2021 Audi Q5

All signs point to the updated 2021 Audi Q5 continuing to be its brand's best-seller. Its oh-so-Audi design, well-stocked equipment list and reasonable pricing are obviously appealing attributes to those shopping in the crowded compact luxury crossover segment. It's also one of the better entries to drive, with the plug-in hybrid in particular impressing with its rapid acceleration, high fuel economy and negligible dynamic compromises. Given hefty tax credits, it's arguably the one to get. All of that said, the 2021 Q5 rarely exceeds the efforts of its many competitors. In some ways, it's deficient: Its passenger and cargo space are unremarkable for the segment, and its interior quality is disappointing for both the segment and by Audi's usual high standards. Basically, it’s a solid, mid-pack choice, but there are more practical, stylish and/or dynamic choices out there. What's new for 2021? The current-generation Q5 gets its first significant update. The styling is tweaked, with each version (base, plug-in hybrid and SQ5) getting slightly different looks. The interior gets Audi's latest MIB3 infotainment system, which means quicker responses, a new user interface and an enlarged central display that's also now a touchscreen. The old MMI system's center console controls are gone, leaving a rather useless bin in their place. The available Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster is now a higher-resolution unit, while other feature updates include three-zone climate control, blind-spot warning and an upgraded front and rear automatic emergency-braking system added as standard equipment. Mechanically, the base 2.0-liter turbo engine adds 12 extra horses and a mild-hybrid system for improved efficiency and refinement. The plug-in hybrid Q5 and the high-performance SQ5 powertrains carry over unchanged apart from the latter's recalibrated transmission resulting in a considerably lower 0-60-mph time. What's the Q5 interior and in-car technology like? Quite frankly, the Q5's interior disappoints. Part of that is Audi's past efforts setting the bar so high, but it also falls short when comparing it to other vehicles in the segment. At first glance, the design is attractive and seemingly delivers the expected amount of luxury ambiance. Look closer, however, and you'll note the hard, Volkswagen-grade plastics on the center console and doors, or the unconvincing wood trim that's a step down from the previous-generation Q5. Its functionality is also disappointing. Instead of redesigning the center console after removing the old MMI infotainment system's controls, Audi literally just left a hole. Or, rather, a bin the size of Kleenex packet. It joins two other bins of questionable use, including one adjacent to a USB port that's too small for any phone made since the iPhone was invented. One must also choose between using the cupholders and keeping items in the under-armrest bin due to a sliding cover that doubles as a wireless charger. As for the new infotainment system, we miss those old center console controls – although touchscreen functionality is always welcome, there are functions that are better controlled with a knob and menu buttons. Many other luxury brands provide a redundant …
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