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February 10, 2021
Audi Q5 receives major facelift with powertrain refresh | Audi
Audi Q5 | Audi
The Audi Q5 Evolves Significantly
Audi Japan has announced that the mid-size SUVs "Q5" and "SQ5" will receive a minor model change and go on sale starting Monday, March 8, 2021.
Equipped with the Latest Infotainment System, Interior and Exterior Also Greatly Updated
The second-generation Q5 series, born in 2017, has undergone a minor model change. This refresh includes a significant update to the exterior design and a major minor change that revamps the powertrain.
The exterior features the iconic octagonal Singleframe grille, now flatter and wider. The side air intakes, widened, adopt a trapezoidal motif. New light signatures for the daytime running lights are integrated above the LED headlamps, while the rear end receives new rear lights and an element connecting the left and right clusters.
Inside, the latest MIB 3 infotainment system is adopted for the first time. The center screen, now larger at 10.1 inches, is a touchscreen, enhancing operability and contributing to a simpler, cleaner cockpit.
Furthermore, simply saying "Hey, Audi" initiates voice input, allowing for destination entry, climate control adjustments, and more through natural language.
The powertrain has also been revamped. The 45 TFSI quattro is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline turbo engine producing 249 ps and 370 Nm of torque, while the 40 TDI quattro features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel turbo engine with 204 ps and 400 Nm. Both are paired with a mild hybrid system (MHEV) utilizing a belt-driven alternator starter and a 12V lithium-ion battery.
For improved efficiency, the quattro all-wheel-drive system with an AWD clutch is combined with a 7-speed S tronic transmission. When the system determines AWD is unnecessary, the AWD clutch disconnects the propeller shaft, and a decoupling clutch in the rear differential disengages the rear driveshaft, distributing torque solely to the front wheels. During coasting, the engine is completely shut off to reduce fuel consumption.
The high-performance SQ5 variant receives updates including a dedicated S model honeycomb mesh Singleframe grille with aluminum-look inlays. Additionally, a left-hand drive specification is now available.
The SQ5's power unit is an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission paired with a 3.0-liter V6 turbo engine generating 260 kW (354 ps) and 500 Nm of torque. The quattro all-wheel-drive system with a mechanical center differential and the S sport suspension with damping control are said to deliver dynamic handling and a refined ride.
Pricing starts at 6.81 million yen for the diesel 40 TDI quattro, 7.30 million yen for the gasoline 45 TFSI, and 9.15 million yen for the high-performance SQ5.
