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2016 Audi Q5: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Audi Q5 is a light update rather than a redesign. The headline change is a panoramic sunroof becoming standard across the lineup, joined by a standard three-spoke multifunction steering wheel.
About the 2016 Audi Q5
1st generation Q5 (8R), late-cycle year after the 2013 refresh and before the next-generation Q5 reached the U.S. as a 2018 model.
Audi positioned the Q5 as a compact luxury SUV that blends sedan-like road manners with SUV usefulness. Its core appeal was a high-quality cabin, standard quattro all-wheel drive, a versatile cargo area, and a broad engine lineup that let buyers prioritize efficiency, torque, or stronger acceleration without leaving the Q5 family. Against rivals, the Q5’s differentiators were its polished interior feel, secure all-weather traction, and a wide spread of gas, diesel, hybrid, and performance-oriented variants.
The 2.0T Premium is the straightforward everyday Q5, with a turbo four-cylinder, leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and quattro all-wheel drive. The 3.0T versions bring a stronger supercharged V6, while the diesel models emphasize easy low-speed pull and the Hybrid Prestige pairs gas-electric power with upscale equipment. Prestige models add navigation, upgraded audio, blind-spot monitoring, and parking aids.
What changed, by category
Styling
A panoramic sunroof and three-spoke multifunction steering wheel became standard across the Q5 lineup.
Tech
Bluetooth changed from standard to optional on the 2.0T Premium, 2.0T Premium Plus, and 3.0T Premium Plus.
2016 Audi Q5 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter | V6, Supercharged, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0T | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, Supercharged, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Diesel | Gas | Hybrid | Diesel | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 24 mpg | 18 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 20 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 31 mpg | 26 mpg | 30 mpg | 31 mpg | 28 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 220 hp | 240 hp | 272 hp | 240 hp | 220 hp | 272 hp | |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 428 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 354 lb-ft | 428 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 4400 lb | 4400 lb | 4400 lb | 4400 lb | 4400 lb | 4400 lb | 4400 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 57.3 cu-ft | 57.3 cu-ft | 57.3 cu-ft | 57.3 cu-ft | 57.3 cu-ft | 57.3 cu-ft | 57.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||
| Side Steps | |||||||
| Bluetooth | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Audi Q5?
The biggest change is that a panoramic sunroof became standard across the 2016 Q5 lineup. Audi also made a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel standard.
Was the 2016 Audi Q5 redesigned?
No, the 2016 Audi Q5 was not redesigned. It is a late version of the first-generation Q5, following the 2013 refresh and preceding the next-generation model that reached the U.S. for 2018.
How is the 2016 Audi Q5 different from the 2015 model?
The 2016 Q5 gained a standard panoramic sunroof and three-spoke multifunction steering wheel across the lineup. Bluetooth changed from standard to optional on the 2.0T Premium, 2.0T Premium Plus, and 3.0T Premium Plus.
Does every 2016 Audi Q5 have all-wheel drive and a panoramic sunroof?
Yes, every 2016 Audi Q5 has quattro all-wheel drive and a standard panoramic sunroof. That applies to the gas, diesel, and hybrid versions.
Is the 2016 Audi Q5 a major upgrade over the 2015 model?
No, the 2016 Q5 is only a modest equipment update over the 2015 model. Its main advantages are the standard panoramic sunroof and three-spoke steering wheel, while the design and powertrain range remain familiar.
2016 Audi Q5 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Audi Q5.
4.3
2016 Audi Q5
(634 reviews)
“The SQ5 is luxury and performance all in one. Beautiful interior with room for 5!Love the handling and performance of the supercharged engine.”
“The Audi Q5 is smooth, fast, and comfortable. It has a classy exterior/interior and is highly capable.”