2026 Audi Q5 Specs, Engine, Redesign

2026 Audi Q5 Specs, Engine, Redesign – The 2026 Audi Q5 arrives with a comprehensive redesign aimed at keeping it at the forefront of the luxury compact SUV market. We see a sharper, more athletic silhouette that blends sportiness with refined elegance, adopting Audi’s latest design language inspired by its electric e-tron lineup. The wider Singleframe grille integrates seamlessly with slim, Matrix LED headlights, giving the Q5 a more aggressive and contemporary stance. Subtle creases along the hood and body panels convey both muscularity and aerodynamic efficiency, while upgraded wheel designs and new paint finishes offer buyers more customization. 2026 Audi Q5 Specs

Table of Contents

2026 Audi Q5 Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior & Interior

On the outside, the 2026 Audi Q5 embraces a balanced mix of sportiness and sophistication. The front fascia is dominated by the wider, frameless Singleframe grille with bold honeycomb detailing. Flanking it are sharper Matrix LED or optional OLED headlights, which offer customizable lighting signatures for both style and safety. The side profile benefits from a sleeker roofline that gently slopes toward the rear, while the pronounced shoulder lines give the vehicle a confident, planted look. At the back, slim OLED taillights are connected by a full-width light bar, echoing Audi’s flagship models. The rear bumper integrates aerodynamic elements and subtle chrome touches for a premium finish.

Inside, the 2026 Q5 continues Audi’s tradition of setting benchmarks in interior craftsmanship. Premium materials dominate the cabin, from natural wood inlays and brushed aluminum to eco-conscious recycled microfibers and fine Nappa leather. The dashboard has been reimagined with a cleaner, more minimalist design, featuring a large 11.9-inch MMI touchscreen seamlessly integrated into the center stack, complemented by a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit Plus display for the driver. Ambient lighting, now with over 30 customizable color settings, creates a truly tailored environment.

Cabin space has been improved thanks to better packaging of components, offering more rear legroom and cargo capacity. The rear seats can slide and recline for comfort on longer trips, and the load floor is adjustable for versatile storage. Audi’s latest infotainment runs on the new MIB 4 platform, offering quicker response times, sharper graphics, and improved voice controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, over-the-air updates, and a premium Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system further elevate the driving experience.

This new generation emphasizes platform improvements as well, with Audi shifting the Q5 onto an updated MLB Evo architecture. This allows for a lighter yet more rigid chassis, improving both handling precision and ride comfort. Enhanced use of aluminum and high-strength steel further reduces weight without compromising safety. Aerodynamic refinements include active grille shutters, redesigned side mirrors, and an updated underbody for reduced drag, which benefits both fuel efficiency and performance.

Audi has also made the 2026 Q5 future-ready, preparing it for mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. With sustainability becoming a core brand pillar, the new Q5 uses more eco-friendly materials in construction while ensuring its manufacturing process has a lower carbon footprint. The goal is clear: to deliver a luxury SUV that meets today’s expectations but is also ready for tomorrow’s mobility demands.

2026 Audi Q5 Specs

Engine & Performance

The 2026 Audi Q5 lineup will offer multiple powertrain options to satisfy diverse driver preferences. The standard model is expected to feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This setup should deliver around 265 horsepower and improved low-end torque, enhancing both acceleration and efficiency. The smooth-shifting 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission ensures rapid gear changes, while Audi’s renowned Quattro all-wheel-drive system comes standard for confident handling in all conditions.

For performance enthusiasts, the SQ5 variant will return with a more potent 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, producing approximately 355 horsepower and delivering a 0–60 mph time in the mid-four-second range. This model benefits from sport-tuned adaptive suspension, upgraded brakes, and a dynamic steering system that sharpens responsiveness during spirited driving. Paddle shifters, launch control, and sport exhaust notes ensure a more engaging driving character.

A plug-in hybrid variant will also be available, combining the 2.0-liter TFSI engine with an electric motor for a combined output nearing 360 horsepower. This PHEV model is expected to provide an electric-only range of around 35 miles, ideal for short commutes without using fuel. Charging can be done via Level 2 home chargers or public stations, with an estimated recharge time of just over two hours. Across the range, Audi has focused on improving NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) isolation for a more refined ride, even at higher speeds.

2026 Audi Q5 Fuel Economy

Efficiency remains a strong point in the 2026 Audi Q5, thanks to its lightweight construction, improved aerodynamics, and hybridized powertrains. The standard 2.0-liter mild hybrid is expected to achieve around 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, with the PHEV model offering an equivalent MPGe rating well above 60 in electric-assisted driving. The SQ5, despite its higher performance, will still benefit from start-stop technology and cylinder deactivation for better fuel efficiency under light loads. 2026 Audi Q5 Specs

2026 Audi Q5 Safety Features

The 2026 Audi Q5 raises the bar for safety with a suite of advanced driver assistance technologies. Standard features include Audi Pre Sense City, which detects pedestrians and vehicles ahead, automatically initiating braking if necessary. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist are also standard, making highway driving safer and less fatiguing. A rearview camera with dynamic guidelines and front/rear parking sensors is included to ease maneuvering in tight spaces.

Higher trims or optional packages expand safety coverage with features like adaptive cruise assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering for semi-autonomous driving in certain conditions. Intersection assist uses radar and camera sensors to detect cross-traffic hazards, while predictive efficiency assist helps adjust driving style for optimal fuel savings. Night vision assist, utilizing infrared cameras to detect animals or pedestrians in low light, is also available.

Structural safety is equally prioritized, with the updated MLB Evo platform engineered for improved crash energy absorption. Multiple airbags, including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, come standard. Audi has also reinforced key structural areas to better protect occupants in side impacts. Combined with its advanced electronics, the 2026 Q5 aims for top safety ratings from both the IIHS and Euro NCAP.

2026 Audi Q5 Release Date & Price

Pricing for the 2026 Q5 is projected to start at approximately $47,000 for the base Premium trim, moving up to around $58,000 for the Premium Plus, and topping $72,000 for the high-performance SQ5 Prestige. The plug-in hybrid variant will likely start around $55,000, positioned competitively against rivals like the BMW X3 xDrive30e and Volvo XC60 Recharge. Audi’s generous standard equipment list should make even entry-level models feel premium, while higher trims add exclusive features for those wanting the ultimate in luxury.

The official release date is anticipated for late summer 2025, with deliveries beginning in early fall. Audi will open pre-orders several months in advance, allowing buyers to configure their Q5 through an expanded online ordering system that includes immersive 3D vehicle visualization. With its combination of design, performance, technology, and efficiency, the 2026 Q5 is set to maintain its strong position in the competitive luxury SUV market. 2026 Audi Q5 Specs

Note: The details included in this blog post are derived from pre-release material that was accessible when the article was written. If you want the latest information, you should check official sources or call your nearest dealership.