Audi Q5 2021 Car Review

Starting from $106,900, it’s by no means cheap, but you do get an exceptional piece of kit in exchange for your hard-earned cash.

Distinct exterior features

Outside there are a few features that are designed to change the look of the Q5 to give it a stronger and more distinctive look.

The first thing you might see is the rather imposing “Singleframe” grille, which is now more shallow and appears wider than previous generations. The intakes next to it have grown in height and offer trapezoidal inserts, while the upper section of the LED headlamps now feature new signature daytime running lights.

Thanks to a redesigned sill insert on the side of the SUV, the new Audi Q5 now has greater ground clearance and gives off a lighter but somehow more muscular appearance when viewing the car side-on.

The rear also gets a small makeover, with a new diffusor insert and nice clean-lined trim between the rear light clusters.

Alongside the District Green paint that looked great on our test car, there’s also Ultra Blue paint to add to the list of many choices when it comes to configuring the Q5 of your dreams.

Cool tech

Also, for the first time on an Audi Q5, next-generation Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) lighting is available as an optional feature. OLEDs generate a homogenous light and are extremely efficient. When used on the Q5, each tail light is split into three tiles of six segments, each of which enabled the Audi designers to get creative with different light designs and signatures.

Here’s the other cool part…when placing an order, customers can choose from three rear light signatures, where each has its own specific designs for either coming to or leaving home. Upon changing the drive mode to “Dynamic” the lights can also change to yet another signature. Furthermore, if someone was to approach the rear of the stationary vehicle from less than two meters away, the full spectrum of OLEDs would light up, thanks to built-in proximity detection.

As with many of the latest Audis, the focal point inside is the display. The previous MMI rotary control interface has been left behind, and has been replaced with touchscreen technology with acoustic feedback.

The central 10.1-inch display comes as standard. It’s easy to use, allows manual inputs or voice control and can connect to the internet. When combined with the MMI navigation plus, this opens up the voice control to access the cloud for greater flexibility.

The Audi S line variants (as seen on our test model) adds Audi’s ‘virtual cockpit plus’, which is a high resolution 12.3-inch digital display nestled within the dashboard, and boasts a wide variety of selectable graphic layouts. Head Up Display (HUD) is also available as an optional extra.

The Audi Connect online service ensures the Q5 is more interactive and connected to the world around it than ever before. Audi Connect navigation offers high-res satellite images from Google Earth, as well as lane-by-lane information on traffic flow and forecasts.

Mild hybrid technology

A fuel consumption figure drop is achieved with the addition of very mild hybrid technology, which allows the vehicle to coast when the engine is off as opposed to just shutting it off once the car has stopped. The technology allows the start-stop mode to activate at speeds below 22km/h. A belt-driven starter/generator (BSG) supplies the 12-volt electrical system, which incorporates a compact Li-ion battery.

The Audi Q5 is available in both 2.0-litre turbo petrol and diesel options, with the diesel available in Advanced and S-Line trim, with the petrol model S-Line only.

Safety first

Audi’s safety and assist features make the Q5 a safe place to be. Pre-sense city comes as standards and helps avoid collisions with road users in front of the vehicle. Turn assist, collision avoidance assist and exit warning systems are also included. Adaptive cruise control takes care of vehicle acceleration, braking, and lane-keeping manoeuvres when you’re hitting the open road or motorway. It received a 5-star ANCAP rating back in 2017.

Verdict

The Audi Q5 is a versatile car, which is precisely why the medium SUV class proves to be so popular. If you have a small family to cart around in style, or you’re an adventure seeker and want to cart things on roof racks, the Q5 is easy to clean and offers lots of room. You’ll love all of the features, comfort and sportiness that this luxury Audi affords.

Safety systems

• ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, electronic diff lock, traction control and electronic stabilisation control
• Driver and passenger airbags, front and rear side airbags and head airbag 
• Active Lane Assist
• Cross Traffic Assist
• Pre-Sense city, Pre-sense rear
• Turn Assist
• Side Assist
• Exit Warning

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• AA Car Reviews - aa.co.nz/car-reviews
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