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The Audi Q5 introduces a completely redesigned dashboard that transforms the driving experience with cutting-edge technology and refined design. This third-generation compact luxury SUV showcases the Audi commitment to innovation, featuring an expansive digital display system, advanced connectivity, and thoughtful design elements that create a welcoming and sophisticated cabin environment.

The Digital Stage: A Revolutionary Display System

Panoramic OLED Display Technology

The centerpiece of the new dashboard is what Audi calls the “Digital Stage,” a sweeping panoramic display that spans the width of the dashboard. This impressive setup features curved OLED technology that delivers rich, bright, and crisp graphics with exceptional clarity. The seamless integration of multiple screens creates a cohesive digital environment that feels both modern and intuitive.

The Digital Stage comprises two main components that work together seamlessly:

• 11.9-inch Digital Cockpit: This virtual instrument cluster sits directly in the driver’s line of sight, displaying essential driving information with customizable layouts

• 14.5-inch MMI Touch Display: The central infotainment screen provides access to navigation, entertainment, vehicle settings, and connectivity features

Both displays deliver quick and responsive performance, ensuring smooth operation even when accessing multiple functions simultaneously. OLED technology delivers superior contrast and colour accuracy compared to traditional LCD screens, making information easy to read in all lighting conditions.

Enhanced Screen Size and Visibility

The new dashboard features significantly larger screens than the previous-generation Q5. The 14.5-inch central touchscreen is a substantial upgrade, providing more space for maps, menus, and multimedia content. This increased screen real estate makes it easier to view navigation directions, access vehicle settings, and control entertainment options without feeling cramped or cluttered.

The 11.9-inch instrument cluster provides ample space to display speed, navigation prompts, driver-assistance information, and trip data. Drivers can customize the layout to prioritize the information most important to them, creating a personalized driving experience.

Optional Passenger Display: Entertainment for All

10.9-Inch Front Passenger Screen

One of the most innovative additions to the Q5 dashboard is the available 10.9-inch passenger display. This optional screen, included with the Technik trim level, provides front-seat passengers with their own dedicated touchscreen for entertainment and vehicle functions.

The passenger display offers access to:

• Navigation assistance to help with route planning

• Audio controls for music selection and volume

• Video streaming services for entertainment during trips

• Various applications from the Audi Application Store

• Vehicle information and settings

This thoughtful feature keeps passengers engaged during long journeys while allowing them to assist the driver with navigation, parking, or music selection without interfering with the driver’s view.

Dynamic Privacy Mode Technology

The passenger display incorporates innovative Dynamic Privacy mode with shutter technology. This feature ensures that when a passenger watches video content or plays games, only a black screen is visible to the driver. This safety-focused design prevents driver distraction from moving images while still allowing the passenger to enjoy entertainment.

The privacy technology works automatically, detecting when content that could distract the driver appears on the passenger screen. Static information like navigation maps remains visible to both occupants, maintaining the collaborative benefits of the additional display.

Advanced Infotainment Architecture

Android Automotive Operating System

The Q5 dashboard runs on Android Automotive OS, representing a significant upgrade in processing power and functionality. This modern operating system delivers faster response times, smoother graphics, and access to a wider range of applications than previous systems.

The Android Automotive platform offers several advantages:

• Faster boot times when starting the vehicle

• Smoother scrolling and menu navigation

• Enhanced voice recognition capabilities

• Regular software updates to improve functionality

• Native integration with Google services

Audi Application Store Integration

The new dashboard provides direct access to the Audi Application Store, integrated seamlessly into the MMI interface. This feature does not require a smartphone connection, giving you access to an ever-expanding range of third-party applications.

Available app categories include:

• Music and audio streaming services

• Video streaming platforms for passenger entertainment

• Gaming applications for breaks during travel

• Navigation and mapping alternatives

• Parking and charging location services

• Productivity tools for work on the go

• Weather forecasts and news services

The ability to download and use apps directly through the vehicle system creates a more connected and versatile experience that adapts to your specific needs and preferences.

Wireless Connectivity Features

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard across all Q5 trim levels. This convenient feature lets you connect your smartphone wirelessly, keeping your cabin clean and organized. Your phone charges wirelessly on the available cooled wireless charging pad while seamlessly integrating with the dashboard displays.

The wireless connection provides access to:

• Your favourite navigation apps with real-time traffic updates

• Music streaming services and podcasts

• Messaging and phone calls through the vehicle’s audio system

• Voice assistants for hands-free operation

Over-the-Air Updates

The new digital architecture supports over-the-air software updates, ensuring your Q5 technology remains current without requiring dealership visits. These updates can improve system performance, add new features, and enhance existing functionality as Audi continues to develop the platform.

This capability ensures your dashboard technology evolves over time, remaining relevant and adding value throughout your ownership experience.

Head-Up Display Technology

Configurable Projection System

The available head-up display represents another significant dashboard enhancement for the Q5. This system projects important information onto the windshield directly in your line of sight, allowing you to access critical data without taking your eyes off the road.

The new head-up display is larger than the previous generation, with an 85 percent increase in viewing angle. This expanded projection area provides more space for information while maintaining excellent visibility in various lighting conditions.

The head-up display can show:

• Current speed and speed limit information

• Navigation directions with turn-by-turn guidance

• Driver assistance system status and warnings

• Incoming calls and message notifications

• Media information, including song titles and artists

Customizable Information Display

For the first time in the Q5, drivers can adjust both vehicle and infotainment settings directly through the head-up display interface. This enhanced functionality reduces the need to interact with the central touchscreen, keeping your attention focused on the road ahead.

The customization options let you prioritize the information most relevant to your driving style and needs, creating a personalized experience that enhances convenience and safety.

Interactive Ambient Lighting

Dynamic Interaction Light

The Q5 introduces the dynamic interaction light, an LED light strip that spans the width of the dashboard across the top of the instrument panel. This innovative feature, standard on Progressiv and Technik trims, provides visual feedback for various vehicle functions and systems.

The interaction light serves multiple purposes:

• Welcome function when approaching the vehicle

• Lock and unlock confirmation

• Turn signal indication that reinforces directional changes

• Visual cues from driver assistance systems

• Alerts and notifications from the Virtual Cockpit

This subtle yet effective lighting system enhances the connection between driver and vehicle, providing intuitive feedback that complements the digital displays.

LED Contour Lighting

LED contour lighting on the dashboard and doors creates a sophisticated ambiance while improving visibility of controls and surfaces at night. The lighting system offers multiple colour options and intensity levels, allowing you to customize the cabin atmosphere to match your mood and preferences.

The thoughtful placement of ambient lighting highlights the dashboard’s horizontal design, emphasizing the spacious feel of the cabin while providing functional illumination for switches and storage areas.

Dashboard Design and Materials

Horizontal Wing Layout

The new dashboard features a distinctive horizontal design that extends across the entire width of the cabin. This layout creates a sense of spaciousness and openness, making the interior feel larger and more inviting. The panel rises like a wing toward the doors, creating visual flow that draws the eye across the cabin.

This horizontal emphasis contrasts with the more vertical designs of previous generations, reflecting modern design trends while improving ergonomics and display integration.

Premium Material Selection

The dashboard incorporates high-quality materials that reinforce the Q5 luxury positioning. Soft-touch surfaces cover high-contact areas, while satin-finished metalwork adds visual interest and tactile appeal. The combination of materials creates a sense of warmth that was missing in previous cabin designs.

Leather seating surfaces come standard across all trim levels, with premium options including Alcantara trim available on the SQ5 performance variant. The attention to material quality extends throughout the dashboard, from the steering wheel to the door panels.

Improved Build Quality

The Q5 dashboard demonstrates a renewed focus on build quality and fit-and-finish. Panels align precisely, gaps remain consistent, and all controls operate with satisfying precision. The sturdy construction and high-quality materials suggest long-term durability that will maintain its premium feel over the years.

Simplified Control Layout

Streamlined Gear Selector

The dashboard features a redesigned gear selector that replaces the previous generation’s meaty shifter with a small sliding button. This compact design frees up valuable space in the center console area, allowing for more convenient placement of cupholders and additional storage.

While some drivers may miss the tactile feedback of a traditional shifter, the new design reflects modern automotive trends toward minimalist controls that maximize interior space and functionality.

Integrated Climate and Audio Controls

Audio and climate controls are now integrated into the main touchscreen rather than using dedicated physical buttons. This approach creates a cleaner dashboard appearance with fewer visual distractions. The touchscreen interface provides quick access to temperature adjustments, fan speed, seat heating and ventilation, and audio settings.

The system responds quickly to inputs, and the large screen size makes it easy to adjust settings while driving. However, some functions require navigating through menus, which takes more attention than traditional physical controls.

Audio System Excellence

Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound

Progressiv and Technik trim levels feature a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system with 3D sound technology. This sophisticated setup delivers rich, immersive audio throughout the cabin, ensuring every seat offers an exceptional listening experience.

The premium audio system integrates seamlessly with the dashboard design, with speakers positioned strategically in the doors, dashboard, and rear cargo area. The 3D sound processing creates a spacious soundstage that enhances music, podcasts, and audiobooks.

Acoustic Design Considerations

The dashboard design incorporates acoustic considerations that improve overall sound quality. Materials and shapes are selected to minimize unwanted resonance while enhancing the audio system’s performance. The result is a quiet, refined cabin environment where conversations remain clear, and entertainment sounds exceptional.

Enhanced Storage and Functionality

Larger Center Console Storage

The new dashboard design features a larger center-console storage bin than the previous generation. This expanded space accommodates smartphones, wallets, sunglasses, and other daily essentials while keeping them organized and within easy reach.

The console also features a cooled wireless charging pad that keeps your smartphone battery topped up while preventing overheating during charging. Multiple USB-C ports throughout the cabin ensure all passengers can charge their devices simultaneously.

Thoughtful Cubbies and Compartments

Additional storage solutions are integrated throughout the dashboard, including door pockets, small-item storage areas, and conveniently placed cupholders. These practical touches make daily use more convenient and help keep the cabin organized during trips of any length.

Driver Assistance Integration

Comprehensive Safety Display

The dashboard integrates seamlessly with the comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems. Information from adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, traffic congestion assist, and other safety features appears clearly on the instrument cluster and head-up display.

Visual and audible alerts draw your attention to potential hazards without overwhelming you with information. The system prioritizes critical safety warnings while keeping less urgent notifications subtle and unobtrusive.

Camera System Display

The dashboard provides excellent integration with the available 360-degree camera system and park assist features. The large central screen displays clear, high-resolution camera feeds that make parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier and more confident.

Multiple camera views can be displayed simultaneously, providing a comprehensive view of your surroundings. The system responds quickly when engaging reverse or activating parking assistance, ensuring the information you need appears immediately.

Voice Assistant Technology

AI-Powered Voice Recognition

The new dashboard includes an AI-powered voice assistant that understands natural-language commands. This advanced system lets you control navigation, entertainment, climate, and vehicle settings via conversational speech rather than memorizing specific commands.

The voice assistant learns your preferences over time, providing increasingly personalized responses and suggestions. The system operates reliably even in noisy conditions, thanks to advanced microphone arrays and noise-cancellation technology.

Hands-Free Operation

Voice control reduces the need to interact with touchscreens while driving, keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. You can adjust temperature, change radio stations, find destinations, make phone calls, and send messages using only your voice.

This hands-free capability enhances both safety and convenience, making it easier to stay connected and comfortable without compromising your attention to driving.

E³ 1.2 Digital Architecture

Advanced Electronics Platform

The new dashboard is enabled by the Audi E³ 1.2 digital electronics architecture, a fully networked system that provides the processing power and connectivity required for modern vehicle technology. This advanced platform supports the multiple displays, rapid data processing, and seamless integration that define the Q5 dashboard experience.

The architecture enables future expansion and enhancement through software updates, ensuring your dashboard technology remains capable and up to date throughout your ownership experience.

Experience the Future of Luxury

The Audi Q5 dashboard represents a significant leap forward in automotive technology and design. The combination of expansive OLED displays, optional passenger entertainment, advanced connectivity, and thoughtful design creates an environment that feels both sophisticated and welcoming.

From the sweeping Digital Stage to the innovative interaction lighting, every element of the new dashboard enhances your connection with the vehicle while providing the information and entertainment you need. The integration of Android Automotive OS and the Audi Application Store ensures your Q5 remains current and capable as technology evolves.

Visit your local Audi dealer today to experience the Q5 dashboard firsthand. The combination of cutting-edge technology, premium materials, and intuitive design creates a driving environment that sets new standards in the compact luxury SUV segment. Discover how the revolutionary dashboard transforms every journey into an experience of comfort, connectivity, and confidence.

2026 Audi Q5: Frequently Asked Questions

What size are the screens in the 2026 Audi Q5 dashboard?

• This luxury SUV features an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central infotainment touchscreen as standard equipment. The Technik trim level adds an optional 10.9-inch passenger display with Dynamic Privacy mode. All screens use OLED technology for superior image quality and are integrated into a curved panoramic display called the Digital Stage.

Does the passenger screen distract the driver?

• No, the passenger display incorporates Dynamic Privacy mode with shutter technology. When the passenger watches video content or uses applications with moving images, only a black screen appears visible to the driver. This safety feature prevents driver distraction while still allowing the passenger to enjoy entertainment. Static information like navigation maps remains visible to both occupants.

Can I use apps without connecting my smartphone?

• Yes, the dashboard includes direct access to the Audi Application Store, which integrates into the MMI interface and does not require a smartphone connection. You can download and use third-party applications, including music streaming, video services, navigation, parking, weather, news, and productivity tools directly through the vehicle system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard for smartphone integration.

What is the Dynamic Interaction Light?

• The dynamic interaction light is an LED light strip that spans the width of the dashboard across the top of the instrument panel. Standard on Progressiv and Technik trims, it provides visual feedback for various functions, including welcome sequences, lock/unlock confirmation, turn signal indication, and alerts from driver assistance systems. This innovative feature enhances the connection between driver and vehicle through intuitive visual cues.

Does the 2026 Q5 dashboard support over-the-air updates?

• Yes, the new E³ 1.2 digital electronics architecture supports over-the-air software updates. This capability allows Audi to improve system performance, add new features, and enhance existing functionality without requiring dealership visits. Your dashboard technology evolves over time, maintaining relevance and adding value throughout your ownership experience with the latest improvements and capabilities.

*Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or internacional models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.*