Audi has rolled out a number of updates for the 2021 model year. As a result, buyers can expect more features (both standard and optional) for 2021. This includes everything from infotainment and connectivity features to new colors and more safety technology. Here is a look at the changes Audi made to each model for 2021.
2021 Audi A4 & A5
Fresh off the heels of a substantial redesign during the 2020 model year, sweeping improvements continue for both the 2021 Audi A4 sedan and A5 two-door coupe (the new A5 is one of our favorites right now). One of the most notable is a 13 horsepower bump for all turbocharged four-cylinder A4 and A5 models, plus the addition of a 12-volt mild-hybrid electric system. The outgoing non-hybrid A4 and A5 had 248 horsepower, but the 2021 A4 and A5 get 261 horsepower from Audi’s new 12-volt hybrid powertrain.
Additional drivetrain improvements can be found in the A4 40 TFSI, which now comes standard with quattro all-wheel drive. A new A5 Sportback 40 TFSI quattro will also be introduced for the 2021 model year.
Audi is improving the overall driving experience of the A4 and A5 by offering a number of tech features. Such amenities include lane departure warning and integrated toll modules as standard equipment across various trim and convenience packages. Wireless AppleCarPlay is also standard, while the Convenience package adds a heated steering wheel and parking sensors.
2021 Audi A6
The 2021 Audi A6 gets notable standard upgrades like 19-inch wheels, advanced key technology, and the aforementioned integrated toll module system. Other updates include the addition of MMI Navigation and a top view camera system to the optional Convenience package for the Premium trim. Adaptive Cruise Assist, including Audi active lane assist, is now standard on the Premium Plus trim. On the Prestige trim, the rear power window and manual side sunshades are now standard.
Additionally, the Black optic sport package is now available across the board, in all trims within the A6 line. It adds black trim accents, 20-inch bi-color wheels with all-season tires, and a sport suspension.
The 2021 Audi A6 has two powertrain options. The A6 45 has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower. Audi A4 55 models get a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 335 horsepower. Both powertrains are now accompanied by a 12 or 48-volt hybrid system. Quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic gearbox are both standard.
2021 Audi A7
Audi has laid the necessary groundwork to bring the 2021 A7’s integrated cockpit conveniences to the next level. The top-view camera system, MMI navigation, and Adaptive Cruise Assist are implemented in varying degrees, across the Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim packages.
The A7 has also been the subject of subsequent redesign efforts, now featuring virtual cockpit plus and carbon twill inlays, as well as 21-inch wheels and summer tires as standard equipment. But the biggest change is a new hybrid powertrain, combining an electric motor and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine to push 362 horsepower to all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive. The standard turbo V6 engine has a 48-volt hybrid assist system producing 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque.
On the other hand, the 2021 Audi S7 now comes standard with 21-inch wheels (summer tires), virtual cockpit plus, and carbon twill inlays. Adaptive Cruise Assist including Audi active lane assist is now offered in the optional S7 Executive package. The 2021 S7 has a twin-turbo V6 engine and 48-volt mild-hybrid assist, pumping out 443 lb-ft. of torque to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
2021 Audi A8
Some of Audi’s most significant updates are in the 2021 A8 lineup. Of these updates, the ones that stand out are the 22-way ventilated front seats, Audi phone box, and the top-view camera system with Virtual 360. You will find these features on every 2021 A8 model.
Also new for 2021 is the addition of an A8 Executive package. This offering includes a Driver assistance package, Cold Weather Package, and heated seats front and rear. Additionally, a remote start comes standard with the A8 Executive Package.
The 2021 Audi A8 55 TFSI soldiers on with a 335-horsepower turbo V6 engine. The more powerful A8 60 TFSI has a twin-turbocharged V8 motor with 453 horsepower. Both engines have a 48-volt mild-hybrid assist system, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and quattro all-wheel drive.
2021 Audi Q3
The Q3 has also seen its fair share of updates for the 2021 model year, the bulk of which include interior conveniences and other technological advancements. The second generation of the Q3 now comes standard with lumbar support for the front seats, lane departure warning, progressive steering, and steering wheel shift paddles in the premium trim package.
The Convenience package now includes an auto-dimming interior mirror, power-folding exterior mirrors, and an LED interior lighting package. Likewise, cruise assist, customizable LED interior lighting, and a steel trunk now come standard with the Premium Plus trim package.
Other notable updates to the Q3 for 2021 include the availability of a Parking Assistance package, as well as the addition of Navarra Blue to the vehicle’s exterior color options. The 2021 Audi Q3 40 has a 184-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the Q3 45 has a 228-horsepower version of the same four-banger. Either way, the Q4 gets quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
2021 Audi Q7
Audi picks up where they left off as additional design updates continue following the Q7’s major revitalization. Consumers can now find Audi side assist and “pre-sense” technology included on all premium trim 2021 Q7s, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The convenience package for that same trim now consists of a heated steering wheel and a top-view camera system with a virtual 360 view.
The new Q7 Executive package is available, coming standard with the Cold Weather, Warm Weather, and Driver Assistance packages. This same package, in combination with the SQ7, now features leather upholstery. The 2021 Audi Q7 has a standard 248-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while there’s a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system producing 335 horsepower.
- Related: Is the Audi e-tron Sportback coming for Tesla’s lunch money?
2021 Audi Q8
The Q8 line of SUVs received its fair share of package updates. The vast majority are rooted in Audi’s desire to present consumers with a more interactive driving experience. These updates for 2021 span across all trims, as well as convenience packages for the Q8.
The most significant include safety features like side assist for changing lanes, a top view camera, and a heated steering wheel. Adaptive Cruise Assist (with Audi active lane assist), HD Matrix-design LED headlights, heated rear seats, and leather-upholstered armrests are each part of the newly introduced Executive package.
The 2021 Audi Q8 has a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with a 48-volt mild-hybrid assist system producing 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive.
2021 Audi TT
Napa leather seats, smartphone interface technology, MMI Navigation, Audi Connect, and a Bang and Olufsen sound system will now come standard across the TT lineup. Additional leather interior trim accents will become standard on Roadster, Coupe, and TTS models. The previously equipped summer tires of prior models will go by the wayside in favor of new all-season tires.
Perhaps the most curious news to come from Audi was the inclusion of two additional paint schemes. Both Navarro Blue and Chronos Grey are available for all TT and TTS vehicles.
In terms of the powertrain: the 2021 Audi TT has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder generating 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. The 2021 TTS has a tuned version of the base 2.0-liter turbo-four with 288 horsepower and 280 lb-ft. of torque. Both the Audi TT and TTS have a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and quatto all-wheel drive.
2021 Audi Warranty
All 2021 Audi vehicles have a four-year/50,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty with four years of free roadside assistance. However, Audi’s warranty coverage does not include a dedicated powertrain warranty. You might want to consider an Audi extended warranty that offers up to 10 years or 120,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage.
Josh Boyd is an ASE Certified technician with over a decade of experience in automotive repair. When not under the hood, he can be found in the woods or on the water, pursuing his other passions of hunting and fishing.
Photos & Source: Audi of America, Inc.
