The defining design elements of the front are positioned higher than on its predecessor, and the sporty, wide Singleframe grille is flanked by vertical, functional air curtains which, together with the sharp lines of the headlights, give the car an agile and self-confident look. The exterior of the S line impresses with striking and sporty body components, such as the Air Curtain Tubes with matt anthracite chrome-look accents.

The rear has an extremely clean design. From the rear window to the lower edge of the sculpturally shaped light strip, there is a smooth surface, defined by the light strip with a sharp cut across the entire width of the vehicle.The diffuser is integrated into the raised bumpers as an island. The positioning and shape of the tailpipes depends on the engine: a functional double square tailpipe under the diffuser on the left-hand side (for all diesel engines), or functional rectangular tailpipes on the right and left (for all petrol engines). The S model features the iconic twin round tailpipes in a new, sharpened design.

These rear lights can communicate with the vehicle’s surroundings (Car-to-X), warning other road users of accidents and breakdowns. In critical situations, they display a specific static tail-light signature with integrated warning symbols.

For the first time on an Audi model, the Q5 features a rear projection light from the underside of the rear spoiler. This LED module projects an additional brake light onto the rear window, enhancing visibility and supporting the coming home/leaving home function.

With Edition 1 and SQ5 Edition 1, drivers can personalise their SQ5 using up to eight digital light signatures in the redesigned daytime running lights of the Matrix LED headlights and the digital OLED tail lights 2.0. Each signature has a specially designed “Coming Home” and “Leaving Home” scene when leaving the vehicle.