2012 Audi Q5: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2012 Audi Q5 is that keyless start and entry became standard on the 3.2 Premium Plus. Otherwise, this is largely a carryover year, with only a few 3.2-specific equipment and appearance updates.
About the 2012 Audi Q5
1st generation Q5 (8R), final pre-refresh year before the 2013 styling and powertrain update.
Audi positioned the Q5 as the compact luxury SUV that blended SUV ride height and usefulness with the road manners of an Audi sport sedan. In plain terms, it was meant to feel more athletic and premium than a typical small crossover, while still offering standard quattro all-wheel drive, seating for five, a flexible sliding rear seat, and a polished cabin. The draw was balance: upscale feel, all-weather confidence, and everyday practicality without moving up to a larger SUV.
The 2012 Q5 pairs a polished cabin with standard all-wheel drive and flexible rear seating. The 2.0T Premium is the simpler everyday-luxury version, with a 211-hp turbo four-cylinder, leather seating, and three-zone climate control. The 3.2 Premium Plus adds a 270-hp V6, sportier S line exterior trim, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
What changed, by category
2012 Audi Q5 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, 3.2 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 211 hp | 270 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 243 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 4400 lb | 4400 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 57.3 cu-ft | 57.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.4 in | 37.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| HID Headlights | ||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Rear Window Shades | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2012 Audi Q5 redesigned?
No. The 2012 Q5 is the final pre-refresh version of the first-generation model, with only minor trim-specific updates.
Did the 2012 Audi Q5 get new engines?
No. The 211-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and 270-hp 3.2-liter V6 carried over without a lineup-wide mechanical change.
What changed on the 2012 Q5 3.2 Premium Plus?
The 3.2 Premium Plus gained standard keyless start and entry, while adaptive cruise control changed from standard to optional.
Did the 2012 Audi Q5 receive an S line update?
Yes. Audi added an optional S line plus appearance package for 3.2 models, but the full Q5 lineup did not receive an exterior refresh.
Is the 2012 Q5 the last model before the refresh?
Yes. The 2012 Q5 is the final pre-refresh model year before the 2013 styling and powertrain update.