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Audi Q5 2021 review: S-Line snapshot

EXPERT RATING
8.0

Likes

New 50 TDI should be a weapon
Tech improvements
Tweaked look

Dislikes

Three-year warranty
Diesel only
Could be more hybrid
Tom White

Deputy News Editor

2 min read

The S-Line is the capstone of the Q5 range for 2021, sporting a unique 50 TDI engine option and an overhauled look to go with Audi’s most recent design language.

The S-Line wears a before on-road price-tag (MSRP) of $89,600 and is offered only with the 50 TDI engine.

This is a 3.0-litre turbo diesel producing 210kW/620Nm. Unlike the seven-speed dual-clutch automatics offered in the rest of the Q5 range, the 50 TDI is paired to an eight-speed torque converter automatic. This engine also has a more powerful 48-volt mild-hybrid (MHEV) system which assists the starter motor and increases coasting time for what the brand says is a 0.3L/100km reduction in fuel consumption.

The Q5 S-Line has 20-inch alloys, a sportier bodykit with a new signature honeycomb grille, while inside it adds to the Sport’s standard equipment with an electrically adjustable steering column, and LED interior lighting package. 

Otherwise it shares the same equipment including a 10.1-inch multimedia touchscreen with Audi’s latest software supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity, the brand’s very good ‘Virtual Cockpit’ digital instrument screen, improved leather appointed sports seats, electric adjust and heating for the front passenger seats, three-zone climate control, LED head- and tail lights, auto dimming rear vision mirrors, a 360-degree parking suite, black interior headlining, and a motorised tailgate.

The Q5 range has a 520-litre boot and diesel versions like this 50 TDI have a 70-litre fuel tank. Official combined fuel consumption for the 50 TDI S-Line is 6.8L/100km.

Audi persists with a three-year warranty for its range, while its Mercedes-Benz and Genesis competitors have moved to a five-year promise. Lexus also offers a four-year warranty.

Read the full 2021 Audi Q5 review

Audi Q5 2021: 50 Tdi Quattro S Line Mhev

Engine Type Diesel Turbo V6, 3.0L
Fuel Type Diesel/Electric
Fuel Efficiency 6.8L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $48,070 - $55,220
Safety Rating

Pricing Guides

$37,370
Based on 99 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.
LOWEST PRICE
$21,990
HIGHEST PRICE
$54,888
Tom White

Deputy News Editor

Tom’s way into motoring journalism was anything but straightforward despite annoying his parents to no end as a child by identifying makes and models with ease, and acquiring a large collection of Matchbox models. Other interests took over in the intervening years, including tinkering with electronics and computers, and an interest in the past, which eventually culminated in a Bachelor of Arts and Science from the University Of Sydney with a major in Ancient History. During this time, Tom was exposed to all sorts of cars by working as a valet and eventually the Bell Captain at The Star casino in Sydney. He then went on another side-quest, studying law at Macquarie University before applying for a job at CarsGuide. After being hired Tom worked his way up the ranks in a variety of roles and refined his craft, now serving as CarsGuide's Deputy News Editor, with special interests in new technologies and electric vehicles, as well as emerging trends from China. Tom has been recognised by his peers as the EV Journalist of the Year at the 2026 Newspress Australia Awards. He’s personally owned a selection of wheels from a 1981 Holden Gemini to a 2009 Ford Falcon, through to his current 2011 Subaru Forester and many others in between. You can find Tom on LinkedIn and Instagram. Education Bachelor of Arts and Sciences | The University of Sydney | 2010 - 2014 Graduate Certificate of Laws | Macquarie University | 2015 - 2016 Awards 2026 Newspress Australia EV Journalist of the Year Featured Publications CarsGuide | 2016 - present
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$21,990
Lowest price, based on CarsGuide listings over the last 6 months.
For more information on
2021 Audi Q5
See Pricing & Specs

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