Changes to the 2021 Audi Q5 improve the compact luxury SUV’s performance and technology, and better align its styling with the automaker’s other SUVs.
Audi continues to offer the 2021 Q5 in 45 TSFI (turbocharged 4-cylinder), 55 TSFI e (plug-in hybrid), and SQ5 (performance-tuned) model series, and with Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim. Quattro all-wheel drive is standard equipment on each one.
The new 2021 Audi Q5 release date will come during the last quarter of 2020, and prices start at $43,300 not including destination charges.
Audi’s popular Q5 is the last SUV in the company’s lineup to adopt the styling cues found on the Q3, Q7, and Q8. The change is most noticeable in front, where a thinner and wider octagonal grille, taller side air intakes with trapezoidal inserts, and new headlights give the 2021 Q5 a clear family resemblance.
Additionally, Audi has redesigned the SUV’s side sills for what it calls “a lighter look,” added new trim connecting the taillights, and installed a new horizontal rear diffuser insert. Wheels are redesigned, too, unique to each model series and ranging in size from 18 inches to 21 inches in diameter.
For 2021, LED headlights and LED taillights with dynamic turn signals are standard. Prestige trim includes matrix-design LED headlights with dynamic front turn indicators and animated lighting sequences when approaching or leaving the vehicle.
Design packages include standard Advanced Line (chrome strips in grille and silver bumper accents) and S Line (honeycomb grille pattern, more aggressive bumpers). New colors include Ultra Blue and District Green, but they are reserved for the 55 TFSI e and the SQ5.
Changes to the Audi Q5’s interior are less noticeable. Aside from the larger 10.1-inch touchscreen Multi-Media Interface (MMI) display sitting atop the dashboard, they are limited to new walnut wood inlays, gloss black trim panels, and new leather upholstery with contrast stitching. The Audi SQ5 also gets a standard electric steering column adjuster.
Audi will offer a new Sport Plus Package for the 2021 Q5 55 TFSI e. It includes unique 20-inch aluminum wheels, an adaptive air suspension, front sport seats wrapped in leather and Dinamica synthetic suede, brushed aluminum cabin inlays, and a black headliner.
A Black Optic Package is available for the 2021 SQ5. It combines 20-inch bi-color aluminum wheels shod with summer performance tires and black exterior accents including matte-finish roof rails and high-gloss finish mirror housings.
The SQ5 is also offered with new organic light-emitting diode (OLED) front and rear lighting technology.
For 2021, the Q5 45 TFSI’s turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine gets a 12-volt mild-hybrid electric system. Output increases to 261 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. torque, and the standard Q5 accelerates to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, according to Audi. Previously, it took 5.9 seconds to hit that velocity. A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) is standard with this engine.
The Q5 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid electric continues using a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder combined with an electric motor mounted between the engine and the 7-speed DCT transmission. Total output measures 362 hp and 369 lb.-ft., and the Q5 PHEV accelerates to 60 mph in five seconds, asserts Audi.
A turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 remains under the Audi SQ5’s hood, generating 349 hp and 369 lb.-ft. and powering all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 2021 SQ5’s zero-to-60 time measures 4.7 seconds.
An adaptive damping suspension is standard for the Audi SQ5. Options include an air suspension, dynamic steering with a variable ratio, and a new sport exhaust with four “hot” outlets and a louder note.
Though the 2021 Audi Q5’s base price is unchanged from 2020, the SUV gains new standard safety systems. They include front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning systems, a lane departure warning system, and Pre Sense Rear.
Audi’s Pre Sense technology can determine if a collision is about to occur and automatically prepare both the vehicle and its occupants for the impact. Previously, the Q5 included standard Pre Sense Front.
Moving up to Premium Plus trim adds a newly standard surround-view camera and adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist. Traffic Jam Assist works in heavy traffic at speeds up to 40 mph, providing stop-and-go capability and proper distance management to make rush-hour commutes easier to bear.
Featuring a larger 10.1-inch display, the 2021 Q5’s MMI infotainment system employs Audi’s latest technology platform, called MIB 3. Audi says the system provides significantly improved processing power resulting in faster response times and higher resolution graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
For 2021, an Integrated Toll Module is also standard. This is a toll transponder built in to the Q5’s rearview mirror, and it works on compatible toll roads in the U.S. and Canada.
As an option, Q5 buyers can select a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. Next-generation Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus is also available, a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display with improved high-definition resolution.
Audi is the source of the information in this article. It was accurate as of June 29, 2020 but may have changed since that date.
