2026 model year Audi A5 and Q5 see significant digital design, technology and dynamic enhancements

The 2026 Audi A5 and Q5 model lineups receive comprehensive hardware and software design updates tailored to make the driving experience even more emotional, intuitive, and efficient compared to the outgoing model year. Taking both digital and material forms, a host of newly available features will be introduced across the 2026 A5 and Q5 models lines, including an all-new MMI® design, an updated multifunction steering wheel, new Audi drive select functionality, an optional integrated dashcam, expanded driver assistance and parking-assist features, and upgraded voice control capabilities. Model-year 2026 Audi Q5 and A5 models available in the first quarter of 2026 will feature these updates.

In addition to the feature and technology upgrades, every new 2026 model arrives with Audi Signature Care scheduled maintenance included for the first three years/30,000 miles of ownership (whichever occurs first), providing customers with additional value and peace of mind. By continuing to enhance ownership appeal via the latest services, features and capabilities, Audi innovations demonstrate the ongoing extensibility of its newest platforms – including the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) and E³ electronic architectures underpinning the latest A5 and Q5.

• 2026 Audi A5 and Q5 model-line upgrades at a glance:
  • All-new MMI technology and design enhancements
  • Updated multifunction steering-wheel design featuring return of the scroll wheel
  • Availability of the all-new Audi dashcam system
  • Expanded voice-control capabilities
  • Included Audi Signature Care scheduled maintenance
  • Additional new features and content by model/trim detailed below

New design language for Audi MMI

An all-new design language for the three displays of the Audi Digital Stage will debut across the 2026 Audi A5 and Q5 model lines. These updates create a more consistent appearance and familiar touchpoints throughout the vehicle and myAudi app interfaces, delivering more clarity and a more easily identifiable and usable structure. The more modern look will also integrate a new 3D model of the owner’s vehicle shown uniformly across the different displays, even reflecting that vehicle’s specific color.

For the center MMI touch display, the new user interface features fewer lists and more graphical representations, leveraging intelligent applications of background palettes and contrasts to speed recognition and further reduce distractions. More emphatic separation of status indicators from selectable content helps make functionality more distinct, with brighter monochrome embedded Audi apps now featuring white backgrounds. Third-party apps are displayed in color, and the color gradations are now amplified to help differentiate active from non-active apps (i.e. when using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay). The voice-activated Audi digital assistant features new animations, and a clock display is now docked in the upper left of the MMI touch display.

The driver-centered Audi virtual cockpit display features reduced icons and a clearer structure to make its operation significantly easier, and adds a host of functional improvements including three unique views which can be toggled through via the steering-wheel mounted “View” button. Customers can choose between the classic round instrument view, the return of a navigation view with maps, or the integrated driver assistance view. A dedicated time and outside temperature “island” remains fixed in the upper right of the virtual cockpit display, regardless of viewing mode.

In instrument view, the centralized graphic alters its design and colorway depending on the selected drive mode, and distinct areas to the left and right provide additional data and functionality. A navigation island in the upper left displays simplified navigation prompts, and driver-selectable interactive “cards” can also be displayed on the left, providing information on vehicle, media, phone or additional navigation data. On the right, a media cover card provides information on the current program and its source.

In addition to the all-new Audi design structure, smartphone interface functions are more deeply integrated into the infotainment system. This now allows users to mirror their smartphone’s navigation, media, and telephone functions directly into the Audi virtual cockpit, as well as in the MMI touch display.

The available front passenger display also implements the new design language, including new standby designs which include the time and date. Functional improvements include supporting an independent Bluetooth headset which will play audio content for the passenger whilst gaming, playing videos or browsing internet content. The driver can listen to any source in parallel via the cabin’s audio system, save for the app in use by the passenger.

Additional A5 and Q5 content for 2026

Beyond the extensive technology design enhancements and included Audi Signature Care scheduled maintenance, all 2026MY A5 and Q5 models will receive an updated multifunction steering wheel. The familiar scroll wheel returns, permitting operation of various functions and replacing the previous touch-sensitive interface.

Trim-level changes for the 2026 Audi A5 standard Premium trim include the addition of the Top view camera system and heated steering wheel, and remote engine start being added to the included Audi Connect CARE package. In addition to the content in the Premium trim, the 2026 A5 Premium Plus trim sees the addition of the all-new Audi dashcam system (details below; optional on Premium trim), and the availability of the new Technology package (standard on Prestige trim) that includes the Head-up display and passenger display. The Prestige trim adds Park assist pro with remote functionality, Rear emergency brake assist, and the Top view camera system with 3D view.

An S Sport suspension is now available on the 2026 A5, and the Warm weather package available on A5 Premium Plus trims (ventilated front sport seats, manual rear side window sunshades) adds Bang & Olufsen® front headrest speakers. An optional S line black optic package available on all A5 trims includes 19″ 5-arm-aero design bi-color finish wheels, Anthracite Audi rings, Black exterior trim and door handle inlays, Black wheel center caps, and Dark chrome exhaust tips. The 2026 Audi S5 receives similar trim level changes as the A5, in addition to the “dynamic plus” drive select mode (see below).

New standard Premium trim content on the 2026 Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback includes expanded Audi drive select mode customization, as the Individual mode is now a standalone selection with additional drive system options. Remote engine start has been added to the included Audi Connect CARE package, and the panoramic sunroof already standard on the Q5 Sportback is now included on the 2026 Q5 SUV.

In addition to the new content in the standard Premium trim, the 2026 Q5 and Q5 Sportback Premium Plus trims see the addition of the all-new Audi dashcam system (see additional details below; also available as part of the Convenience package on the Premium trim) and an additional light signature available for the LED headlights plus. A new Technology package available on the Premium Plus trim includes both the head-up display and the passenger display, the latter of which was previously only available in Prestige trim. In addition to the content in the Premium and Premium Plus trims, the 2026 Q5 and Q5 Sportback Prestige trims now include the Audi drive select assistant (see additional details, below), Park assist pro with remote functionality, Rear emergency brake assist, and a Top view camera system with 3D view.

A new optional S line black optic package available on the Q5 SUV Premium Plus and Prestige trims includes 20″ 5-double-spoke design wheels with a bi-color finish, Anthracite Audi rings, Black exterior trim and roof rails, and Black wheel center caps. Q5 models equipped with the S line black optic package, and Q5 Sportback models equipped with the black optic package may also opt for an accessory illuminated version of the front Audi Anthracite rings.

The 2026 Audi SQ5 and SQ5 Sportback receive similar trim level changes as the Q5 and Q5 Sportback, with SQ5 Prestige models seeing a newly available Carbon package that includes carbon fiber exterior mirror housings and exterior side-sill inlays. For additional versatility, an optional trailer hitch with a 4,400-lb. towing capacity remains available on all 2026 Audi Q5 and SQ5 trim levels.

New Audi high-resolution dashcam

Available across the 2026 A5 and Q5 model lineups is the new Audi high-resolution dashcam, which integrates directly into the base of the interior rear-view mirror. The camera is designed to deliver high-resolution 4K videos of action captured in front of the vehicle. Thanks to High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology and an especially light sensitive sensor, it produces detailed recordings even in challenging lighting conditions.

Photo and video recordings can be easily started and stopped via a dedicated app on the central display, including an event function that uses a continuously looped buffer recording. When activated – either automatically in the case of an accident, or manually – it saves the 30 seconds before and after an incident.

If desired, automatic recordings can also be triggered by certain actions, such as activating the hazard warning lights or emergency braking. All data and recordings are only saved locally on an owner-supplied removable SD card – nothing is transferred out of the vehicle. In addition to images and videos, navigation data, speed, and time are also recorded. All images and recordings can be displayed in large format directly on the central display.

New dynamic plus mode and drive select assistant

For the 2026 S5, Audi has added a new drive select mode called dynamic plus. This new mode has been engineered to help Audi S5 drivers enjoy a particularly engaging driving experience when selected. Dynamic plus permits controlled oversteer thanks to precise implementation of the standard quattro sport differential, brake torque vectoring, and automatic optimization of the electronic stabilization control (ESC).

The new dynamic plus drive select mode enables this via a programmed drivetrain response to accelerator pedal movements which engage in a very direct and precise way, while manual gear changes remain entirely in the hands of the driver. The special Dynamic Plus screen in the driver’s display enhances the driving experience with shift lights, a round tachometer, and detailed sports displays. The result is maximum lateral dynamics, precise traction, and a fully engaged driving experience that allows for targeted oversteer and controlled drifts. This unadulterated driving involvement is still fully coupled with tailored electronic safety system controls and oversight.

Additionally, the new Audi drive select assistant will be available on the 2026 S5 Prestige trim, and on Prestige trims of the SQ5, Q5 and Q5 Sportback. When activated, this function automatically adjusts the drive select mode to suit the respective driving situation and the driver’s individual driving style. By constantly adapting the wide breadth of drive select functionality, ride quality and responsiveness are continuously optimized as driving styles shift throughout a journey.

Driver assistance: more safety-enhancing features, more comfort

For 2026 A5 and Q5 lineups, parking and maneuvering functions in the optional park assist pro expand as well. Reverse assist is now able to take over steering for the last 150 feet (50 meters) when backing towards a spot, making this maneuver less stressful, particularly on narrow streets. The additional maneuver assist can provide support in tight parking situations.

One especially practical feature is trained parking: The system can save five different parking maneuvers, each up to 600 feet (200 meters) long, and then perform them autonomously on private property. The new garage parking via smartphone feature even works without having to drive past the parking space first. It requires park assist pro with remote functionality, which is standard on A5 and Q5 Prestige trims.

Audi assistant: more intelligence for on the go

The Audi assistant also receives an update as part of the model-year change. The adaptive voice assistant has expanded to include information in the owner’s manual, letting the Audi assistant answer detailed questions about your vehicle.

Drivers are also now able to use voice control to operate a variety of driver-assist systems, such as adaptive cruise assist and distance control. Moreover, the system can also recognize behavioral patterns and automatically adopt them as routines. Examples include activating adaptive cruise assist on the highway and raising the vehicle with the lift function. The latter is used, for instance, when driving over a railway track or into a steep driveway.

Immersive “experience worlds” and improved connectivity

With the new “experience worlds,” Audi is introducing tailored mood scenarios that use interior lighting, sound, massage functions, and climate control settings to create an invigorating or relaxing atmosphere in the vehicle. Activating, Relaxing, and Harmonizing scenarios will be available with the launch of 2026 A5 and Q5 models, with additional scenarios possible in the future. Once activated, each scenario lasts between 10 and 20 minutes, and it can dynamically adapt to the vehicle’s movements while driving.

In-car gaming for passengers has become even more fun with the PPC model updates, as controllers can now be connected to the system via Bluetooth to make games more convenient to play. It is now also possible for the passenger to connect wireless headphones via Bluetooth to enjoy the full entertainment sound without disturbing the driver or other passengers; especially appealing when combined with active privacy mode on the MMI passenger display. A host of gaming titles are available via the Audi Application Store.

Availability and pricing

The model-year updates for the 2026 Audi A5 and Q5 lineups bring additional features, improved performance, and with the now included Audi Signature Care scheduled maintenance, increased value. Model year 2026 Audi A5 and Q5 models are expected to go on sale at U.S. retailers beginning in the first quarter of 2026, with the A5 priced at a starting MSRP of $50,200, and the Q5 at a starting MSRP of $52,800.

Audi A5 and Q5