The 2021 Audi Q5 has options for anyone looking for a premium luxury all-wheel-drive SUV with a comprehensive suite of standard features. For the 2021 model year, the Q5 added more standard features, updated the design, and launched a Sportback performance model.
Audi’s best-selling model, the Q5, features top-quality design, performance, and luxury materials. In addition, it offers three powertrain options: a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, a plug-in hybrid, and a powerful 3.0-liter six-cylinder performance engine.
The Q5 45 Premium Plus model I tested was powerful, smooth, and exceptionally quiet inside the cabin. Riding on 19-inch wheels, the Premium Plus model took on rough city roads and was stress-free during highway commutes. In addition, the contour leather seats with thigh support and ventilation were comfortable.
The Premium Plus adds more standard features than the base model and fits in the middle of the Q5 family. It includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, sport seats, a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, more cameras, and a panoramic sunroof. In addition, all models come with a 10.1-inch infotainment display and Audi’s exclusive software.
Standard driver-assistance safety features include automated lane-departure warning, parking sensors, emergency braking, forward collision, blind-spot warning, cross-traffic alerts, and adaptive cruise control. Models also come with a toll-road transmitter.
Models/Price: Audi Q5 powertrain options are distinguished by the numbers 45 for turbocharged four-cylinder and 55 for the plug-in hybrid models. In total, the Q5 offers nine different options that range from $44,000 to $62,000 MSRP: The Audi Premium 45 ($44,395), Premium Sportback ($48,895), Premium Plus 45 ($49,195), Premium Plus ($52,095), Premium 55 ($52,895), Prestige 45 ($55,095), Premium Plus 55 ($56,795), Prestige Sportback ($57,595), and Prestige 55 ($62,695).
Power: The base 2021 Audi Q5 has a four-cylinder turbo that generates 261 horsepower, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The plug-in hybrid increases horsepower to 362 with 369-lb ft of torque. The Q5 Sportback is powered by the same 261 horsepower engine, while the SQ5 Sportback gets 349 horses from a 3.0-liter six-cylinder.
Fuel Economy: EPA estimates for the 2021 Q5 range from 23 city/28 highway mpg. The plug-in hybrid gets a combined 27 mpg with an electric range of 19 miles.
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