2021 Audi Q5 Facelift Breaks Cover With Sharper Design, Updated Tech

Audi has lifted the veils of the facelifted 2021 Q5 SUV which brings a sharper design in line with the brand’s newest models, as well as the latest tech the company has to offer.

The updates also apply to the plug-in hybrid Q5 as well as the SQ5 performance model. On the outside, the 2021 Audi Q5 can be recognized thanks to the new standard LED headlights and taillights which sport fresh graphics as seen on newer Audi models and dynamic turn signals at the rear.

The headlights can be had with dynamic turn signals too if the customer chooses the optional matrix LED headlamps. For the first time in the Q5, the taillights offer OLED lighting technology as an option.

Subtle yet effective styling updates on the outside

The SUV also gains a thinner and wider octagonal Singleframe grille, as well as taller side air intakes with sporty trapezoidal inserts. The side sills are also redesigned, while the rear end now features a new trim element connecting the taillights and a new horizontal diffuser insert.

Audi has also introduced two new available colors, District Green and Ultra Blue, both offered on the Q5 PHEV and SQ5 variants. Also new are the standard and available wheels, which range from 18 inches in the base model to 21 inches in the SQ5.

The Q5 45 TFSI model comes standard with the Advanced line exterior, which adds vertical chrome strips in the grille and silver accents in the front and rear bumpers. The Q5 Plug-in Hybrid model comes standard with the S line exterior which brings a sportier honeycomb structure in the Singleframe grille and a more aggressive front and rear diffuser design.

As for the SQ5 range-topper, it offers an available black optic package adding matte black roof rails, high-gloss black mirror caps and black exterior accents along with 20-inch 5-V-spoke-star design wheels in bi-color finish with summer tires.

Standard 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen, available 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit

Inside, the facelifted Audi Q5 adds a 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen backed by the all-new MIB 3 infotainment system, which can be paired with an available 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus instrument cluster. The Audi smartphone interface comes standard, providing access to wireless Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto for compatible devices. In the United States and Canada, the 2021 Audi Q5 comes with the Integrated Toll Module (ITM) standard on all models.

The cabin also gains new walnut wood inlays and leather upholstery with contrast stitching, as well as standard high-gloss black interior trim elements. Additionally, SQ5 models benefit from standard electronic steering column adjustment.

A 705-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system with 3D sound, 19 speakers (including a subwoofer and center speaker) and a 16-channel amplifier is available as an option.

Base model gains 13 HP and mild-hybrid system in the U.S., only one powertrain announced for Europe

When it comes to powertrains, the US-spec 2021 Audi Q5’s standard 2.0-liter TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine gains 13 horsepower and a 12-volt mild-hybrid system for a total of 261 HP (265 PS) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque. As a result, the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) sprint is improved by 0.2 seconds to 5.7 seconds.

The PHEV variant, badged Q5 55 TFSI e quattro, combines the 2.0-liter turbo-four with an electric motor for a total system output of 362 HP (367 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. 0-60 mph takes 5.0 seconds thanks also to the standard seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and quattro AWD.

In North America, the SQ5 soldiers on with the 3.0-liter TFSI V6 engine which makes 349 HP (354 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. The 0-60 mph sprint is now dispatched in 4.7 seconds, 0.4 seconds quicker than the 2020 model. For Europe, Audi has announced a single powertrain so far, badged Q5 40 TDI quattro. It’s a 2.0-liter turbo diesel rated at 204 PS (201 HP) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque, assisted by a 12-volt mild-hybrid system.

The Q5 also gains new advanced driver assistance features as standard, including Audi side assist, Lane departure warning, Audi pre sense rear, Parking system plus, and Rear cross traffic assist. Available safety tech includes Adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam assist and a Top view camera system.

U.S. pricing for the 2021 Audi Q5 starts at $43,300 for the base Q5 45 TFSI quattro in Premium trim and tops at $62,500 for the SQ5 in Prestige trim (without options). In Germany, the Q5 40 TDI quattro is priced from €48,700 ($54,940). The facelifted Q5 will arrive in fall 2020 in markets around the world.