2021 Audi Q5 Gets The Standard Audi Refresh

New Q5 design similar to previous refreshed Audi models
2.0-litre turbo gets 13 more horsepower
2021 Audi Q5 coming to North America late fall 2020

The 2021 Audi Q5 has been unveiled with a redesigned exterior, a more powerful engine, improved technology inside, and more versatility. It isn’t a completely new model, but it does just enough to remain relevant.

The Q5 is a big deal for Audi and despite the compact SUV getting up there in age, it has remained a top seller for the German automaker. The 2021 Q5 doesn’t redesign the previous model, but rather improves upon it.

A New Design Inside And Out

Outside, the new Q5 gets the typical Audi refresh design and style. That means redesigned headlights, more aggressive body work all over, a rounded hood, and a larger, more prominent grille. Matrix LED headlights upfront are optional while Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) taillights are a world first according to Audi.

OLED taillights can shift design patterns which means that they won’t look the same in Dynamic mode, for example, than in Comfort mode. The Q5 owner can also choose a different design for when the vehicle is locked. It’s a cute trick which we are sure to see on more Audi models in the future before automakers follow suit.

Inside, there’s a new 10.-inch central display with an upgraded voice recognition system. You can essentially communicate with the system like you would with a friend and it should understand your request. The system is also upgradable over time which means you can add functions after the initial purchase. The multimedia system is also faster and features a higher resolution. Speaking of resolution, there’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel in the top trim. Interior dimensions remain essentially the same.

A Faster 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 will still be powered by a 2.0-litre TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but power has increased by 13 horsepower. It now delivers 261 horsepower and features a 12-volt mild-hybrid system while torque remains unchanged at 273 pound-feet. Audi says it will reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.7 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker than the previous Q5.

2021 Audi Q5 Luggage compartment | Photo: Audi

The 2021 Audi SQ5 returns with 349 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time (0-97 km/h) of 4.7 seconds. The Audi Q5 TFSI e Hybrid returns in 2021 with 362 horsepower, 369 pound-feet of torque, and a range of 40 kilometres (25 miles).