Audi S5 vs Audi SQ5

The S5 is the performance version of the A5, a compact luxury car equipped with a handy Sportback design that offers more utility than a traditional three-box sedan. With the 2026 S5, Audi attempts to right some technological wrongs, returning familiar controls to the car while introducing an all-new Multi Media Interface (MMI) infotainment system with AI-enhanced voice controls.

Verdict: Dull design and distracting technology are the trade-offs for the 2026 Audi S5’s thrilling dynamics and daily driver practicality. Nevertheless, the stealthy anonymity draws from a classic German sports sedan recipe, and buyers can choose not to use certain features.

Based on the redesigned 2025 Audi Q5, the SQ5 is a compact luxury crossover SUV that features styling, equipment, and mechanical upgrades to deliver a sporty, luxurious, and fun-to-drive experience. It comes in standard or Sportback body styles, the latter equipped with a racy roofline that doesn’t compromise passenger and cargo space as much as you expect. Upgrades with this redesign include a new vehicle architecture, more power, added practicality, and next-generation technology.

Verdict: Choosing a sport-tuned SUV over a sport-tuned sedan typically means making a dynamic compromise. The added weight and higher centre of gravity can make an SUV less enjoyable when the road turns twisty. With the 2025 Audi SQ5, that’s not the case. We like it more than the Audi S5 Sportback that shares its Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture.