Motoring

Island Style in Motion

by: BTM - Tue, 07 Oct 2025

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Audi has unveiled its all-new Q5 in Bahrain after a glamorous launch event. Kristian Harrison was one of the lucky few to be able to take it for a stylish spin around the island.

As first impressions go, it was pretty spectacular. Climbing inside, I was greeted by a cabin that instantly made me smile. Whilst the leather, brushed aluminium finish and panoramic roof might be new, striking the right balance between sporty and luxurious, the car just had this comforting familiarity to it with the iconic Audi design language and ergonomics. Kind of like getting a hug from your mum after being away for a while and instantly having that homely, comforting feeling.

A Day Out in the Q5
I started my journey at Audi Centre Bahrain in Sitra, snaking my way through the highways up to Souq Al Baraha in Diyar Al Muharraq. Driving this peak of modern design through a traditional, cultural spot emphasised my feelings from earlier of the perfect marriage of old and the new. You’d think an SUV might feel out of place there, but the Q5 surprised me with how nimble it was. The steering was light and precise, especially with the redesigned steering wheel.

From there, I got to stretch the Q5’s legs out properly and saw where it really came into its own. The 204 horsepower isn’t about aggressive power, but about smooth, confident delivery. It was more than enough for overtaking and it never felt short of breath. The suspension struck me most, firm enough to feel planted, yet comfortable enough to iron out the lumps and bumps of Bahrain’s roads.

What really stood out was how relaxed I felt. The driver assistance systems; lane keep, adaptive cruise, cameras to name but a few, were all working in the background, but I never felt like they were taking over. Instead, they gave me the freedom to simply enjoy the drive, take in the scenery and even sneak a glance at the Q5’s reflection in the shop windows as we headed through the Um Al Hassam area.

Everyday Practicality
Between stops, I also noticed the little touches that make living with the Q5 so easy. There’s plenty of boot space for shopping bags, the climate control kept the car perfectly cool under the afternoon sun, and the virtual cockpit made it simple to keep track of everything without distraction.

By the end of the day, I didn’t feel like I was returning a test car. I felt like I’d been driving something I could happily live with every day whilst also delivering that sense of adventure that is imperative in a new car. The new Audi Q5 doesn’t try too hard to impress with brute force or over-the-top tech. Instead, it delivers a stylish, comfortable and confident drive that fits Bahrain perfectly, equally at home cruising through a traditional souq as it is pulling up at a chic café.