2021 Audi Q5 SUV facelift makes its debut, India launch next year

Tuhin Guha Updated: June 29, 2020, 03:44 PM IST

Audi has given the Q5 a mid-cycle update, the second-gen car has been around globally since 2016. In doing this, the two-row SUV has been visually brought in line with the rest of the Audi SUV line-up. Consequently, it gets many styling cues first seen on the Q8 flagship. There is the new Audi grille, wider and flatter than before. The standard LED headlamps have been sharpened up and get the segmented LED lighting seen on cars like the A6 and A8. A matrix LED option can be had too. Also, the bumper is now sharply cut with new triangular elements. Blacked-out exterior trim can also be optioned as an extra.

At the rear, there are new tail lamps and a chunkier ornamental diffuser. Notably, Audi's pioneering OLED lighting tech is available as an option. Each rear lamp is split into three tiles of six segments each and allows for different light designs and signatures. This technology first debuted in the e-tron Sportback and has now trickled down here. There are also two new colour options - distinct green and ultra-blue. Further, there are two style packages to choose from, the more stately advanced line and the sporty S Line. Dimensionally, the Q5 is 19mm longer and has a bit more ground clearance.

At launch, the facelifted Audi Q5 will be available in 'edition one' form. This adds the S Line styling package and black exterior treatment. There will also be carbon-fibre accents, red brake callipers and 19-inch wheels. The interior will get sports seats at the Audi puddle lights.

On the inside, the design gets some of the horizontal themes from newer Audis. This is seen in the new centre-console design with the chunky gear shifter and the new 10.1-inch MIB 3 infotainment system. As always, the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit continues in its newest iteration. There are three design trims to choose from here as well and a suite of navigation and connected-car features. A simplified version of this could make it to India. A head-up display is available as an optional extra.

The India-spec Audi Q5 facelift is expected to be powered by the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol motor seen in the Audi A6. In its 45 TFSI iteration, this motor does with 245PS of power and 370Nm of torque. A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is expected to pair with this, along with an AWD option. Internationally, the facelifted Audi Q5 will also be available with the 40 TDI engine option. This is a 2.0-litre diesel engine with 204PS and 400 Nm. A 12-volt mild-hybrid system pairs with this, allowing the Q5 to coast with the engine off and give it start-stop functionality below 22 kmph.

The Audi Q5 continues with its all-round multilink suspension set-up. There are four further options for this, a standard set-up, a sport suspension tune, the standard steel spring with damper control and lastly, a fully adjustable air suspension. Audi Drive Select is standard too, with seven modes to choose from ranging from comfort to off-road. Standard wheel size on offer is 17-inches. This goes up to 18-inches with the advanced and S Line styling package. Optional 19, 20 and 21-inch alloys are on offer as well.

The facelifted Audi Q5 now gets OLED rear lighting

The new Q5 can be had with a full suite of connectivity and assistance systems, although we expect limited availability of this in the Indian market. There is adaptive cruise control, Audi pre-sense city safety functions are available that work in conjunction with turn assist, collision avoidance function and an exit warning system. Audi connect online services are on offer internationally. This brings with it Google Earth-base navigation, standard satellite radio, Amazon Alexa integration and car-to-x services. This uses IoT tech to find empty parking spots or smoothen traffic flow.

As we reported last month, the updated Audi Q5 is expected to make its way to India early next year. Here it will compete with the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3.