2021 Audi Q5 Refreshed, Gets Mild Hybrid System

The 2021 Audi Q5 lineup has been refreshed with sharper looks and the addition of a mild hybrid system.

The mild hybrid system is the big highlight with this refresh, as it augments the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 12-volt electric system, giving it a 13-horsepower boost. The Q5 now outputs a combined 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, up from 248 hp. It’s interesting that Audi chose a 12-volt mild hybrid system for the Q5 when many other automakers are going for larger 48-volt setups.

Visually, the updated Q5’s grille is thinner and wider and the air intakes are taller with new inserts so the SUV looks more like the newer models in Audi’s lineup. The Q5 lineup now gets full LED headlights and LED taillights with animated turn signals and the SQ5 gets optional OLEDs, which are more advanced and efficient.

The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model now comes standard with the S Line exterior and a honeycomb pattern in the grille, while the sportier SQ5 model gets an optional package with black trim elements and optional 21-inch wheels. The SQ5’s 3.0L turbo V6 engine with 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque has been carried over and the crossover comes standard with adaptive dampers and an available air suspension and a sportier steering setup.

Inside, the Q5 is now running the latest version of Audi’s infotainment system, which the German automaker says is faster and offers better resolution. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and the newest version of the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is also available. The Q5 also gets some additional standard driver assistance and safety technology including blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, a system that detects impending rear collisions and takes preventative actions, new parking sensors front and rear, and rear cross traffic alert with automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and a top-view parking camera are optional.

The 2021 Audi Q5 should go one sale in the fourth quarter of this year.