2021 Audi Q5 [US]

Combining sporty driving performance and SUV versatility, the 2021 Audi Q5 model line continues to set a new standard in the luxury SUV segment. The updated Q5 models, including the plug-in hybrid Q5 as well as the SQ5, combine sharper design with excellent every day usability and offer a larger array of infotainment and driver assistance features to cement their position as the brand's bestselling SUV lineup.

Refined exterior design

The 2021 Audi Q5 model line has been updated to feature the brand's new SUV design language. The octagonal Singleframe® grille is now thinner and wider than its predecessor and the side air intakes are taller with sporty trapezoidal inserts. From the profile, the Q5 has a lighter look thanks to the redesigned side sill. At the rear of the vehicle is a new trim element connecting the taillights and a new horizontal diffuser insert. The Audi Q5 45 TFSI model comes standard with the Advanced line exterior, which includes vertical chrome strips in the grille and silver accents in the front and rear bumpers. The Q5 PHEV model comes standard with the S line exterior which includes a sportier honeycomb structure in the Singleframe® grille and a more aggressive front and rear diffuser design. The Audi SQ5 offers an available black optic package, which adds matte black roof rails, high-gloss black exterior mirror housings and black exterior accents along with 20" 5-V-spoke-star design wheels in bi-color finish with summer tires (all-season 20" tires optional).

Lighting

New for 2021, all Q5 models come standard equipped with LED headlights which include a unique daytime running light signature (DRL), and LED taillights with dynamic turn signals. At the top of the range are the matrix-design LED headlights (standard on Prestige trims) with dynamic front turn indicators and feature leaving and coming home animations. Fast-moving lights play in the headlights and taillights when the vehicle is locked or unlocked, emphasizing the vehicle's dynamics and lighting technology while standing still. Audi SQ5 models also offer next-generation OLED lighting technology. OLEDs are extremely efficient organic light-emitting diodes that generate a homogenous light surface. The OLED taillight on SQ5 models (standard on Prestige) is split into three tiles of six segments each, which enables Audi designers and developers to create different light designs and signatures from a single item of hardware.

Interior design and infotainment

The interior of the new Audi Q5 models includes greater attention to detail through functional refinements and additional driver focused technologies. Horizontal lines dominate the interior leading to the large 10.1 inch MMI® touchscreen (1,540 x 720 pixels) which serves as the focal point of the dashboard. This MMI® is backed by the all-new MIB 3 infotainment system which delivers drivers a better overall user experience through faster processing speeds and higher graphical resolution. Additional interior refinements include new walnut wood inlays and leather seating surfaces, now with contrast stitching, as well as standard high-gloss black interior trim elements. On SQ5 models, electronic steering column adjustment is now standard.

Performance

New for the 2021 model year, the Q5's 2.0-liter TFSI® engine receives a 13 horsepower increase and a 12v mild-hybrid electric vehicle system to deliver 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, and now sprints from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds, a reduction of 0.2 seconds. The PHEV model is also equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder TFSI® engine coupled with an electric motor that sits between the engine and transmission, producing a total combined system output of 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, and sprints from 0-60 in 5.0 seconds. The Q5 and Q5 PHEV's four-cylinder engine is mated to a seven-speed S tronic® dual-clutch transmission and quattro® all-wheel drive. The Audi SQ5 carries over the 3.0-liter TFSI® V6 engine which produces 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, now allows the SUV to sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds, 0.4 seconds quicker than the 2020 model. The eight-speed Tiptronic® transmission is well suited for the low-end torque of the turbocharged V6 and its eight gears provide quick, smooth shifts. The Audi SQ5 also comes standard equipped with adaptive dampers and offers an available air suspension which allows for adjustment of the ride height in addition to the firmness of the dampers, controllable via the standard Audi drive select. Available dynamic steering offers a variable steering ratio that adjusts based on vehicle speed and the Audi drive select setting.