Audi’s Grand Drive: New Q5 Debuts Across Saudi Arabia & UAE

Abu Dhabi: The cross-border drive shows how the new Q5 handles the region’s diverse demands.

Audi has officially introduced the third-generation Q5 to the Middle East in a bold regional launch that spanned 2,300 kilometres over five days, traversing both Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The car was put through its paces on everything from desert stretches to city streets, high heat to coastal curves.     

The drive was done in the company of more than a dozen regional influencers and media figures who shared their impressions in real time.

Route and Conditions: Real Roads, Real Tests

• Start: AlUla, Saudi Arabia — 15 September
• Finish: Dubai, UAE — 19 September
• Terrain & Weather: Desert, highways, urban settings, coastal roads; ambient temperatures rising above 45 °C.
• Purpose: To test the Q5 in all kinds of conditions the Middle East is known for — not just clean paved roads or showrooms.

Each segment of the journey offered something different: winding desert paths, wide open highways, tight city roads, and coastal curves. 

Thoughts from Audi’s officials

Rene Koneberg, Managing Director of Audi Middle East, said that the Middle East changes quickly, covers vast ground, and drives with purpose. The brand designed this trip to match that energy. He added that the Q5 handled the route from AlUla to Dubai with sharp control and steady power. It fits right into a place full of speed, variety, and big goals.

Elmir Arnautovic, Marketing and Communications Director at Audi Middle East, also shared his thoughts on the occasion. He said that they drove 2,300 kilometres over a few days. This lets them test the Q5 on all kinds of Middle East roads.  

He went on to say that the SUV stayed calm on fast highways and tight desert paths. The car reacted well and met every challenge, just what local drivers want. The media guests and brand fans joined the event. Their excitement and views made the trip feel real and alive.

Features That Matter: New Tech, Versatility & Comfort

The latest Audi Q5 comes equipped for modern demands:

• Mild-hybrid technology.
• 11.9-inch virtual cockpit and a curved 14.5-inch OLED touch screen infotainment.
• An optional 10.9-inch display for the co-passenger.
• Upgraded driver-assistance systems.
• Refined build quality, using materials suited to both comfort and endurance.
• Design and tuning that respond well to extreme heat, high speeds, and varied terrain.

The all-new Audi Q5 has been crafted not just for looks, but for the realities of Middle East driving.

Spec Sheet: Engine, Performance & Key Details

Here are the technical highlights of the new Q5 as relevant for GCC / Middle East markets:

Specifications	Details
Engine	2.0-liter TFSI turbo-petrol with mild-hybrid technology.
Power & Torque	204 hp and 340 Nm torque
Transmission / Drivetrain	7-speed S tronic automatic with quattro AWD.
Performance (0-100 kmph)	7.2 seconds.
Top Speed	226 kmph

What does this mean for the region?

This launch does more than just sell a car: it’s about matching local expectations.

• Heat resilience: Performance maintained even with temperatures above 45°C.
• Reliability without transport aids: No carrier trucks; the Q5s were driven between locations, over borders, showing robustness.
• Versatility required: From mountain inclines to highway cruising to stop-start urban traffic, all in one trip.

The message is clear: the new Q5 isn’t just for posh roads, it’s built to perform in real everyday environments in the Middle East.

Looking Ahead: The Q3 Preview & What’s Next

At their final stop on Sir Bani Yas Island, Audi gave guests an exclusive preview of the all-new Audi Q3, set to launch in the Middle East in early 2026. It follows similar design principles: strong focus on digital tech, versatility, performance and connected features. This signals that Audi intends to deepen its product offerings across segments, not just in luxury SUVs.

Final Thoughts

Over five days, covering 2,300 kilometres, the Audi Q5 showed that it can do more than look good. It can deal with extremes, perform under pressure, and adapt to the expectations of drivers in this region. With upgraded tech, tougher engineering, and design tuned for local needs, it looks set to carry forward Audi’s reputation in the Middle East, not just with style, but with substance.