Starting from $68,900 before on-road costs, each of the five refreshed Q5 variants has climbed around in price, but not without reason. Audi is debuting a world-first in the form of customisable OLED taillights which can be ordered in several different designs.
Naturally, the exterior receives a significant update for 2021 akin to the updated A4 range. The Q5 gets a lower and broader grille, new bumpers and wheel designs. Initially only available in wagon body style, the Q5 Sportback will arrive shortly after.
Audi’s heavily updated Q5 will arrive in 2021.
Inside, the Q5 advances to compete with the likes of Mercedes-Benz’s GLB-Class and BMW’s X3.
A larger 10.1-inch touchscreen arrives, but Audi has ditched the MMI controller in favour of some extra storage. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will feature, but Audi has also updated the Q5’s navigation system to make mirroring almost unnecessary.
Naturally, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display features, as do topographic maps and smartphone connectivity features.
Inside, a 10.1-inch touchscreen replaces an 8.3-inch non-touch item.
The most affordable Q5 will be the 40 TDI as before. For $2,000 extra, the 2021 Q5 bumps power of the two-litre turbodiesel by 10kW to 150kW, torque remains the same 400Nm. With the help of a 12-volt MHEV system and due to stringent Euro 6 emissions standards, the updated 40 TDI returns 5.4L/100km on the WLTP cycle.
A two-litre turbocharged petrol 45 TFSI engine is available for $69,600 and features the same MHEV tech as the oil-burner. This petrol motor has proven very popular the past, with 183kW and 370Nm on tap.
Previously referred to as the Q5 ‘design’, the base models are now simply referred to by their engine codes. Electrically adjustable leather-appointed seats are standard on the 40 TDI and 45 TFSI, as is keyless-entry, three-zone climate control and tri-zone climate control.
The rear end looks similar, but there are subtle tweaks.
There is also a mechanically locking centre differential which, in conjunction with the standard Quattro system, will bolster the Q5’s off-road chops.
For an extra $7,000, the Q5 Sport grade comes equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable steering column, ten-speaker sound system, 360-degree camera and heated sports seats with memory function.
Adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance are not standard on the base grade, only from the Sport upwards.
A choice between three engines will be offered as before.
Ushering the refreshed Q5 into Australia will be a Launch Edition package available on 40 TDI and 45 TFSI models. Launch Editions feature metallic paint, different alloy wheels, black exterior pack and carbon mirrors, illuminate kick-plates and extended leather upholstery in your choice of black or rock grey.
Topping out the Q5 range – until the new SQ5 TDI arrives – is the three-litre V6 50 TDI which punches out 210kW/620Nm.
Specification grows in line with the $89,600 asking price. The S line trim brings unique exterior styling features with aluminium highlights on the front bumper and rear diffuser and S line door sills.
Do you like the look of the new Q5?
The refreshed Q5 will go on sale in Australia in early 2021.
Audi SQ5 2021: pricing in Australia
All prices are before on-road costs.
- Q5 40 TDI – $68,900 (up $2,000)
- Q5 45 TFSI – $69,600 (up $1,787)
- Q5 40 TDI Sport – $74,900 (up $2,300)
- Q5 45 TFSI Sport – $76,600 (up $2,465)
- Q5 40 TDI Launch Edition – $78,300
- Q5 45 TFSI Launch Edition – $80,800
- Q5 50 TDI S line – $89,600 (up $4,511)
