The Lincoln Corsair was treated to a mid-cycle refresh for the 2023 model year, one that brought forth revised exterior styling, new interior themes, tech updates, and a few other tweaks. However, the Corsair competes in a rather heated segment, one filled with viable competitors – including the Audi Q5. Now, the 2025 Audi Q5 has debuted as an all-new rival that looks familiar yet contains a fairly extensive list of updates.
Riding on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture, the 2025 Audi Q5 and the high-performance SQ5 look a lot like the existing models in many ways, though both sport a total redesign with a larger front grille, LED lighting, body creases that slim up its overall appearance, and a bevy of new wheel options. Out back, the crossover gets new OLED taillights that enable users to display all sorts of animations – at least, outside of the U.S.
Inside the cabin, the 2025 Audi Q5 and SQ5 have received quite a few big changes in terms of design and equipment. There are two screens present as part of what Audi calls the “Digital Stage” – a 14.5 inch unit that houses various controls like HVAC and audio settings, as well as an 11.9-inch driver information screen. There’s also a third, optional 10.9-inch screen for passengers, enabling them to watch videos or control infotainment.
In terms of powertrains, the 2025 Audi Q5 gets a 268 horsepower, turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder as standard, replacing last year’s entry-level 201 horsepower variant, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic rather than the outgoing model’s traditional eight-speed automatic. For those that want more, the SQ5 is powered by a turbocharged 3.0L V6 making 362 horsepower paired with the same gearbox. For now, at least, there’s no PHEV variant like before, while U.S. customers don’t get any kind of mild hybrid like Europeans, either, though electrified powertrains are expected to be added at some point.
Regardless, pricing for the 2025 Audi Q5 and SQ5 has yet to be announced, though both are expected to launch in mid-2025 in the U.S., some time after both arrive in Europe.
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Comments
Audi brings a Lincoln rival? Sorry, but the Lincoln came well after the Audi and the Audi is a class leader. Everyone else is the rival
The Audi requires premium fuel and cheated on their diesel emissions.
The Lincoln can run on regular fuel. Lincoln wins.
That’s a sharp looking ride.
SQ5 unfortunately is just down on power these days. It should be low 400s at this point. I get that they’re trying to protect margin in the Macan (or were until that went EV), but I think the Macan buyers are drunk on the P car Kool aid enough to not worry about it.
Before we bought our ’22 Corsair Grand Touring, we test drove several other makes, one being the Audi Q5. While we enjoyed the look of the Q5, we were sorely let down on the “cheapness” of the interior. We tested what was the top of the line model, but there was so much cheap plastic and flimsy surfaces, obvious holdovers from the basic VW parts bin. The ride was also very noisy and jarring compared to the Lincoln. I’m sure the Q5 is a nice car, but we wanted luxury, not sport, so we chose the Lincoln and we’ve been happy with that choice.