All-new Audi Q5 now on sale in Malaysia

The Audi Q5 has long been a pillar of the German brand’s presence in Malaysia. Since its local debut in 2009 (under the previous distributorship of Euromobil), the Q5 – one of Audi’s earlier SUVs – established itself as a premium compact SUV for those who found the Q7 too large but wanted more presence than the A4 sedan.

Over two generations, it transitioned from a niche premium offering to a high-volume seller, eventually including the sleeker Sportback bodystyle during the second generation’s facelift in 2021.

Now under PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM), the third-generation Q5 arrives to continue that momentum with a heavy focus on digitalization and a new platform.

2 versions
PHSAM offers the all-new model in two versions: the Q5 Advanced priced at RM352,990 and the Q5 Sportback S line at RM421,990. These prices are for vehicles sold with a standard 2-year unlimited mileage warranty; the extra-cost Audi Assurance Package extends coverage to 5 years along with 5 years of maintenance.

This latest Q5 is the first SUV from Audi to be built on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture. While the world moves toward electrification, Audi has used this platform to refine the traditional internal combustion experience, pairing it with significantly updated electronics.

The Q5 Advanced takes a more understated approach with 19-inch 10-arm aero wheels and an elegant vertical-slat grille. In contrast, the Sportback S line adopts the trendy coupe-SUV silhouette with a sloping roofline, 20-inch Audi Sport wheels, and more aggressive S line bumpers and grille trim.

State-of-the-art lighting technology has long been an Audi hallmark. The Matrix LED headlights provide precise and adaptive illumination of the road ahead, selectively activating individual LEDs to create optimal visibility at all times. The headlights also feature Digital Light Signatures and a Coming/Leaving Home light show, creating a unique experience.

Besides LED Rear Lights Pro, the Q5 Sportback S line also comes with a Next Generation Projection Brake Light, projecting a warning signal onto the rear window when braking, and alerting following drivers to improve overall road safety.

TFSI + quattro
Performance is provided by a 2-litre TFSI turbocharged 4-cylinder engine coupled to a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and the highly respected quattro all-wheel-drive system.

However, the two versions are tuned differently. The engine of the Q5 Advanced is tuned to produce 199 ps/340 Nm while the Sportback S engine produces 272 ps/400 Nm. To enable the driver to fully utilise this power, the SUV has a sportier suspension set-up which matches its more athletic exterior.

Additionally, Audi Drive Select allows drivers to tailor throttle response, steering weight and suspension characteristics – from relaxed cruising to dynamic command – while on the move.

Significant change within
The interior shows the biggest generational change, featuring what Audi calls a Digital Stage. The dashboard is dominated by a curved panoramic housing that contains a 14.5-inch OLED MMI touch display and an 11.9-inch Virtual Cockpit Plus for the driver.

For the first time, the Audi Assistant is integrated with ChatGPT, allowing for more natural voice interactions to adjust vehicle settings or provide information.

Practicality hasn’t been forgotten, as the Q5 Advanced offers 520 litres of boot space, while the Sportback sacrifices a small amount of utility for style with a volume that is 5 litres less.

Audi Pre Sense
Safety tech is comprehensive, largely managed by the Audi Pre Sense suite. A notable addition is the Rear Occupant Detection system, which provides alerts if a passenger (usually a small child or baby) is detected in the back seat after a forgetful driver has exited.

For those who prioritize mobile connectivity, the Sportback supports high-capacity charging up to 100W via USB-C in the rear, capable of powering laptops on the move.

The latest Q5 is available in several metallic shades including Grenadine Red and Mythos Black, with variant-specific options like Navarra Blue for the Advanced and Daytona Grey for the Sportback S line.

“This is progress you can see and progress you can feel. Two distinct variants, one shared promise: to be impressive, every single moment,” said Renate Noessler, Managing Director, PHSAM. “It embodies our vision of progress and our commitment to delivering the very best in design, performance, and technology. We are confident that the new Q5 family will set a new benchmark in the premium SUV segment in Malaysia.”

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