2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 presented a sharp and sophisticated appearance, embodying the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. Its expressive front featured LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the rear was marked by bold taillights, contributing to a modern and classy look. Inside, the Q5 continued this theme with a clean and uncluttered design, high-quality materials, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen positioned for optimal driver visibility. The interior was both functional and stylish, with real wood and metal accents, and standard leather upholstery throughout.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, offering a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, eschewing the rugged styling of its gasoline counterparts. The interior combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, using piano black and matte plastic materials. While the ID.4's interior felt spacious, it lacked some traditional storage solutions, opting instead for a unique twist-grip gear selector and a focus on cabin space over a front trunk.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced its already enjoyable driving experience by adding an electric motor to its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, resulting in a combined output of 362 horsepower and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed the Q5 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds, while offering impressive fuel efficiency of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km combined. The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with Quattro all-wheel drive, providing various driving modes for electric-only or hybrid operation. Its handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two powertrain configurations: a rear-wheel drive version with a single motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, and an all-wheel drive version with dual motors delivering 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. While the ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, its RWD setup provided balanced handling. The electric motor's instantaneous torque made for enjoyable acceleration, though the ID.4's regenerative braking system was less aggressive than some competitors, focusing on coasting efficiency instead.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered a well-packaged interior, with its battery pack stored under the luggage compartment floor to preserve cargo space. It provided 710 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 1,503 litres with the seats folded. The second row offered ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with available heating and ventilation. The interior featured smartly arranged storage solutions, including cupholders and cubbies for small items.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more front headroom than its gasoline competitors, though rear headroom and legroom were average for the segment. It offered 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,818 litres with them folded. While it lacked a front trunk, the ID.4's cabin felt spacious, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility due to thick pillars. The interior featured a unique gear selector and narrow centre console, with standard heated front seats and steering wheel for efficient cabin heating.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch instrument cluster. This setup offered customizable views and a futuristic feel, enhanced by ambient LED lighting. The standard Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system provided excellent sound quality, and the Q5 supported wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (optional 12-inch) and a 5.3-inch instrument display. While the haptic touchpads replaced traditional controls, they proved challenging to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system and the innovative ID.Light feature, which communicated information through a light strip. Despite some gimmicky elements, the touchscreen was well-positioned and user-friendly, offering both icon and split-screen menu options.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but its gasoline counterpart received high marks. It included six airbags, electronic stability control, and various driver-assistance features like Audi Pre Sense and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for RWD models. It offered a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. New features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist enhanced its safety credentials, providing automated lane centring and emergency stopping capabilities.