鈥檚 new Premium Platform architecture. The Q6 is the PPE (electric) while the Q5 is in the PPC (combustion).
Audi claims the PPC is a platform designed to maximize a longitudinal-layout, combustion-powered car. It has a new Electronic Architecture system that uses a high-performance electrical backbone, allowing the Q5 to have a 鈥渄igital stage,鈥 which can be seen in the interior, that now features curved LED displays, for the Philippine spec, though we won鈥檛 be getting the passenger side screen.
One claim to fame of any true Audi is the way it drives, regardless of the body type. The PPC platform makes the Q5 more rigid structurally, and uses stiffer axles for a much better steering feel and response. The suspension has also been reworked to offer better balance between sporty and comfort.
SUSTAINABLE FUN
Another feature of the PPC platform is that it鈥檚 an all-rounder and is future-proof, meaning that it can accommodate a variety of powertrains. There are even plans in the future for Audi to introduce a plug-in hybrid version.
For the Philippines, we get a 2.0-liter turbocharged in-line-four gasoline engine with a 48-volt battery pack. It makes 240hp and 340Nm of torque, and power is sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed transmission. The best thing about this powertrain is that it can run in full EV mode up to 28kph, which gives the Q5 coding exemption under EVIDA.
The Q5鈥檚 design has been skewed toward a more aggressive and sporty look. The front fascia is now more pronounced with a bigger grille and sharper lines and angles, as opposed to the older sculpted look.
Our local S-Line variant will have chrome-accented trims on the exterior, adding a bit of class to the otherwise sporty design. Overall, it looks very much like an Audi family member, but stands out just enough.
THE VARIANTS
The 2026 Audi Q5 will have two variants here, priced as follows: Audi Q5 Premium (P4.49 million) and Audi Q5 S-Line (P4.99 million). Initial stocks are set to arrive here in June or July.
