Audi introduced its new Q5 executive SUV in South Africa in 2017 and it has now received a mid-life update. Take a look at what the updated Q5 will have to offer when it arrives in South Africa in 2021.

The Q5 has been a huge success for Audi, so much so that it’s the Ingolstadt-based firm’s most popular SUV having sold over 16 million units since its inception in 2008. It’s also worth noting that the current Audi Q5 has been a regular finalist in the #CarsAwards powered by WesBank.

What’s changed?

This particular AudiQ5 wears an S line trim package in the new District Green body colour. Do you like the look?

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. In the Q5’s side view, Audi has added rocker panels that further boost the Q5’s athletic appeal. 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. With the rear lights split into 3 tiles of 6 segments each, Audi is able to offer a variety of lighting signature options and further development in this regard can be expected in the future. Customers will initially be able to choose from 3 distinct lighting signatures and the new lighting system can also detect when a vehicle is approaching to closely and lights up accordingly as a warning to the driver. Audi has also added 2 new colour options for the Q5 including District Green and Ultra Blue bringing the choice of exterior colours to 12.

OLED lighting technology allows for unique lighting signatures to be created while also enhancing safety with proximity warning.

What about the interior?

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. As always, Audi offers a wide range of trim finishes to suit your taste including base, design and S line trim finishes.

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 infotainment system functions much like your smartphone and is now faster and easier to operate than ever before. Customers can, of course, upgrade the system to the MMI navigation plus with Audi connect navigation which adds flexibility with voice-control and access to the cloud. Useful real-time traffic information is presented to the driver and the system can even help you detect free parking spaces in the vicinity of the vehicle. More so, up to 6 driver profiles can now be stored on the MIB 3 system and they are accessible on the cloud which means you can access them from any other Audi vehicle you might be driving.

The Audi Q5 interior benefits from a significant infotainment update.

Audi’s familiar virtual cockpit plus which incorporates a 12.3-inch digital display with 3 layout options controlled via the mult-function steering wheel is also available along with an optional head-up display.

Audi’s pre-sense city system is standard and helps prevent collisions with other road users. Optional driver assistance systems for the Q5 include turn assist, collision avoidance assist, exit warning and adaptive cruise assist.

From a practicality point of view, the Q5 can be optionally equipped with Audi’s sliding rear bench and load bay capacity is claimed at 550 litres expanding to 1 550 litres. A variable folding floor mat is standard and an electronic tailgate is optional.

Please note that South African specification details for the Q5 will be confirmed closer to launch in the second quarter of 2021.

Engine Power

The current 2.0-litre petrol and diesel options are expected to be carried over when the Audi Q5 facelift arrives in SA in Q2 2021.

For South Africa, the current engine offerings for the Q5 will carry over which means the Q5 will be offered with a choice of a petrol and diesel engine and all Q5’s feature Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive.

The turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine in the Q5 45 TFSI offers 185 kW and 370 Nm of torque.

As for the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine in the Q5 40TDI, outputs are 140 kW and 400 Nm and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission will be standard on all Q5 derivatives.

However, performance enthusiasts will have to wait longer for answers regarding the possibility of an RS Q5 as Audi flat-out refused to comment on it during the reveal this month.

A special-edition Q5 Edition One may also be offered locally with an S line exterior and a black trim package. Other unique features for the Q5 Edition One include red brake calipers, 19-inch wheels and sports seats while exterior colour options include Glacier White, Myth Black as well as the new District Green and Ultra Blue.

The Audi Q5 is produced at the San José Chiapa plant in Mexico. We will keep you updated as soon as local specification and pricing details for the facelifted Audi Q5 become available. Until then, stay safe and stay tuned!

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