Visually, the updated Q5 wears a more refined face that incorporates a revised octagonal single-frame grille design flanked by newly designed LED headlights (Matrix LED optional) with a new, integrated Daytime Running Light(DRLs) signature. More so, the air intakes adopt a more vertical design approach which exudes more sportiness which is reminiscent of the brand’s RS models.Moving to the rear, a new diffuser element with a horizontal fin is seen as well as a new trim element between the rear light clusters.Talking about the rear light clusters, Audi has introduced digital Organic Light Emitting Diode or OLED lighting technology which now features on the Q5 for the very first time. OLED’s are said to be far more efficient than conventional or even LED lighting solutions.
The interior of the Q5 remains mostly familiar and now features a new 10.1-inch MMI touch display with acoustic feedback while the previous rotary/push control in the centre console is no more and has been replaced with a storage bin. The Q5 is also equipped with the third-generation Modular Infotainment Platform (MIB 3) which is said to offer 10 times more processing power than the previous MIB 2 system.
The Audi Q5 interior
Audi South Africa is offering the updated Q5 SUV in both petrol and diesel derivatives, with a flagship performance SQ5 sitting at the top of the pile. Every Q5 features quattro all-wheel drive as well as a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox. Starting us off is the diesel 2.0-litre with 140 kW and 400 Nm. Audi claims 4.9 L/100 km and the vehicle is good for a 0-100 kph in just 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 218 kph.
For those wanting some petrol, the 2.0-litre develops 185 kW and 370 Nm, and is brisker to 100 kph at 6.3 seconds and it will reach a top speed of 237 kph. It’s slightly heavier on juice at 6.9 L/100 km. Finally, the SQ5 packs 260 kW and 500 Nm from its 3.0-litre turbocharged V6. It’s quick, with a 0-100 kph sprint time of 5.4 seconds and it has a limited top speed of 250 kph.
The Audi SQ5 will be the fastest model in the lineup
The new Q5 range will officially go on sale in South Africa from 1 September 2021 and comes standard with a five year Audi Freeway Plan:
Q5 40 TDI quattro R852 000
Q5 40 TDI quattro Advanced R871 000
Q5 40 TDI quattro S line R897 000
Q5 45 TFSI quattro S line R947 000
SQ5 TFSI quattro R1 208 000
Facelifted Audi Q5 For SA in 2021
Audi Q5 Sportback takes on BMW X4
Updated Audi SQ5 Revealed
Audi Q7 (2021) Review