While over the air (OTA) updates have improved the ownership experience for most people, there are still limitations in just what you can upgrade or improve between model years. Unfortunately, this applies to the MMI software updates for the 2026 Audi A5 and Q5. The new software is essentially locked to the hardware that will now be included in the 2026 models; that’s why, according to an Audi spokesperson, 2025 owners will need to make do with their system as it is. There will still be OTA updates to continue to improve their experience, but nothing to the degree 2026s will have.
Return of the Steering Wheel Scroll Wheel
Key changes being made to those 2026 A5s and Q5s come down to two major hardware additions. The first is a new multifunction steering wheel that brings back the long-missed scroll wheel. The other is a new, optional dashcam system that will provide a factory security feature that was once only in the realm of the aftermarket. The dashcam system can record 4K video with High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology. Photo and video recordings can be activated from the central display or automatically in the case of a crash and are captured by an owner-supplied SD card. None of the dashcam recordings will be transferred remotely, and they will only be recorded and saved on the SD card.
These two features necessitated the update to the 2026 Audi MMI system, but additional updates were made along the way. First up for the MMI is how it looks. For 2026, the A5 and Q5 and their variants will have a new design language that takes advantage of the Audi Digital Stage system and its triple display. This new look will create a consistent experience between the vehicle and the myAudi app interfaces. Adding some additional modernity, a new 3D model of the exact vehicle will be displayed and will include the factory paint color and further personalize the experience.
Display Simplification
The user experience of the central touch display will be much simpler. Lists will be reduced while graphical representations will be increased to reduce distractions and speed up recognition time for drivers. Status indicators will also be more distinct with brighter monochrome embedded app icons on white backgrounds. Third-party apps will be in color, but they will also have improved status indicators using amplified color gradation.
The driver’s display will also see simplification by reducing the number of icons shown and providing a clearer structure to make operation easier. There are still unique screens that can be accessed via the steering wheel’s “View” button, but the dedicated time and outside-temperature display will remain on its fixed, upper-right island in the Virtual Cockpit display.
There will also be improvements to smartphone integration with the infotainment system. Users will be able to mirror their navigation, media, and phone functions from their phones directly to the Audi Virtual Cockpit and MMI touch display. For the passenger-side screen, there will be new standby designs that include time and date display and functionality improvements like support for Bluetooth headsets. This includes separating entertainment audio between driver and passenger so the driver can listen to any source using the cabin audio while the passenger can listen to their games or videos on their own apps and a Bluetooth headset.
There will be additional equipment changes to the 2026 Audi A5 and Q5 trims, including an optional S Sport suspension and S Line black optic package for the A5, an Individual standalone section for drive modes in the Q5, and the panoramic sunroof found standard in the Q5 Sportback being added to the Q5 SUV. Owners will also get Audi Signature Care scheduled maintenance included as an additional value for buying a 2026 A5 or Q5.
The new A5 and Q5 lineup is expected to go on sale soon during Q1 2026, with the A5 starting at $51,495 and the Q5 starting at $54,095.