Inside the 2021 Audi Q5: Luxury Refined

Anyone searching for a luxury SUV need look no further than the 2021 Audi Q5. The latest Q5 has been built specifically for those who prize style and technology. Ultra classy and built for urban environments, the Q5 doesn’t offer the same rugged off-road performance as some other SUVs. However, if you want to feel pampered behind the wheel, this is the right luxury SUV. With the choice of a regular or plug-in hybrid powertrain, the 2021 Q5 provides a quiet interior and an exceptionally smooth ride. Plus it’s loaded with cool technology. All the latest bells and whistles can be found in the 2021 Q5, including a large infotainment display, optional digital gauge display, and a suite of available driver-assistance features. Here’s a closer look inside the 2021 Audi Q5.

Exterior Styling

Audi has provided the Q5 with a slight makeover for 2021. Emphasis on the word “slight.” The Q5 gets an updated grille, new front and rear bumpers, as well as 18- and 20-inch wheel designs. There’s also updated headlamps and taillights. That’s enough new touches to make the 2021 edition of the Q5 feel fresh and contemporary. However, Audi stopped short of a complete exterior overhaul. Q5. Still, very few SUVs on the market today are as stylish as the Audi Q5. It turns heads everywhere it goes.

Engine and Performance

When it comes to the engine, the 2021 Q5 boasts a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. It can produce 261-horsepower. A 12-volt hybrid engine system is now standard under the hood. A Sport Plus package is also available, which adds adaptive air suspension and summer tires. However, the Q5 still lags behind rivals such as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, BMW X3, and Porsche Macan when it comes to a sporty and engaging drive.

The seven-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive option are decent. However, they don’t quite provide the same level of handling as rival SUVs in the Q5’s class. The plug-in-hybrid variant adds an electric motor that increases output to a combined 362-horsepower and 369-pound feet of torque, which Audi claims improves the acceleration. Overall, the Q5 offers a smooth and controlled ride. The steering has been described as “accurate” but not spectacular.

Trimlines and Prices

The 2021 edition of the Audi Q5 comes in no less than six trimlines. They range in price from $44,395 for the base model Premium 45, all the way up to $62,695 for the top end Prestige 55 version. Audi distinguishes the Q5’s powertrains with the numbers 45 and 55, the former meaning the standard turbo four and the latter indicates the optional plug-in hybrid edition.

Among the trimlines, the mid-range Premium Plus model is the one that reviewers seem to recommend the most. It offers the best balance of features and price. It also comes standard with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display, which is popular with consumers. For more detailed information about the different ways you can customize your Q5, check out Audi’s webpage.

Interior

Inside is where the 2021 Q5 rolls out the red carpet for drivers (and passengers too). The vehicle has plenty of room and can comfortably sit four adults. It’s also extremely comfortable and offers plenty of upscale features, even on the base trimline. The cabin is quiet, even at top speeds, and easy to enter and exit.. Moving up through the various trim levels provides greater luxury, including Audi’s slick Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster. In terms of cargo, the Q5 can fit 18 carry-on cargo boxes without any visible strain. The Q5’s rear seatbacks easily fold down providing greater flexibility than rivals such as the Lexus RX.

Technology

Beyond the plush seats and leather accents, the 2021 Q5 spares no expense when it comes to technology. Buyers enjoy an intuitive infotainment system displayed on a 10.1-inch screen. Standard tech includes a WiFi hotspot and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. At higher trimlines, you’ll get the reconfigurable digital gauge cluster that Audi calls its Virtual Cockpit as standard equipment. It provides a wide, 12.3-inch view of the navigation map plus selected media, phone controls, trip computer, speed, and tachometer.

Safety

When it comes to safety features, the latest Q5 has an impressive five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It also scored top-ranked “Good” marks in ever crashworthiness category from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.

The Q5 also comes with lots of standard driver-assistance technology, including automated emergency braking and forward-collision warning, as well as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control is an optional add-on.

Warranty Coverage

Audi’s warranty coverage is about average for the industry. It’s not the worst warranty available, but some rivals offer longer coverage periods. The 2021 Q5 comes with a limited warranty that’s good for four years or 50,000 miles. The powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles. Finally, Audi offers complimentary scheduled maintenance for one year or 10,000 miles.

Fuel Economy

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates the 2021 Q5 will earn 23 miles per gallon in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. Those numbers are okay for a luxury SUV, but not breathtaking. The hybrid variant has an electric-only range of 19 miles, but overall gets about 50 MPGe (mile per gallon equivalent).

The Good

• Upgrades to the exterior styling that give the Q5 a refreshed appearance.
• Comfortable and spacious interior with plenty of cutting-edge technology.
• Five-star crash-test rating and decent warranty coverage.

The Not-So-Good

• Engine is not as powerful as rival luxury SUV vehicles. No V6 option.
• Handling and overall performance has been criticized as lacking excitement.
• Fuel economy is ho-hum, especially for a hybrid gas/electric model.

The Last Word

What the 2021 Audi Q5 lacks in power and handling, it makes up for with comfort and technology. While the latest Q5 isn’t the best choice for off-road driving and rugged terrain, it’s a great vehicle for city dwellers and suburbanites who want a comfortable and luxurious ride to impress their friends and family. Spacious and with a high safety rating, the 2021 Audi Q5 remains a standout in the luxury SUV space. While it doesn’t tick every box, it remains an excellent choice.

Source: AudiUSA.com