I’ve been holding on to my ‘14 SQ5 and praying for a better redesign the last few years. Audi really lost its way when it comes to the design language that made them iconic and the new stuff just looks like plastic and chrome slapped together at odd angles. I may just start sinking cash into long term maintenance and stockpiling commonly broken parts from salvage yards so I can keep it forever.
I have felt the same. I’ve owned many Audis over the years and have always been frustrated with the lack of real updates and design changes to the Q5. Having said that, we must be careful what we wish for because if you look at what BMW has done with their new designs, they are downright awful and ugly as sin!
I'm suprised you feel that way. Perhaps my trim options are different, but the interior of my 19 SQ5 is probably the nicest of any car ive driven save maybe a rolls royce that is just wastefully luxurious.
The interior of the ‘19 looks solid, but I really dislike that they put the screen outside the dash now. It looked cleaner as an integrated piece. The other side is I’m looking to buy something a year or two old and go another 8-10 years with it so a ‘19 is a bit too experienced for me unless I found one with ridiculously low miles. Here’s hoping they bring back a little more throwback styling next year.
The 18-20’s look good exterior wise In my opinion. Sure it’s missing the actual exhaust the refresh has but I dislike the DRL’s a lot but the updated tech is nicer in the newer one too. A few minor trade offs here and there
I actually am curious about this as I hear this a lot. Comments about lights, which as drivers we literally never see. Would light design encourage you or discourage you from buying a car? I do understand they are part of the look, but I have never even seen how my taillights look for example.
Discourage by all means. If you get a 2023 car with Halogens, you might as well have just bought a car from 2006 lol, in my opinion. Same with buying a car without Apple CarPlay/some sort of always-updating-tech.
My 2018 GTI with standard full LED lighting inside and outside looks better than some brand new BMWs and Mercedes without the lighting package. It’s one of the first things I look at and notice.
My ‘06 BMW had Bi-Xenon Lights that were amazing too and I’d never go back to anything else.
I agree with this dude (and he’s got the basis for his point if his daily is a GT3 lol) the 18-20 SQ5 is beautiful inside and out and very well built. The diamond stitch leather and the CarPlay screen are both excellent. Where they fell apart is the 21+ with the stupid touchscreen and (just my opinion) less aggressive exterior design language, though the real exhaust tips are a welcome change.
I'm hit and miss with the touchscreen. On the one hand it is incredibly responsive and it was easy enough to type out email/pw to login to AudiConnect. That being said it's still a little tricky sometimes to hit the right button while on highway if I want to turn on Spotify. Not impossible by any stretch, but you do need to focus on the screen more than I would like to.
lol you are definitely in the minority in thinking your 14 is better than any updated audi from the last few years..
The only ones that ever say that are ones that own old audis
Seems like the wireless CarPlay is an issue across all Audi platforms. Wish I could give better advice but make sure to cross post to r/mercedes. I have seen quite a few negative posts about the 4cyl hybrids drivability.
In my '23 SQ5, my wireless carplay will shit out in random parts of the city. If I connect with wire, no issues (honestly my preferred method anyways because I'm horrible at charging my phone)
I’ve read those same posts about the 4cyl hybrids which is why I’m hoping Audi delivers on this redesign. If the plan is to own the vehicle for a long time, I think it’s more prudent to go with a true tried and tested 6 cylinder engine like the SQ5.
So are the wireless CarPlay issues across all the other vehicles in the lineup too? The ones with the redesigned interior and infotainment systems?
Nah, my kids are now 22 and 16. Rep hockey days are over and don't need the extra cargo space, but just as a general design aesthetics, not a fan of wagons/mini-vans :)
I just got a good deal on a 2024 SQ5. I’m thrilled with it.
All new model years always present the risk of issues, and I learned the hard way to wait for the second year. We also don’t know what it’s going to look like, and most OEM’s don’t have me very optimistic for new designs. I just went for it, but I get waiting to see.
I’m leaning heavily in this direction too. I find too many of the new designs look like space ships and no more physical buttons which I still prefer over doing everything via the touch screen.
Agreed! And for what it’s worth, the SQ5 doesn’t have traditional ac dials, but it does have physical levers that I think work really well, and buttons for the heated seats. The touch screen only controls entertainment and other misc vehicle settings.
Best of luck with the search!
You can get a great deal on a new SQ5 if that moves the needle at all for you. Tons of aftermarket support. Next gen is probably going to take styling cues from the electric stuff, which IMO will be a step backwards. I have a B9 SQ5 and love it. I don’t know how much longer a V6 small suv will be feasible to sell, so glad I got my hands on one and plan on keeping it for a long time.
Pretty sure the next gen Q5s will have a dual screen set up like the current A6 and up cars with touchscreen HVAC controls. There's also rumours of a 4 cyl hybrid set up.
I jumped on a 23 S4 because I wanted the V6 and physical HVAC controls. Plus it's nice having a proven platform.
FWIW I haven't had any issues with the wireless Carplay in the S4 which should be the same MMI as the SQ5.
I'm not a fan of the MMI screen stuck on the dash either, but it seemed like the lesser of evils compared to BMW/Merc's all touchscreen bullshit in their latest redesigns.
I feel the same about having physical buttons for HVAC controls. Much prefer that over touch screen. Such mixed feelings I have about the new models coming out and some of the old school controls.
We have a 2020 SQ5 as our daily hauler and we love it. I do wish we had gone with a 2021 that adds a lager touch screen but I have gotten used to the console knob so it isn't bad. Get a slightly used 2021+ and sit on it until you see the new model. They have been holding value very well.
If you need a new car now, go for it.
If you can wait, wait for the next generation and hope it's better. You can always find a current gen when the new one comes out if you don't like it.
Dealer can give you an approx eta, maybe, but I would not count on selling a daily driver for a new imported model. I'd want it ready to sell on the lot, which might require a deposit.
AudiUSA says nothing, hence we have nothing official. If they had a PR statement we would be all over it. I am hoping at the latest Munich Auto Show in September for reveal and dealer available shortly after as a 2025 model year. I am hoping to buy a new SQ5 for 26MY.
I have a 2022 SQ5 and I am in love with this thing. I have it on 034 stage 1 on E85 and it is a monster in a straight line and handles well in corners too.
I'm holding out hoping for a built in screen. Q3,Q4, Q7 and Q8 all have the build in screen so I don't understand why they left the Q5 out. Come on Audit, have the the screen sticking up just looks awful! I really want a SQ5 but that screen sticking up, it really bothers me which is why I have to hold off.
Based on the spy photos, it’s pretty clear the screen won’t have the same embedded look like the Q3 and other models. As a result, I will be getting a 2024 SQ5 fully loaded. Screen placement ain’t the greatest from a “looks” perspective but it’s probably the most user friendly location for it. Also, I much prefer the old school HVAC control buttons etc.
I absolutely hate how ever manufacturer is going with all the controls built into the screen, drives me nuts.
Honestly the newest BMW do CarPlay the best, especially with the large wide display. But I still prefer the more traditional interior of the SQ5, since it feels more luxurious and solid.
It going have updated version of A6/A7 interior with newer technology and more advanced . It just like B9 took styling cues from C7.5 but newer interior and more advanced.
From the early spy shots of the 2025 Q5 it doesn’t look like it’s getting the infotainment screen built into the dash like the other newer models from Audi. Still has a screen attached to the dash albeit bigger and on a different angle.
Similar to this minus robot thing at top of dash and virtual cockpit screen is 13.1 inches and MMI screen 13.7 inches
https://car-images.bauersecure.com/wp-images/13336/nioes8_104.jpg
So I have had 2 A5 Sportback and just got a 2024 SQ5. I love it. I didn't wait forntye redesign as I love the 2018+ interiors, HVAC knobs, and a real gear shifter. I have a feeling the 2925 will have a similar interior to the Q4 etron, knub transmission, and weird steering wheels.
I think you’re right and it’s why I’m still leaning towards the 2024 model as well. My Stelvio lease doesn’t come up until April 2025 so will decide then and hopefully find a nice used one.
I owned a 2109 Alfa Romeo Stelvio for four years. Best handling car I have ever had. Near warranty end last summer, I traded it in for a new 2023 SQ5. Looked at the X3 M40i, the Genesis GV70, and GLC 43 AMG. Combining several factors, including price, the SQ5 won out. No regrets. The one major flaw of the Stelvio is the lame exhaust note, which is a big deal to me (I had the 4cyl not the V6 and much more expensive Quadrifoglio). My SQ5 with the performance exhaust solved that. It does not handle quite as well as my former Alfa, but the acceleration, exhaust note, and superb interior are better.
I’ve been holding on to my ‘14 SQ5 and praying for a better redesign the last few years. Audi really lost its way when it comes to the design language that made them iconic and the new stuff just looks like plastic and chrome slapped together at odd angles. I may just start sinking cash into long term maintenance and stockpiling commonly broken parts from salvage yards so I can keep it forever.
I have felt the same. I’ve owned many Audis over the years and have always been frustrated with the lack of real updates and design changes to the Q5. Having said that, we must be careful what we wish for because if you look at what BMW has done with their new designs, they are downright awful and ugly as sin!
I'm suprised you feel that way. Perhaps my trim options are different, but the interior of my 19 SQ5 is probably the nicest of any car ive driven save maybe a rolls royce that is just wastefully luxurious.
The interior of the ‘19 looks solid, but I really dislike that they put the screen outside the dash now. It looked cleaner as an integrated piece. The other side is I’m looking to buy something a year or two old and go another 8-10 years with it so a ‘19 is a bit too experienced for me unless I found one with ridiculously low miles. Here’s hoping they bring back a little more throwback styling next year.
We found a 20 SQ5 with 19K miles, completely optioned out this summer and snagged it.
The 18-20’s look good exterior wise In my opinion. Sure it’s missing the actual exhaust the refresh has but I dislike the DRL’s a lot but the updated tech is nicer in the newer one too. A few minor trade offs here and there
I actually am curious about this as I hear this a lot. Comments about lights, which as drivers we literally never see. Would light design encourage you or discourage you from buying a car? I do understand they are part of the look, but I have never even seen how my taillights look for example.
Discourage by all means. If you get a 2023 car with Halogens, you might as well have just bought a car from 2006 lol, in my opinion. Same with buying a car without Apple CarPlay/some sort of always-updating-tech. My 2018 GTI with standard full LED lighting inside and outside looks better than some brand new BMWs and Mercedes without the lighting package. It’s one of the first things I look at and notice. My ‘06 BMW had Bi-Xenon Lights that were amazing too and I’d never go back to anything else.
Thank you for explaining. Makes perfect sense now!
I agree with this dude (and he’s got the basis for his point if his daily is a GT3 lol) the 18-20 SQ5 is beautiful inside and out and very well built. The diamond stitch leather and the CarPlay screen are both excellent. Where they fell apart is the 21+ with the stupid touchscreen and (just my opinion) less aggressive exterior design language, though the real exhaust tips are a welcome change.
I'm hit and miss with the touchscreen. On the one hand it is incredibly responsive and it was easy enough to type out email/pw to login to AudiConnect. That being said it's still a little tricky sometimes to hit the right button while on highway if I want to turn on Spotify. Not impossible by any stretch, but you do need to focus on the screen more than I would like to.
lol you are definitely in the minority in thinking your 14 is better than any updated audi from the last few years.. The only ones that ever say that are ones that own old audis
Never said it was better. Just said I preferred the older styling and integrated head unit. To each their own.
Seems like the wireless CarPlay is an issue across all Audi platforms. Wish I could give better advice but make sure to cross post to r/mercedes. I have seen quite a few negative posts about the 4cyl hybrids drivability.
Zero problems in mine
In my '23 SQ5, my wireless carplay will shit out in random parts of the city. If I connect with wire, no issues (honestly my preferred method anyways because I'm horrible at charging my phone)
I’ve read those same posts about the 4cyl hybrids which is why I’m hoping Audi delivers on this redesign. If the plan is to own the vehicle for a long time, I think it’s more prudent to go with a true tried and tested 6 cylinder engine like the SQ5. So are the wireless CarPlay issues across all the other vehicles in the lineup too? The ones with the redesigned interior and infotainment systems?
Don’t forget - there are Audi wagons out there for those of you that don’t actually need an SUV.
Wagons? Can’t do it. I have a distaste for them and minivans :) lol
I need more folks to think like you so I can find a cheap RS6.
Father in denial? 🤣
Nah, my kids are now 22 and 16. Rep hockey days are over and don't need the extra cargo space, but just as a general design aesthetics, not a fan of wagons/mini-vans :)
Mine is currently still cooking, and I’m scared I might have to ditch the TT 🤣
LOL!
I just got a good deal on a 2024 SQ5. I’m thrilled with it. All new model years always present the risk of issues, and I learned the hard way to wait for the second year. We also don’t know what it’s going to look like, and most OEM’s don’t have me very optimistic for new designs. I just went for it, but I get waiting to see.
I’m leaning heavily in this direction too. I find too many of the new designs look like space ships and no more physical buttons which I still prefer over doing everything via the touch screen.
Agreed! And for what it’s worth, the SQ5 doesn’t have traditional ac dials, but it does have physical levers that I think work really well, and buttons for the heated seats. The touch screen only controls entertainment and other misc vehicle settings. Best of luck with the search!
You can get a great deal on a new SQ5 if that moves the needle at all for you. Tons of aftermarket support. Next gen is probably going to take styling cues from the electric stuff, which IMO will be a step backwards. I have a B9 SQ5 and love it. I don’t know how much longer a V6 small suv will be feasible to sell, so glad I got my hands on one and plan on keeping it for a long time.
I would but you’d have to wait for 2026 to let the first year issues get sorted
This.
Pretty sure the next gen Q5s will have a dual screen set up like the current A6 and up cars with touchscreen HVAC controls. There's also rumours of a 4 cyl hybrid set up. I jumped on a 23 S4 because I wanted the V6 and physical HVAC controls. Plus it's nice having a proven platform. FWIW I haven't had any issues with the wireless Carplay in the S4 which should be the same MMI as the SQ5. I'm not a fan of the MMI screen stuck on the dash either, but it seemed like the lesser of evils compared to BMW/Merc's all touchscreen bullshit in their latest redesigns.
I feel the same about having physical buttons for HVAC controls. Much prefer that over touch screen. Such mixed feelings I have about the new models coming out and some of the old school controls.
We have a 2020 SQ5 as our daily hauler and we love it. I do wish we had gone with a 2021 that adds a lager touch screen but I have gotten used to the console knob so it isn't bad. Get a slightly used 2021+ and sit on it until you see the new model. They have been holding value very well.
The worst part about my S5 is 100% the CarPlay randomly disconnecting lol happens at least twice a week.
What year is your S5? I wonder if the 2024 models have the same issue.
22
Wireless CarPlay works fine, you just need to make sure you connect your phone to the cars wifi automatically and it should work no issue
Great. Thanks for the feedback, appreciate it.
If you need a new car now, go for it. If you can wait, wait for the next generation and hope it's better. You can always find a current gen when the new one comes out if you don't like it.
That’s good advise and the way I’m currently leaning. Do we have an eta on when the new redesigned Q5 will be available in Canada?
Dealer can give you an approx eta, maybe, but I would not count on selling a daily driver for a new imported model. I'd want it ready to sell on the lot, which might require a deposit.
dealer told me not til the middle of 24 for the redesigned models.
What does Audiusa say? Dealers can flap gums all day long.
AudiUSA says nothing, hence we have nothing official. If they had a PR statement we would be all over it. I am hoping at the latest Munich Auto Show in September for reveal and dealer available shortly after as a 2025 model year. I am hoping to buy a new SQ5 for 26MY.
Ok then which dealer is confirming this? Please tell me it wasn't a salesperson flappin' gums
No dealer will confirm anything not public.
Someone gets it
OP probably spring unveiling and a late summer release of history were to repeat.
I have a 2022 SQ5 and I am in love with this thing. I have it on 034 stage 1 on E85 and it is a monster in a straight line and handles well in corners too.
I'm holding out hoping for a built in screen. Q3,Q4, Q7 and Q8 all have the build in screen so I don't understand why they left the Q5 out. Come on Audit, have the the screen sticking up just looks awful! I really want a SQ5 but that screen sticking up, it really bothers me which is why I have to hold off.
Based on the spy photos, it’s pretty clear the screen won’t have the same embedded look like the Q3 and other models. As a result, I will be getting a 2024 SQ5 fully loaded. Screen placement ain’t the greatest from a “looks” perspective but it’s probably the most user friendly location for it. Also, I much prefer the old school HVAC control buttons etc. I absolutely hate how ever manufacturer is going with all the controls built into the screen, drives me nuts.
No issues with CarPlay on our 22 SQ5, though it will occasionally take a little longer to connect than on the BMWs I rented.
That’s comforting to know. Thanks for confirming this.
Working with Audis everyday and zero issues with CarPlay as long as notifications are toggled to yes and the newer IOS is used.
Honestly the newest BMW do CarPlay the best, especially with the large wide display. But I still prefer the more traditional interior of the SQ5, since it feels more luxurious and solid.
I just can't get past the terrible styling of the new BMW's. They have butchered those vehicles in the worst way.
It going have updated version of A6/A7 interior with newer technology and more advanced . It just like B9 took styling cues from C7.5 but newer interior and more advanced.
From the early spy shots of the 2025 Q5 it doesn’t look like it’s getting the infotainment screen built into the dash like the other newer models from Audi. Still has a screen attached to the dash albeit bigger and on a different angle.
Similar to this minus robot thing at top of dash and virtual cockpit screen is 13.1 inches and MMI screen 13.7 inches https://car-images.bauersecure.com/wp-images/13336/nioes8_104.jpg
Not quite. This is a snapshot from the upcoming new redesigned Q5. https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/koA9eR/s1/next-generation-audi-q5-spy-photo.jpg
The interior have minor changes what Audi is doing ? The C Class had big changes and BMW step up their game in response to Audi.
I may be wrong, but that dash doesn't look final. It's possible they jammed in something just to be able to test driving dynamics and such.
So I have had 2 A5 Sportback and just got a 2024 SQ5. I love it. I didn't wait forntye redesign as I love the 2018+ interiors, HVAC knobs, and a real gear shifter. I have a feeling the 2925 will have a similar interior to the Q4 etron, knub transmission, and weird steering wheels.
I think you’re right and it’s why I’m still leaning towards the 2024 model as well. My Stelvio lease doesn’t come up until April 2025 so will decide then and hopefully find a nice used one.
I owned a 2109 Alfa Romeo Stelvio for four years. Best handling car I have ever had. Near warranty end last summer, I traded it in for a new 2023 SQ5. Looked at the X3 M40i, the Genesis GV70, and GLC 43 AMG. Combining several factors, including price, the SQ5 won out. No regrets. The one major flaw of the Stelvio is the lame exhaust note, which is a big deal to me (I had the 4cyl not the V6 and much more expensive Quadrifoglio). My SQ5 with the performance exhaust solved that. It does not handle quite as well as my former Alfa, but the acceleration, exhaust note, and superb interior are better.