Revised Audi Q5 goes up in price, tech

Audi Australia has revealed local pricing and specs for the facelifted 2021 Audi Q5 ahead of the new-look, higher-tech mid-size luxury SUV’s arrival here early next year.

The revised 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, brings more style and technology, plus a power boost and price increases of more than $4000 for some variants.

For now, the 2021 Audi Q5 line-up will be available in seven trim grades, including two diesel options (40 TDI or 50 TDI) and one petrol option (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 Q5 also comes with revised LED headlight and single-frame grille designs, along with world-first technology which we’ll get to in a minute.

Flagship 50 TDI grades are powered by Audi’s 210kW/620Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, which is good for a 5.7-second 0-100km/h acceleration time.

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.

Meanwhile, 40 TDI and 45 TFSI variants will 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 AWD technology.

Prices now start from $68,900 before on-road costs for the entry-level Q5 40 TDI – up $2000 compared to the model it replaces.

For the extra money, the entry-level’s four-pot turbo-diesel has been given a 10kW power boost – now 150kW/400Nm. You can see the full pricing table below.

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

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

On the technology front, Audi says Q5 buyers can option ‘world-first’ interactive digital OLED tail-lights that come 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.

Also said to be heavily improved, is the upgraded Q5’s in-cabin tech, with the virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster now displaying even more information, as well as more seamless integration for smartphone mirroring and better hand-writing functions, according to the manufacturer.

Standard equipment for both 40 TDI and 45 TFSI Sport variants (from $74,900) 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.

Moving up the line, top-spec Audi Q5 50 TDI S Line variants are priced from $89,600 and add an electrically adjustable steering column, head-up display, sporty S Line interior, black honeycomb grille, rear diffuser with silver trim, illuminated door sills and more.

The revised interior comprises of a 12.3-inch infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus digital radio, dual Bluetooth connectivity, four USB outlets and a wireless charging ‘phone box light’.

All 2021 Q5s will also be 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.

Rear cargo capacity is rated at 520 litres (or 1520 litres with the 40:20:40-split rear seats folded flat).

When the new Q5 arrives, Audi will offer a limited run of Launch Edition models in both 40 TDI and 45 TFSI grades, priced from $78,300 and $80,800 (plus ORCs) respectively.

Launch Edition grades will add metallic paint, 20-inch bi-colour alloy wheels, a black exterior styling pack (including roof rails), carbon exterior mirrors, tinted windows, ambient interior lighting, floormats with contrasting stitching and more.

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

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

How much does the 2021 Audi Q5 cost?
40 TDI – $68,900 (+$2000)
45 TFSI – $69,600 (+$1787)
40 TDI Sport – $74,900 (+$2300)
45 TFSI Sport – $76,600 (+$2464)
40 TDI Launch Edition – $78,300
45 TFSI Launch Edition – $80,800
50 TDI S Line – $89,600 (+$4511)
*Prices exclude on-road costs