Audi promises even more Q with its refreshed 5

The second generation of the Audi Q5 has been around since 2017 and for the 2021 model year, the Ingolstadt marque is giving the SUV a nip and tuck. 

Scheduled to officially go on sale from 1 September, the updated Audi Q5 is available in standard, Advanced, S Line and S trim levels. 

On the outside, the new Audi Q5 has a wider and shallower octagonal grille, enlarged side air intakes, a new signature for the daytime running lights and redesigned side sill inserts. The rear is fitted with a new trim element and a new diffuser-insert with a horizontal fin.

The Advanced trim features chrome vertical ribs on the Singleframe grille, under-ride guards beneath the front and rear bumpers are finished in silver. The S Line and Advanced trims are equipped with a high gloss styling package as standard. The package adds an anodised aluminium roof frame and window slot strips. 

Offered as standard are LED headlights while matrix LED headlights can be fitted optionally.

The new Audi Q5 is available in twelve hues, two of which are new; district green and ultra blue. The Advanced, S Line and S trims can be fitted with the optionally black appearance package that darkens areas of the Singleframe grille, trim strips on the side windows and the front and rear bumpers. 

Also with the black package, the mirror housings are finished in black colour at an additional charge. Black roof rails can be fitted as a no-cost option.

It rides on standard 19” alloy wheels with the option available of fitting 20” wheels.  

Inside, the new Audi Q5 features a new freestanding MMI touch display with acoustic feedback and is also equipped with the latest Modular Infotainment Platform. The Q5 can be fitted with the brand’s virtual cockpit plus that comes in the form of a 12.3” digital display with three different graphic layouts. 

The system can be fitted with an optional Technology package.The previous model’s rotary/push control on the centre tunnel console has been replaced by a storage cubby and for the first time in a Q5, the cockpit is now bolstered with OLED lighting technology. 

Speaking of lighting, the option is also available to fit the Q5 with OLED rear lighting. 

There is a multifunction steering wheel, a standard Audi smartphone interface and buyers can fit a head-up display as an option. 

Offered as standard across the entire Q5 range is a central 10.1” MMI touch display. 

In terms of dimensions, the new Audi Q5 now measures 19 mm longer while also retaining the same width and height. There is a sliding rear bench that has adjustable backrests available as an option as well as a variable folding floor mat. A power tailgate comes standard. 

The local range consists of two engine choices; Q5 40 TDI and Q5 45 TDI. The 40 derivative is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine with 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque. It sprints to 100 km/h from a standstill in 7.9 seconds. 

The 45 model houses a 2.0-litre TFSI 4-cylinder engine that generates 183 kW and 370 Nm. The engine is paired with a mild-hybrid system for better efficiency. It requires 6.3 seconds to accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h. 

Both engines employ a 7-speed S tronic plus Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The new Audi Q5 can be had in different setup options. 

Underneath the new Audi SQ5 is the same 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged engine with unchanged power figures of 260 kW and 500 Nm. All that power enables the SQ5 to catapult from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

The SQ5 comes standard with a Quattro system with self-locking centre differential, red brake callipers with “S” lettering, sports suspension system with damper control, S model bumpers in full paint finish, “S” emblem detailing, Audi connect navigation & infotainment. 

Other features include an Audi virtual cockpit Plus, Audi smartphone interface, MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch, rearview camera system, interior accent surfaces painted in glossy black, decorative inserts in matte brushed aluminium, fine Nappa leather with embossed "S“, sports seats in front, rear bench seat plus and sports contour leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro R852,000

Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro Advanced R871,000

Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro S line R897,000

Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro S line R947,000

Audi SQ5 TFSI quattro R1,208,000