- Best buy (private + home charge): Q5 SUV e-hybrid 220 kW SE or S Line — ~€69k–€72k ROTR, ~100 km EV range, €150 tax.
- Best buy (high mileage, no charging): 40 TDI quattro SE — still the motorway diesel case; tow 2,400 kg braked.
- Company car: e-hybrid first — run BIK Calculator Ireland before you sign.
- Avoid: over-optioned Competition / 21″ wheel builds unless you want the look and accept tyre + residual cost.
- Family reality: SUV over Sportback; e-hybrid boot shrinks to ~438 L — fine for most, tight vs Kodiaq / RAV4.
At a glance — August 2026
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| New price (Ireland, ROTR) | ~€69,220–€89,655+ depending on body, powertrain and trim (Audi Ireland MY26) |
| Used (3 years old, FY gen) | ~€38,000–€55,000 typical DoneDeal / Carzone band |
| Motor tax — e-hybrid | from €150/year (CO₂ ~56–75 g/km) |
| Motor tax — 40 TFSI | from €270/year (CO₂ ~148–164 g/km) |
| Motor tax — 40 TDI quattro | from €420/year (CO₂ ~148–172 g/km) |
| Insurance | Premium mid-size SUV band — often €1,000–€1,900 for a 35-yo with 5+ years NCB (varies by insurer) |
| Real-world fuel — TDI | ~6.0–7.0 L/100 km mixed |
| Real-world fuel — TFSI | ~7.5–9.5 L/100 km mixed |
| Real-world — e-hybrid (charged) | mostly electric locally; ~6–8 L/100 km when battery flat |
| Boot (SUV ICE / e-hybrid) | ~520 L / ~438 L |
| Warranty | 3 years (Audi standard) — shorter than Kia / Hyundai rivals |
| Production | 3rd gen (PPC), San José Chiapa, Mexico |
Full specs — every drivetrain
Performance (Audi Ireland MY26 tech data)
| Variant | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | Drive / gearbox |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 TFSI 150 kW | 204 hp | 340 Nm | 8.6 s | 226 km/h | quattro ultra · 7-spd S tronic |
| 40 TDI quattro 150 kW | 204 hp | 400 Nm | 7.4 s | 226 km/h | quattro ultra · 7-spd S tronic |
| e-hybrid 220 kW | 299 hp | 380 Nm (system) | 6.2 s | 250 km/h | quattro ultra · 7-spd S tronic |
| e-hybrid 270 kW / Competition | 367 hp | 380 Nm (system) | 5.1 s | 250 km/h | quattro ultra · 7-spd S tronic |
| SQ5 TFSI | 367 hp | 550 Nm | 4.5 s | 250 km/h | quattro · tiptronic |
Dimensions & capacities
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Length | ~4,717 mm (SUV) |
| Wheelbase | ~2,828 mm |
| Height | ~1,662 mm |
| Kerb weight — TFSI / TDI | ~1,910 kg / ~2,030 kg |
| Kerb weight — e-hybrid | ~2,225–2,245 kg |
| Boot SUV (ICE) | 520 L · 1,473 L folded |
| Boot SUV (e-hybrid) | 438 L · 1,358 L folded |
| Boot Sportback (ICE) | ~470 L · ~1,388 L folded |
| Boot Sportback (e-hybrid) | 433 L · 1,300 L folded |
| Fuel tank — TFSI / TDI | ~65 L |
| Fuel tank — e-hybrid | ~55 L |
| e-hybrid battery | 25.9 kWh gross · 20.7 kWh net |
| e-hybrid EV range (WLTP) | up to ~100 km (220 kW) · ~92 km (270 kW) |
| Towing (TDI, braked 12%) | 2,400 kg |
| Towing (TFSI / e-hybrid) | 2,000 kg |
Emissions & efficiency (WLTP combined, Audi IE guide)
| Variant | CO₂ | Claimed L/100 km | Real-world note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 TFSI | ~148–164 g/km | ~6.5–7.2 | 7.5–9.5 mixed Irish roads |
| 40 TDI quattro | ~148–172 g/km | ~5.9–7.0 | 6.0–7.0 mixed; better on motorway |
| e-hybrid 220 kW | ~56–75 g/km | ~2.5–3.2 | Charge daily = mostly EV local; flat battery ≈ mid-size petrol SUV |
| e-hybrid 270 kW | ~60–77 g/km | ~2.6–3.3 | Same caveat — power costs range |
Why it sells in Ireland
- Default premium family SUV — between Q3 and Q7, the Q5 is the rings badge most Irish buyers can justify
- Strong Audi dealer network and PCP culture versus BMW / Mercedes in many counties
- quattro ultra on the drivetrains Irish buyers actually order — wet winters sell AWD stories
- e-hybrid finally delivers usable ~100 km EV range for school run + commute without a full EV leap
- Cabin polish, Virtual Cockpit theatre and residual familiarity on DoneDeal
- Sportback option for buyers who want SUV height with a coupe silhouette
- Towing credibility on TDI (2,400 kg) that volume hybrids rarely match
Did you know? — insider facts
Even in the last year of the previous generation, the Q5 was Audi's best-selling model worldwide — over 2.7 million units since 2008. That depth of production is why used parts, independent expertise and DoneDeal liquidity are all stronger than for rarer premium SUVs.
Current Q5 / Q5 Sportback / e-hybrid cars for Europe are produced at San José Chiapa, Mexico — the same plant that built previous-gen Q5s for many markets. Irish-spec LHD photos in brochures are normal; your car will be RHD.
Because PHEVs sit in the 9% VRT band on the MY26 list, the Q5 SUV e-hybrid SE (~€69,220 ROTR) can undercut the 40 TFSI SE (~€70,795 ROTR) before you even count fuel. That tax quirk is why company-car and private buyers both need to price the e-hybrid first — see Motor Tax Ireland and Company Car BIK Ireland.
Outgoing FY-generation plug-ins were 50 / 55 TFSI e. The new GU generation uses e-hybrid badging and a much larger battery (20.7 kWh net). Used ads still say TFSI e — that usually means previous gen with shorter electric range.
On TFSI, TDI and e-hybrid Q5s, quattro ultra can open the rear driveline for efficiency and reconnect when grip is needed. It is still proper Audi AWD for Irish winters — just not the always-locked system of older mechanical quattros or the SQ5's permanent setup.
Generation history (2008–2026)
| Generation | Years | Key Irish points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st (8R) | 2008–2017 | Created the premium mid-size SUV template; 2.0 TDI quattros dominate early used ads |
| 2nd (FY) | 2017–2024 | MLB Evo; Sportback arrives; 50/55 TFSI e PHEV; peak Irish Q5 volume |
| 3rd (GU / PPC) | 2024–present | New cabin / MMI; MHEV-plus combustion; e-hybrid with ~100 km EV range; MY26 Irish pricing live |
Most value used money in 2026 sits on late FY cars (2021–2024) — still modern enough, with known service patterns. Budget for DSG / S tronic history and, on TFSI e, a battery health check.
The drivetrain choice
e-hybrid quattro (PHEV) — the Irish tax / BIK fork
- 2.0 TFSI + electric motor; 220 kW (299 hp) or 270 kW (367 hp) system output
- 25.9 / 20.7 kWh battery; up to ~100 km WLTP electric range
- 0–100 in 6.2 s (220 kW) or 5.1 s (270 kW); top speed 250 km/h
- SUV from ~€69,220 ROTR (SE 220 kW); Sportback from ~€72,055
- Recommended if you charge at home or need company-car maths
40 TDI quattro — high-mileage / tow pick
- 2.0 TDI, 204 hp, 400 Nm; 7.4 s 0–100
- Real-world ~6.0–7.0 L/100 km; 2,400 kg braked tow
- SUV SE ~€77,450 ROTR; S Line ~€83,115
- Motor tax from €420 — the diesel tax penalty vs e-hybrid is real
40 TFSI — simplest petrol
- 2.0 TFSI, 204 hp, 340 Nm; 8.6 s 0–100
- SUV SE ~€70,795 ROTR; S Line ~€78,425
- Thirstier; best for lower annual km without a charger
SQ5 — performance halo
- 367 hp TFSI; 4.5 s 0–100; SUV from ~€118,835 ROTR on MY26 guide
- Insurance, tax (€1,250 from) and tyres in another league — lifestyle buy, not family-cost buy
An unplugged e-hybrid is a heavy petrol SUV with a smaller fuel tank (~55 L) and a compromised boot. If you will not charge most days, buy TDI or TFSI — or a simpler hybrid like the Toyota RAV4.
SUV vs Sportback
| Item | Q5 SUV | Q5 Sportback |
|---|---|---|
| e-hybrid SE from (ROTR) | ~€69,220 | ~€72,055 |
| TFSI SE from (ROTR) | ~€70,795 | ~€75,460 |
| Boot ICE / e-hybrid | 520 / 438 L | ~470 / 433 L |
| Family loading | Better aperture / rails | Sleeker hatch, less height |
| Who should buy | Most households | Style-led buyers only |
Pay the Sportback premium for the silhouette — not for practicality. Irish family buyers should default to the SUV.
Irish trim breakdown
| Trim | Indicative ROTR (SUV) | Key kit / note |
|---|---|---|
| SE | TFSI ~€70.8k · e-hybrid ~€69.2k · TDI ~€77.5k | Best value; add Tech pack only if you need the cameras / Matrix kit |
| S Line | TFSI ~€78.4k · e-hybrid ~€72.2k · TDI ~€83.1k | Sport seats, styling, larger wheels — residual sweet spot for many |
| Competition (e-hybrid) | ~€83.3k | 367 hp, hotter look; optional unless you want the power |
| SQ5 | ~€118.8k+ | Performance flagship — separate ownership maths |
Tech Plus / Tech Pro packs, panoramic roof (~€2k) and adaptive air suspension (~€2.2k) stack quickly. A “loaded” S Line can outprice a clean Competition on paper — read the options list line by line.
Tax, insurance and BIK
Motor tax
Use the CO₂ on your specific build, not a brochure average. Audi Ireland's MY26 guide shows tax from €150 (e-hybrid), €270 (TFSI) and €420 (TDI). Options that raise WLTP CO₂ can bump the band. Full tables: Motor Tax Rates Ireland.
Insurance
Expect premium-SUV premiums — typically higher than a Tiguan or Kodiaq, in the same conversation as X3 / GLC. Younger drivers and SQ5 / Competition specs jump hard; shop multi-agency with your exact trim and engine code.
Company-car BIK
The e-hybrid is the BIK conversation; ICE Q5s rarely win on Benefit-in-Kind once CO₂ categories are applied. OMV, category and any PHEV rules change — verify with Company Car BIK Ireland and run BIK Calculator Ireland on the exact OMV your dealer quotes.
Real running costs — annual (20,000 km / year)
| Item | e-hybrid (charged) | 40 TDI | 40 TFSI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel / electricity | ~€1,200–€1,800 | ~€2,200–€2,600 | ~€2,800–€3,400 |
| Motor tax | €150 | €420 | €270 |
| Insurance | €1,100–€1,900 | €1,000–€1,800 | €1,000–€1,800 |
| Service (Audi dealer) | €500–€750 | €450–€700 | €450–€700 |
| Depreciation (year 1, indicative) | ~€8,000–€11,000 | ~€9,000–€12,000 | ~€8,500–€11,500 |
| Annual total (excl. finance) | ~€11k–€15k | ~€13k–€17k | ~€13k–€17k |
Depreciation dominates — you bought a ~€70k–€85k car. Fuel savings on e-hybrid matter; they do not erase the capital cost versus a RAV4 or Tiguan.
5-year ownership cost projection
Indicative total over 5 years / 100,000 km (median Irish driver, 5+ years NCB, Audi-serviced, private purchase):
| Item | e-hybrid (daily charge) | 40 TDI | 40 TFSI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel / electricity (5 yr) | ~€7,500 | ~€12,000 | ~€15,500 |
| Motor tax (5 yr) | €750 | €2,100 | €1,350 |
| Insurance (5 yr) | ~€7,500 | ~€7,000 | ~€7,000 |
| Servicing (5 yr) | ~€3,000 | ~€2,800 | ~€2,700 |
| Depreciation | ~€32,000 | ~€35,000 | ~€33,000 |
| Tyres + consumables | ~€2,200 | ~€2,000 | ~€2,000 |
| 5-year total cost | ~€53,000 | ~€60,900 | ~€61,550 |
| Cost per km | ~€0.53 | ~€0.61 | ~€0.62 |
Company-car drivers should layer BIK savings on top — that is often where the e-hybrid wins decisively versus TDI / TFSI.
Depreciation + resale retention
| Drivetrain | 1-year retention | 3-year retention | 5-year retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| e-hybrid (charged history) | ~82% | ~62% | ~48% |
| 40 TDI quattro | ~83% | ~63% | ~50% |
| 40 TFSI | ~82% | ~61% | ~47% |
| SQ5 / Competition | ~78% | ~55% | ~42% |
Full Audi history, sensible wheels and muted colours sell. Never-charged PHEVs and 21″ track-style specs linger. RAV4 Hybrid still beats the Q5 on pure retention percentage — you pay for the rings up front and at resale.
Boot + family practicality
- SUV ICE 520 L is credible for two kids + weekly shop; sliding rear bench on e-hybrid helps trade legroom vs litres
- e-hybrid 438 L loses under-floor height — pushchairs fit, bulky prams and big dogs feel tighter
- Not a 7-seater — for third-row duty see the Skoda Kodiaq or step to a Q7
- ISOFIX / i-Size on outer rears; check front-passenger airbag switch for rear-facing seats
- Towing: TDI 2,400 kg vs 2,000 kg on TFSI / e-hybrid — caravan buyers should price diesel first
Common Irish issues
- S tronic / DSG service intervals — skipped fluid changes cause low-speed judder; verify history
- PHEV brake blending — early ownership feel can confuse; usually calibration / familiarisation, not failure
- Large-wheel tyre / rim damage on Irish roads — 20–21″ S Line / Competition specs
- Panoramic roof drain blockages — water ingress if neglected
- MMI / software quirks on early 3rd-gen cars — insist on latest firmware at service
- Previous-gen TFSI oil consumption / timing-chain themes — less relevant to new MY26 but critical on used FY petrols
- Confirm open campaigns with an Audi dealer VIN check before any used purchase
NCT pitfalls (model-specific)
- Tyre tread and sidewall on wide S Line rubber — common advisory / fail
- Headlight aim after kerb strikes or ride-height changes (air suspension)
- Brake imbalance on cars that sat or did mostly EV-mode short trips — exercise the friction brakes
- 12V battery weakness triggering warning cascades — common on modern Audis by year 4–5
- OBD scan pre-NCT (engine / emissions light = automatic fail)
- See our How to Read Your NCT Report guide
Side-by-side competition (August 2026)
| Model | Price from (approx.) | 0–100 | Tax / note | Boot | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi Q5 e-hybrid SUV | €69,220 | 6.2 s | €150 · ~100 km EV | 438 L | 3 yr |
| BMW X3 (equiv. class) | ~€70,000+ | ~5.5–8.0 s | PHEV / ICE fork | ~570 L class | 3 yr |
| Mercedes GLC | ~€70,000+ | ~6–8 s | PHEV strong for BIK | ~550 L class | 3 yr |
| VW Tiguan eHybrid | ~€55,000 | ~7–8 s | Long EV range · less badge | ~490 L PHEV | 3 yr |
| Skoda Kodiaq | ~€45,000+ | ~7–9 s | 7-seat option | 845 L (5-seat) | 3 yr |
| Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | ~€48,000 | ~8.4 s | Best retention | 580 L | 3 yr (+ Relax) |
Q5's honest place: the premium mid-size SUV with the deepest Irish Audi network and a genuinely usable e-hybrid. X3 / GLC fight on drive and cabin opulence. Tiguan / Kodiaq / RAV4 win on price, space or hybrid simplicity — buy the Q5 when the rings and quattro product are the point.
Best engine / trim to buy
- Best buy: Q5 SUV e-hybrid 220 kW SE or S Line with home charging — tax, BIK and daily EV-mode
- High mileage / tow: 40 TDI quattro SE — ignore the e-hybrid if you will not plug in
- Company car: e-hybrid, then prove the OMV on BIK Calculator Ireland
- Avoid: Sportback unless style is non-negotiable; skip 21″ wheels for Irish roads
- Used: late FY S Line TDI or TFSI e with full history — or early GU e-hybrid if budget allows
Used buyer's checklist
- Service history — Audi stamps or reputable VW Group specialist; S tronic fluid evidence
- PHEV / TFSI e / e-hybrid: battery SoH printout, charge cable, app charge-log proof
- TDI: DPF / AdBlue health, no excessive regeneration stories, tow-hitch wiring if fitted
- TFSI (older): oil consumption test, chain noise on cold start
- quattro function, air-suspension leaks, panoramic-roof drains
- VIN recall / campaign check at an Audi dealer
- Tyre age + matching axle sets — see our Car Tyres in Ireland guide
- NCT VIR — NCT Report Explained
- Prefer Irish-registered over grey import unless warranty path is documented
The honest verdict
The Audi Q5 is the premium family SUV Irish buyers choose when a Tiguan feels too common and a Q7 feels too much. Third-gen MY26 pricing makes the e-hybrid the rational default for anyone with a driveway charger or a company-car BIK problem — ~100 km of electric range, €150 tax, and a list price that can undercut the TFSI thanks to VRT. Without charging, the 40 TDI quattro remains the grown-up high-mileage tool.
You will spend more to own than a RAV4, Kodiaq or Tiguan over five years. That premium buys cabin polish, quattro theatre and DoneDeal liquidity among badge buyers — not a longer warranty or a bigger boot than the Skoda. Buy the SUV, keep options sane, log every service in odo.ie, and the Q5 still makes sense as Audi's most useful family car.
Bought a Q5? Audi residuals live and die on service history — log every dealer visit, fill and NCT in odo.ie.
Track fuel vs electric miles on the e-hybrid, S tronic service dates, motor tax and insurance renewals. odo.ie builds the digital history that next buyers (and Audi dealers) trust — Solo free for 1 vehicle; Family €4/month for 3; Pro €8/month for 10 with Revenue-ready trip logbook. 77+ Irish guides, no ads, EU data residency.