The Best Oil for an Audi Q5: What Owners Really Need to Know

The best oil for most modern Audi Q5 models is a fully synthetic engine oil that meets Audi/VW specification VW 504 00 / 507 00 in a 0W-30 or 5W-30 grade, with the exact choice depending on your model year, engine, and climate. In practice, that usually means premium European-spec synthetics from brands like Castrol, Mobil 1, Liqui Moly, or Shell that explicitly state “VW 504 00 / 507 00” or the specific VW norm required in your owner’s manual.

Why the “Best Oil” Depends on Your Specific Q5

What counts as the best oil for an Audi Q5 is not just about a brand name; it’s defined by Audi’s official oil specifications, your engine type (gasoline, diesel, mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid), model year, and local climate. Audi’s engines are precision-built, turbocharged in most trims, and often paired with long service intervals, so the oil must handle high temperatures, protect turbochargers, and stay stable for many thousands of miles.

Key Oil Specifications for the Audi Q5

Before choosing a specific product, it’s crucial to understand the factory standards Audi (via Volkswagen Group) requires. These “VW norms” are more important than viscosity alone and are what truly determine whether an oil is compatible and warranty-safe for your Q5.

Core VW/Audi Oil Specs Most Commonly Used in the Q5

The following specifications are the ones most likely to apply to Audi Q5 models sold in the last decade, though you must confirm in your owner’s manual or with a dealer based on your VIN.

These are the primary Volkswagen Group oil norms that appear in Audi Q5 documentation, especially for European-style long-life service and modern emissions systems.

• VW 504 00 / 507 00 – The most widely recommended spec for modern Audi gasoline and diesel engines in Europe and many other markets; low-ash, long-life oil suitable for engines with particulate filters and long service intervals.
• VW 502 00 / 505 00 – Older spec, still used for many pre-2018 gasoline Q5 engines and some markets with fixed (non–long-life) service intervals.
• VW 508 00 / 509 00 – Newer low-viscosity oils (often 0W-20) used in the latest ultra-efficient engines; appears in some recent Audi models but less commonly specified for Q5 than 504/507; must be checked by VIN.
• ACEA C3 – While VW norms are primary, many Q5-approved oils also carry ACEA C3, indicating low-ash, high-performance oil suitable for modern emissions systems.

Understanding and matching these norms ensures the oil protects your engine, preserves your emissions hardware, and keeps you within Audi’s warranty parameters if still covered.

Most Common Recommendations by Generation and Engine Type

Different Q5 generations use different engines and, in some cases, different oil requirements. While only your owner’s manual or Audi dealer can give a VIN-precise answer, there are clear trends by model year and engine family.

Audi Q5 (First Generation, 2009–2017)

Early Q5 models used a mix of naturally aspirated and turbocharged gasoline engines, plus diesels in many markets. These engines generally require high-quality synthetic oils with mid-range viscosities.

This list outlines the typical oil needs of first-generation Q5 models based on engine type and region, giving a sense of which specs and viscosities are usually appropriate.

• Gasoline engines (2.0 TFSI, 3.2 FSI, 3.0 TFSI)
  – Common spec: VW 502 00 (some later models may allow 504 00)
  – Typical viscosities: 5W-30 or 5W-40 full synthetic
  – In colder climates: 0W-30 or 0W-40 may be permitted; check manual.
• Diesel engines (2.0 TDI, 3.0 TDI)
  – Common spec: VW 507 00 (low-ash for DPF-equipped engines)
  – Typical viscosity: 5W-30 full synthetic.
• Service intervals
  – In markets with flexible (LongLife) servicing, 504 00 / 507 00 oils are often required.
  – In markets with fixed intervals, 502 00 / 505 00 may be allowed.

Owners of first-generation Q5s should pay particular attention to whether their car is set up for flexible or fixed service intervals, as that can change which VW norm is acceptable.

Audi Q5 (Second Generation, 2018–Present)

The second-generation Q5 introduced new gasoline, diesel, and hybrid drivetrains, more advanced emissions controls, and, in many markets, standardized long-life service intervals. As a result, oil requirements are generally more specific and less flexible.

This overview breaks down typical oil needs for newer Q5 variants, reflecting the tighter tolerances and emissions requirements of modern Audi engines.

• Gasoline 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TFSI (SQ5)
  – Most commonly: VW 504 00 or combined 504 00 / 507 00 oils
  – Typical viscosity: 0W-30 5W-30 full synthetic, depending on climate and market.
• Diesel (2.0 TDI, 3.0 TDI)
  – Typically: VW 507 00 (paired with 504 00 on many labels)
  – Typical viscosity: 5W-30 full synthetic.
• Mild hybrid and newer powertrains
  – Many still use VW 504 00 / 507 00; some very new engines in other Audi lines have moved to VW 508 00 / 509 00 (0W-20), so it is crucial to confirm for your specific Q5 by VIN.
• Q5 TFSI e plug-in hybrid
  – Uses a turbocharged gasoline engine and typically requires VW 504 00-approved low-ash oil (often 0W-30 or 5W-30), due to higher thermal loading and emissions systems.

Because second-generation Q5s integrate more hybrid and emissions technology, using the exact VW specification listed in the manual is more critical than ever, especially for preserving catalytic and particulate filters.

Recommended Viscosity Grades for Different Climates

While VW/Audi specifications are non-negotiable, viscosity (like 0W-30 vs 5W-30) can often be tailored to your climate, within the ranges Audi permits for your engine.

Common Viscosity Choices for the Audi Q5

The following viscosity grades are most commonly seen on oils that meet Audi’s Q5 specs, with general guidance on when each is advantageous.

This list explains how different viscosity grades affect cold-start performance and high-temperature protection, helping owners match oil weight to their local conditions.

• 0W-30
  – Excellent for very cold climates with frequent sub-zero starts
  – Often specified for newer engines with tighter tolerances and efficiency focus
  – Provides fast lubrication on startup, good for turbo longevity.
• 5W-30
  – The most common “all-rounder” for many Q5 engines
  – Works well in moderate to hot climates
  – Usually the default choice when an oil meets VW 504 00 / 507 00.
• 0W-40 / 5W-40
  – Sometimes allowed on older Q5 engines (especially 502 00 spec)
  – Offers extra high-temperature protection in very hot climates or under heavy load
  – Not typically specified for the latest long-life, low-CO₂ engines unless manual permits it.
• 0W-20 (VW 508 00 / 509 00 oils)
  – Ultra-low-viscosity oils for specific, newer VW/Audi engines
  – Only use if your Q5’s manual explicitly calls for VW 508 00 / 509 00; otherwise, avoid.

Choosing the right viscosity within Audi’s approved range allows you to balance cold-start protection, fuel economy, and high-temperature durability without compromising official specifications.

Trusted Brands That Meet Audi Q5 Requirements

Audi itself does not insist on one brand, but it does require that the oil meet its VW norms. Several major manufacturers produce oils explicitly engineered for VW/Audi engines, many labeled as “European Car Formula” or similar.

Popular Oil Brands and Products for the Audi Q5

The following brands and product lines are widely used by Audi owners and workshops, provided they carry the correct VW approvals on the label.

This list highlights well-regarded oils frequently used in Audi Q5 service, illustrating real-world options that typically satisfy VW 504 00 / 507 00 or other relevant norms.

• Castrol
  – Often Audi’s “recommended” brand in many markets
  – Products like Castrol EDGE Professional LongLife III 5W-30 frequently meet VW 504 00 / 507 00.
• Mobil 1
  – Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30 and similar variants often carry VW 504 00 / 507 00 approvals
  – Widely available and recognized for strong detergent and low-ash performance.
• Liqui Moly
  – German brand popular with European car enthusiasts
  – Products like Top Tec 4200 5W-30 are commonly approved to VW 504 00 / 507 00.
• Shell (Helix Ultra)
  – Shell Helix Ultra Professional AV-L 5W-30 is often specified for VW/Audi with 504 00 / 507 00 approval.
• TotalEnergies, Motul, Ravenol and others
  – Numerous European-focused oils in these ranges meet the required VW norms; always confirm the specific approval code on the data sheet or label.

As long as the bottle or technical data sheet clearly lists the correct VW approval (not just “recommended for”), any of these brands can provide top-tier protection for your Q5.

How to Check the Correct Oil for Your Exact Q5

Because of engine updates, regional differences, and evolving emissions rules, the definitive answer for your Q5 lives in your documentation and VIN-based records, not on the bottle shelf.

Steps to Confirm the Right Oil

Following a straightforward verification process helps ensure you do not rely on generic advice or outdated charts when choosing engine oil for your Audi Q5.

This step-by-step list shows how to verify oil requirements using official sources, minimizing the risk of using a non-compliant product.

1. Check the owner’s manual
   – Look for the section titled “Engine Oil” or similar
   – Identify the exact VW specification number (e.g., VW 504 00) and the permitted viscosity range.
2. Use Audi’s digital resources
   – Many markets offer an online owner’s manual or service portal where you can input your VIN
   – These tools may specify the exact oil norm for your car.
3. Ask an Audi dealer or independent specialist
   – Provide your VIN so they can access your engine code and regional settings
   – Confirm whether your car is set up for flexible (LongLife) or fixed service intervals.
4. Match the oil bottle to the spec
   – On the label or technical data sheet, look for wording such as “Approved to VW 504 00 / 507 00”
   – Avoid oils that only say “meets requirements of” without official approval if you want strict compliance.
5. Consider your climate and driving style
   – Within Audi’s allowed viscosities, choose a grade that suits your climate (0W for very cold, 5W for moderate/hot)
   – Heavy towing, spirited driving or track use may warrant oils at the heavier end of the approved range.

By taking these steps, you make a data-driven decision that respects Audi’s engineering requirements rather than relying solely on generic viscosity or marketing claims.

Common Mistakes Owners Make When Selecting Oil

Even well-intentioned owners can make choices that undermine engine longevity or emissions systems, especially when switching away from dealer servicing.

Errors to Avoid

These pitfalls are frequently seen in independent workshops and DIY scenarios and can have long-term consequences for your Q5’s health.

This list identifies frequent oil-selection mistakes and why they matter, helping owners avoid subtle errors that can cause damage over time.

• Ignoring VW specifications
  – Choosing oil purely by viscosity (“5W-30 is 5W-30, right?”) without checking for VW approval
  – This can lead to inadequate high-temperature protection or compatibility issues with particulate filters.
• Using generic “full synthetic” with no VW norms
  – Not all synthetics are engineered for European emissions systems or turbocharged engines
  – Lack of low-SAPS (low-ash) properties can clog DPFs or damage catalysts in diesel and some gasoline engines.
• Mixing incompatible oil specs
  – Topping up 504 00/507 00 oil with random 502 00 or non-approved oil may dilute key additive packages
  – Over time, this reduces the benefits of long-life, high-spec oils.
• Extending intervals beyond what the car is set up for
  – Assuming all Q5s use “LongLife” intervals even if your car is coded or recommended for fixed intervals
  – This increases the risk of sludge, turbo coking, and timing-chain wear.
• Using 0W-20 oils without explicit approval
  – Some newer VW/Audi models use VW 508 00 / 509 00 0W-20 oils, but many Q5 engines do not
  – Running too-thin oil in a non-approved engine can increase wear.

Avoiding these mistakes is as important as choosing a reputable brand; a mis-specified oil can undo the advantages of synthetic technology and meticulous maintenance.

So, What Is the “Best” Oil for an Audi Q5?

For most Audi Q5 owners, especially with second-generation or late first-generation models, the “best” oil is not a single brand but a category: fully synthetic oils that carry official VW 504 00 / 507 00 approval in a 0W-30 or 5W-30 viscosity, chosen according to climate and Audi’s recommendations for your specific engine.

Practical Recommendation for Most Drivers

While the exact choice should always be verified against your owner’s manual and VIN, a general rule of thumb can guide typical Q5 owners toward a sound decision.

This list summarizes practical “safe bets” for many Q5 configurations, assuming they align with your documented factory specifications.

• Late first-gen and most second-gen Q5 (gasoline or diesel)
  – Use a VW 504 00 / 507 00–approved full synthetic
  – Viscosity: 5W-30 (or 0W-30 in very cold climates).
• Older Q5 gasoline engines with VW 502 00 spec
  – Use a full synthetic with VW 502 00 approval
  – Viscosity: 5W-30 or 5W-40, depending on manual and climate.
• Q5 diesels with DPF
  – Prioritize VW 507 00 low-ash oils to protect the particulate filter
  – Viscosity: usually 5W-30.

When in doubt, choosing a reputable, VW-approved 504 00 / 507 00 5W-30 oil from a major brand and confirming compatibility with your manual will cover the needs of the vast majority of modern Q5s.

Summary

The best oil for an Audi Q5 is defined by Audi’s official VW specifications and your specific engine, not by brand loyalty or viscosity alone. For most recent Q5 models, a fully synthetic oil carrying VW 504 00 / 507 00 approval in 0W-30 or 5W-30 is the optimal choice, balancing protection, efficiency, and emissions-system compatibility. Owners of older Q5s may require VW 502 00 or 505 00 oils, while a small subset of the newest engines might use VW 508 00 / 509 00 0W-20 oils, but only when the manual explicitly states so.

To ensure you are using the truly best oil for your Q5, always verify the VW norm and recommended viscosity in your owner’s manual or via your VIN with an Audi dealer, then select a fully synthetic oil from a reputable brand that lists that exact approval on its label. This approach safeguards performance, longevity, and warranty coverage for your Audi Q5.

What is the best oil for Audi Q5?

The best oil for an Audi Q5 is a full synthetic oil that meets specific Audi/VW specifications, such as Mobil 1, Castrol, or Liqui Moly. The exact weight (e.g., 5W-30 or 5W-40) and specification (like VW 502 00, 504 00, or 507 00) depends on your specific Q5 model year and engine, so it’s crucial to check your owner’s manual for the exact recommendation. 
Key factors to consider:

• Check the owner’s manual: This is the most important step to ensure you get the correct oil weight and specification for your specific Q5 model and engine. 
• Follow manufacturer specifications: Your Audi requires an oil that meets specific criteria set by the manufacturer, often found in the form of an approval code like VW 502 00 or VW 504 00/507 00. 
• Choose a high-quality synthetic: Full synthetic oils from brands like Mobil 1, Castrol, and Liqui Moly are highly recommended for their performance and protection in European engines. 
• Recommended oil types by model:
  • For newer Q5s with the 2.0L or 3.0L engine, 0W-40 or 5W-40 full synthetic is a common recommendation. 
  • For other models, 5W-30 full synthetic may be recommended, especially if it meets the correct Audi/VW specification (e.g., VW 504 00/507 00). 

What to do before you buy:

1. Locate the recommendation: Check your owner’s manual or look at the oil filler cap on your engine for the specific viscosity grade and the required manufacturer approval code (e.g., VW 504 00, VW 502 00). 
2. Select a brand: Choose a brand like Mobil 1, Castrol, or Liqui Moly that offers a product meeting your car’s specific requirements.
3. Buy the correct quantity: You will need the correct number of quarts, which can be found in your owner’s manual.
4. Replace the filter: Always replace the oil filter when you change the oil. The part number for recent Q5 models is often HU6013Z. 

Is Mobil 1 ok for Audi?

Choose Mobil 1™ motor oil for your Audi
We offer a full range of synthetic and synthetic blend motor oils to keep your engine in peak condition throughout its lifetime.

What brand of oil does Audi recommend?

Audi recommends using oils that meet their specific specifications, frequently recommending Castrol EDGE Professional LongLife III 5W-30 and other synthetic oils that meet VW standards like Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30. While Castrol is a common recommendation, other brands like Mobil 1, Valvoline, and Liqui Moly also have options that meet Audi’s specifications, such as Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30 or Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40. It is crucial to check your owner’s manual or use an oil finder tool to ensure the oil’s specifications match your specific engine. 
Commonly recommended brands and products

• Castrol: Often recommended for its high performance and adherence to VW standards. A specific example is Castrol EDGE Professional LongLife III 5W-30. 
• Mobil 1: Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30 is recommended for its excellent wear protection and engine cleanliness. Mobil 1 0W-40 is another option that meets Audi’s requirements. 
• Liqui Moly: Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40 is another well-regarded option known for its high lubrication reliability. 

Important considerations

• Check your owner’s manual: Always consult your owner’s manual or use an online oil finder tool to determine the specific oil viscosity grade and specification (e.g., VW504, VW507) for your vehicle. 
• Use synthetic oil: Modern Audi engines, especially turbocharged ones, require the protection of synthetic oil. 
• Don’t overfill: When adding oil, be careful not to overfill, as this can cause severe engine damage. 

Which brand has the best synthetic oil?

6 of the Best Synthetic Motor Oils

• Amsoil Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil.
• Castrol EDGE Advanced Full Synthetic.
• Mobil 1 Extended Performance.
• Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic.
• Royal Purple High-Performance Synthetic Oil.
• Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic.
• Manufacturer Recommendations.