Audi Q5 2021 Review

If luxury SUVs are your thing, then it’s safe to say no introduction is required for the Audi Q5.

The German car-maker’s most popular SUV model, the Q5 has been a sales darling since its Australian arrival in 2009. In fact, more than 38,000 Q5s have sold across two generations.

That brings us to the facelifted 2021 Audi Q5. Laden with more technology, mild-hybrid powertrains and fresh styling, the Q5 renews its fight chiefly with the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, while also attempting to fend off the Volvo XC60, Lexus NX and Jaguar F-PACE.

Once Australia’s best-selling mid-size luxury SUV, the Audi has lagged to fourth recently. Can the updated model help it scale back to those lofty heights?

The 2021 Audi Q5, which will be joined by the swoopier Sportback derivative later next year followed by all-electric e-tron and high-performance RS versions, is subject to price increases of more than $4000 for some variants.

All told, there are seven model variants, including two diesel engine options (40 TDI or 50 TDI) and one petrol (45 TFSI), all helped along with mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) technology to boost performance and efficiency.

Along with a sleek new design on the outside, the new Audi Q5 also comes with revised LED headlight and single-frame grille designs.

Prices now start from $68,900 plus on-road costs for the entry-level Q5 40 TDI quattro – up $2000 compared to the model it replaces. The entry petrol grade Q5 45 TFSI quattro starts at $69,600 plus ORCs, a $1787 increase.

Across the line-up, standard features include daytime running lights (DRLs), leather seat trim, tri-zone climate control, LED cabin lighting and a 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster.

Standard safety features extend to autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, lane assist, rear cross traffic alert, driver attention alert, eight airbags and more.

Entry Q5 models miss out on adaptive cruise control, park assist, a 360-degree camera and heated/folding exterior mirrors available on other models, but these can be optioned for between $1769 and $2300 depending on the variant.

On the technology front, Audi says Q5 buyers can option ‘world-first’ interactive digital OLED tail-lights with a 2.0-metre proximity warning that displays a sequence of flashing lights at vehicles driving too close behind.

The OLED (organic LEDs) also change design depending on which drive mode the SUV is in.

Standard equipment for Sport variants of the 40 TDI and 45 TFSI (priced from $74,900 and $76,600 respectively) – the latter on test here – includes 20-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, heated Sport front seats, a panoramic sunroof, park assist and a 10-speaker sound system.

The 2021 Audi Q5 is available with 12 exterior paint colours and four interior colour options.

As for maintenance, Audi says the new model range is offered with a five-year service plan package, priced at $2720 for petrol variants and $3160 for diesels.

The Audi Q5 is backed by a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty in Australia, which is less than many of its luxury rivals.

The volume-selling Audi Q5 40 TDI and 45 TFSI variants come with 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines respectively, paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch S tiptronic automatic and the same quattro all-wheel drive technology.

The entry-level four-pot turbo-diesel has been given a 10kW power boost – now 150kW/400Nm – that delivers a 7.6sec 0-100km/h claim and a combined fuel efficiency rating of 5.4L/100km.

Meanwhile, the Q5 45 TFSI’s drivetrain doles out 183kW/370Nm, equating to a 6.3sec 0-100km/h sprint and 8.0L/100km economy.

The flagship 50 TDI variant that comes on stream from March is powered by Audi’s 210kW/620Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, which is good for a 5.7sec 0-100km/h acceleration time and returns 6.8L/100km.

That engine is mated to an eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels via Audi’s quattro system with self-locking centre differential.

All Audi Q5 models are armed with one of two mild-hybrid systems comprising a small lithium-ion battery and a starter-alternator. The thinking goes that at speeds below 22km/h, the engine switches off to save fuel (typically when pulling up to rest) and can also be temporarily shut down during coasting scenarios between 55km/h and 160km/h.

All told, the system contributes a fuel saving of about 0.3L/100km – ditto the quattro all-wheel drive system’s ability to apportion drive to the front wheels during coasting.

In updating the Mexican-built Audi Q5, the German car-maker has also addressed one of its predecessor’s telling pitfalls: cabin technology.

Foremost, the revised interior boasts a 12.3-inch infotainment touch-screen unit with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, plus digital radio, dual Bluetooth connectivity, four USB outlets and a wireless charging ‘phone box light’.

And, yes, the sometimes-maligned centre rotary dial is no more.

Elsewhere, the virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster now displays even more information and allows seamless integration for smartphone mirroring and better hand-writing functions, according to the manufacturer.

All 2021 Q5s are offered with Audi connect plus functionality, bringing live traffic updates, weather conditions, fuel prices, parking information and more.

The German car-maker says the myAudi smartphone app allows for additional functions such as remote lock/unlock, service request and more.

The cabin execution is much more convincing when you climb in, offering more incidental storage and a contemporary bent. The removal of Audi’s centre rotary dial has liberated more odds and ends storage, complementing existing cavernous door pockets and open cubbies.

As ever, one of the major drawcards of the Audi Q5 is that of space, with ample room for families – especially in light of its 4.6-metre length.

The rear seat offers the kind of room in every direction that would happily accommodate a couple of adults on longer journeys, despite a bulky transmission tunnel. Rear air-vents and two rear USB ports (four in total across the cabin) are also welcome.

Equally, a generous glasshouse (for outward viewing) and the installation of two ISOFIX child attachment points makes it suitable for little ones; ditto the 520-litre boot, which is big enough for a couple of full-size suitcases or a designer pram. Split-folding rear seats extend this space to 1520 litres.

The only caveat in terms of passenger amenity is the rear seat offers limited backrest angle and adjustment unless you opt for the $1690 Comfort Package which solves this issue and also adds an electrically-adjustable steering column with memory and automatic entry/exit functions.

If the BMW X3 is the sporty proponent in this mid-size luxury SUV segment, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC the more comfortable option, then think of the Audi Q5 as somewhere in the middle.

Across a mix of urban, challenging and open roads, the Q5 enamours with its level of on-road poise, while also providing strong feedback levels via the key controls.

It won’t telegraph on-road nuances as intimately or engagingly as, say, the X3 or more so the Porsche Macan; instead, it’s a vehicle that feels easy to gel with and navigate despite its 4.66-metre length and 1.89-metre width. Inner-city manoeuvres, tight car parks and tricky U-turns are a cinch thanks to light steering and a strong outward view.

For all their marketing hype, Audi’s new range of mild-hybrid engines are well matched to the Q5, too. The entry turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel are arguably all the engine you’d need, providing seamless passage to open road speeds, accessible torque and inherent efficiency.

As ever, there is a slightly hesitation from the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic upon setting off, but beyond that point resides tangible, useable power.

The petrol engine’s 183kW chimes in from a lofty 6000rpm, which also equates to a meaty mid-range and spritely top end.

Meanwhile, the diesel, though not as refined at low speeds, still offers a relevant and attractive option for those regularly tackling country miles, at which point its 5.4L/100km claim isn’t out of reach – equating to a circa-1000km range, to put it modestly.

Irrespective of engine choice, the Q5 ably balances comfort and performance duties. There’s a sporty premise to the ride and handling, but never to the detriment of outright comfort: the body is well controlled over pitter-patter imperfections and also shakes off larger undulations with aplomb.

Although the Audi Q5 no longer wears the crown as the top-selling mid-size luxury SUV – the Mercedes-Benz GLC just managed to outmuscle the BMW X3 last year – the latest update has all the makings of a sales winner.

The fresh infotainment and mild-hybrid powertrains are both welcome additions and, as ever, they’re integrated in a way that’s smart and understated.

Typical Audi, really.

How much does the 2021 Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro Sport cost?
Price: $76,600 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 183kW/370Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 8.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 182g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2017)