Saxtons | 15 September 2026

Audi Q5 Buying Guide: Understanding the Available Versions

The Audi Q5 has become one of the brand's most established premium SUVs, positioned between the smaller Q3 and larger Q7. Its appeal comes from offering useful family space and a comfortable driving experience without the dimensions of a full-size luxury SUV.

Over the years, Audi has produced the Q5 with an extensive choice of diesel, petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Buyers can also choose the more streamlined Q5 Sportback or move into the performance-focused SQ5 range.

As engines, model names and specifications have changed between generations, the used market contains plenty of different configurations. This guide looks at the principal Audi Q5 models and explains what separates them.

Audi Q5 SUV

The standard Audi Q5 uses a conventional five-door SUV body and seats five people. It offers a spacious cabin and useful luggage capacity while remaining manageable enough for everyday driving.

Second-generation examples are particularly common on the used market, with Audi offering TDI diesel, TFSI petrol and TFSI e plug-in hybrid engines. Many versions also feature quattro all-wheel drive and Audi's S tronic automatic transmission.

Models buyers may encounter include:

Audi Q5 35 TDI - A lower-powered diesel option aimed at drivers looking for economy and everyday usability.
Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro - One of the most widely available diesel Q5 models, combining a 2.0-litre engine with quattro all-wheel drive.
Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro - A more powerful four-cylinder petrol model offering brisker performance.
Audi Q5 50 TDI quattro - A six-cylinder diesel with significantly more power and torque than the four-cylinder TDI models.
Audi Q5 50 TFSI e quattro - A plug-in hybrid combining petrol and electric power.
Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro - A higher-output plug-in hybrid with stronger performance.
Audi Q5 Sportback - A coupé-inspired alternative with a more sloping roofline.
Audi SQ5 - The performance version of the range, offered with both petrol and diesel engines depending on age.

Audi Q5 35 TDI

The Audi Q5 35 TDI can be found among earlier examples of the second-generation Q5 and sits towards the more economical end of the diesel range.

It uses a four-cylinder diesel engine and is aimed primarily at drivers who want the practicality and premium feel of the Q5 without needing the stronger performance provided by the 40 TDI or six-cylinder diesel alternatives.

Depending on age, used examples can appear with specifications including:

Audi Q5 35 TDI Sport - A more understated specification focused on comfort and everyday usability.
Audi Q5 35 TDI S line - Adds sportier styling details inside and outside the vehicle.
Audi Q5 35 TDI Black Edition - Introduces darker exterior trim and a more distinctive appearance.

Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro

The Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro is one of the key models buyers are likely to see when searching for a used Q5.

Facelifted second-generation versions use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine producing 204 PS and 400 Nm of torque. It is paired with a seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive.

This combination gives the 40 TDI enough performance for everyday driving while retaining the characteristics that make diesel attractive for motorway journeys and higher annual mileages.

A broad selection of specifications is available:

Audi Q5 40 TDI Sport - Combines the diesel engine with a relatively restrained exterior design and useful standard equipment.
Audi Q5 40 TDI S line - Adds more pronounced exterior styling and S line interior details.
Audi Q5 40 TDI Edition 1 - A distinctive specification introduced with the updated second-generation Q5.
Audi Q5 40 TDI Black Edition - Uses black exterior detailing to create a more assertive appearance.
Audi Q5 40 TDI Vorsprung - A high-specification version with an increased focus on luxury, technology and equipment.

Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro

Drivers who prefer petrol power can consider the Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro.

Later second-generation examples use a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 265 PS and 370 Nm of torque. Combined with S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive, the 45 TFSI offers noticeably stronger acceleration than the four-cylinder diesel Q5 models.

Used versions can include:

Audi Q5 45 TFSI Sport - A well-equipped petrol Q5 with relatively subtle styling.
Audi Q5 45 TFSI S line - Combines the more powerful petrol engine with a sportier design.
Audi Q5 45 TFSI Edition 1 - Adds a distinctive selection of styling and specification upgrades.
Audi Q5 45 TFSI Black Edition - Features darker exterior elements for greater visual impact.
Audi Q5 45 TFSI Vorsprung - A high-specification petrol version with additional comfort and technology.

Audi Q5 50 TDI quattro

The Audi Q5 50 TDI quattro offers considerably more diesel performance than the 35 TDI and 40 TDI models.

It uses a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine producing 286 PS and 620 Nm of torque in later second-generation versions. The additional torque makes it particularly capable when accelerating at motorway speeds, travelling with heavier loads or towing.

Unlike the four-cylinder Q5 diesel models, the 50 TDI provides the smoother and more effortless character associated with a six-cylinder engine.

Depending on year and specification, used models may be available in S line, Black Edition, Edition 1 and Vorsprung forms.

Audi Q5 50 TFSI e quattro

The Audi Q5 50 TFSI e quattro introduces plug-in hybrid technology to the range.

Later second-generation versions combine a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 299 PS. They use a 17.9 kWh gross-capacity battery and retain quattro all-wheel drive through the vehicle's hybrid drivetrain.

The system allows shorter journeys to be completed using electric power when the battery is charged, while the petrol engine remains available for longer trips.

Examples on the used market include:

Audi Q5 50 TFSI e Sport - A more understated version of the plug-in hybrid Q5.
Audi Q5 50 TFSI e S line - Combines plug-in hybrid technology with sportier styling.
Audi Q5 50 TFSI e Edition 1 - Adds a distinctive specification and exterior treatment.
Audi Q5 50 TFSI e Black Edition - Introduces additional dark exterior styling.
Audi Q5 50 TFSI e Vorsprung - A highly equipped version with an increased focus on technology and luxury.

Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro

The Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro uses a similar plug-in hybrid layout to the 50 TFSI e but increases the overall system output.

Later versions produce 367 PS, giving the 55 TFSI e considerably stronger acceleration while retaining the ability to travel using electric power.

Its positioning makes it an interesting alternative for drivers who want performance without moving into an SQ5. It also provides a very different driving proposition to the six-cylinder diesel models.

Used specifications can include:

Audi Q5 55 TFSI e S line - Combines higher-output hybrid performance with S line styling.
Audi Q5 55 TFSI e Competition - A distinctive plug-in hybrid specification with a stronger emphasis on sporty styling.
Audi Q5 55 TFSI e Vorsprung - A high-equipment version combining plug-in hybrid performance with additional luxury and technology.

When comparing used TFSI e models, it is worth checking the exact battery specification and electric range because Audi updated the plug-in hybrid system during the second-generation Q5's lifespan.

Audi Q5 Sportback

The Audi Q5 Sportback offers an alternative body style for buyers who prefer a more coupé-inspired SUV.

It shares much of its platform, technology and engine range with the regular Q5 but uses a more heavily sloped rear roofline to create a sportier profile.

Second-generation used models can be found with several familiar Q5 powertrains, including:

Audi Q5 Sportback 40 TDI quattro - A diesel Sportback combining 204 PS with quattro all-wheel drive.
Audi Q5 Sportback 45 TFSI quattro - A petrol version with stronger acceleration and 265 PS.
Audi Q5 Sportback 50 TDI quattro - A six-cylinder diesel Sportback producing 286 PS.
Audi Q5 Sportback 50 TFSI e quattro - A plug-in hybrid version combining petrol and electric power.
Audi Q5 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro - The higher-output plug-in hybrid Sportback.
Audi SQ5 Sportback - The performance-oriented version with S-specific styling and chassis changes.

Audi SQ5 TFSI

Earlier second-generation Audi SQ5 models were powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine.

Producing 354 PS and 500 Nm of torque, the SQ5 TFSI offered a substantial increase in performance over the standard Q5 models. Power was sent through an eight-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive.

The SQ5 also introduced changes beyond the engine, including S-specific exterior styling, uprated chassis technology and a more performance-focused interior.

Used specifications may include:

Audi SQ5 TFSI - The standard performance model combining V6 petrol power with quattro.
Audi SQ5 TFSI Black Edition - Adds darker exterior detailing and distinctive alloy wheels.
Audi SQ5 TFSI Vorsprung - A higher-specification model with additional comfort, technology and chassis equipment.

Audi SQ5 TDI

Audi later changed direction with the SQ5 in the UK, moving from a petrol V6 to a powerful diesel engine.

Later second-generation SQ5 TDI models use a 3.0-litre V6 diesel with mild-hybrid technology, producing 341 PS. The combination of high torque, quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox gives the SQ5 rapid performance while retaining the relaxed characteristics of a large diesel engine.

The SQ5 TDI was also produced in both regular SUV and Sportback forms.

Audi SQ5 TDI - The standard-body performance diesel Q5.
Audi SQ5 TDI Black Edition - Adds a darker and more aggressive exterior treatment.
Audi SQ5 TDI Vorsprung - A high-specification version with additional equipment and chassis technology.
Audi SQ5 Sportback TDI - Combines SQ5 diesel performance with the Sportback's more streamlined roofline.
Audi SQ5 Sportback TDI Vorsprung - A high-specification combination of the Sportback body and SQ5 powertrain.

New-Generation Audi Q5

Audi has now moved the Q5 into a new generation, bringing significant changes to its design, technology and powertrains.

The latest Q5 uses Audi's newer Premium Platform Combustion architecture and introduces MHEV plus mild-hybrid technology across several combustion-engine versions.

In the UK, the new Q5 is available with 204 PS petrol and diesel engines. The petrol Q5 TFSI can be specified with quattro all-wheel drive, while the diesel Q5 TDI is also offered with quattro. Both use a seven-speed S tronic transmission.

The latest generation is once again available as a conventional Q5 SUV and Q5 Sportback, while a new SQ5 and SQ5 Sportback sit at the performance end of the range.

Audi has also introduced new Q5 e-hybrid models with a larger 25.9 kWh gross-capacity battery and combined outputs reaching 367 PS in the higher-powered version.

These latest models will become increasingly relevant to used Q5 buyers as more examples enter the second-hand market.

Which Audi Q5 Model Is Best?

There is no single Q5 that will suit every buyer, particularly because the range spans economical diesels, powerful petrol engines, plug-in hybrids and dedicated performance models.

For regular motorway journeys, the Q5 40 TDI quattro is one of the most straightforward choices. Its four-cylinder diesel engine provides useful torque without stepping up to the larger V6.

Drivers wanting greater diesel performance can consider the Q5 50 TDI quattro. Its six-cylinder engine provides considerably more torque and a smoother power delivery, making it particularly attractive for longer journeys.

If you can charge regularly, the Q5 50 TFSI e provides a balance between plug-in hybrid efficiency and everyday performance. The Q5 55 TFSI e is the more powerful choice for buyers who want the same hybrid flexibility with substantially greater output.

Body style is another consideration. The conventional Q5 SUV provides the classic shape and practicality associated with the model, while the Q5 Sportback offers a more heavily styled alternative.

At the top of the used range, the SQ5 TFSI provides V6 petrol performance, while the later SQ5 TDI combines strong acceleration with the long-distance ability of a powerful diesel.

Specification should also influence your decision. Sport models tend to have a more restrained appearance, S line introduces sportier styling, Black Edition adds darker detailing, while Vorsprung models generally sit towards the upper end of the equipment range. Edition 1 and Competition specifications can also be found on selected used Q5 models.

With so many combinations available, comparing the complete specification of individual vehicles is just as important as choosing the engine itself.

Find a Used Audi Q5 at Saxtons

Saxtons currently has used Audi Q5 models available across several engine and specification combinations, including diesel, petrol and plug-in hybrid examples.

Browse the latest used Audi Q5 models available at Saxtons to compare mileage, age, engine, equipment and specification. With significant differences between Q5 generations and individual vehicles, reviewing each car's complete specification and service history can help you identify the version that best matches your requirements.