Audi Will Debut New Combustion Q5 on September 2
The third-generation Audi Q5 launches soon, continuing the brand's gasoline-powered lineup alongside upcoming electric models.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Audi has announced the online debut of the third-generation Q5, scheduled for September 2, 2026. This latest version of the SUV will exclusively feature an internal combustion engine rather than an electric powertrain.
Why it matters
The upcoming release highlights Audi's two-pronged product strategy, where odd-numbered model names designate combustion engines while even numbers are reserved for battery-electric vehicles. This distinction helps families clearly identify the drivetrain type when researching potential new vehicle purchases.
The upcoming Q5 refresh is part of a broader corporate strategy to launch 20 new models over two years, with electric options accounting for over half of that expansion. The new Q5 will mirror design elements found in other recent Audi releases.
The players
Audi
A German luxury vehicle manufacturer known for its premium sedan and SUV lineup, currently managing a transition toward an expanded electric vehicle portfolio.
The details
The new Q5 maintains the brand's tradition of using internal combustion technology for its odd-numbered vehicle series. It incorporates styling cues from the current Audi lineup, characterized by more aggressive design language. Unlike the upcoming additions to the brand's electric vehicle catalog, this model remains focused on conventional engine performance.
Timeline
September 2, 2026: The third-generation Audi Q5 will debut online.
The Home Front
Audi's product cycle reflects a dual-path approach to electrification, balancing conventional internal combustion engines with a growing suite of electric vehicles. This strategy provides households with a predictable naming system for identifying the core powertrain technology of new models.
If you are in the market for a new SUV, monitor the manufacturer's website following the September 2 debut to review detailed specifications and local availability. Prospective buyers should confirm their preference for either combustion or electric powertrains to align with Audi's specific model numbering system.
The takeaway
Understanding Audi's odd-and-even model strategy can simplify your car-shopping research by clarifying powertrain options at a glance. As manufacturers refresh large portions of their lineup, keep a list of your must-have features to compare against new model announcements as they occur.
Further reading
Learn more about how automakers are navigating vehicle technology shifts in our Electric Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Piston Show.
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Would you choose an internal combustion engine over an electric vehicle for your next car?
