The Audi Q5, SQ5, and RSQ5 is among the most versatile of SUVs in the German performance lineup. They’re a practical SUV and come straight from the factory ready to hit the road with a powerful presence.
But if you’re reading this, you’re probably like most owners who feel that stock isn’t quite enough.
No matter your driving style or what you’re trying to get out of your car, whether that be more sound and performance, or a more visually appealing RS look, the right modifications can completely transform your Audi.
In this guide we’re going to look at the most worthwhile upgrades for the Audi Q5, SQ5 & RSQ5, both from a styling perspective and for performance.
Exterior Styling Mods for the Audi Q5 / SQ5 / RSQ5
Audi’s SUV range already has a clean and timeless design. But with just a few subtle tweaks to your car's exterior, your Audi can feel truly custom.
Honeycomb Front Grilles
For a subtle yet impressive change, the honeycomb grille is hard to go past.
The honeycomb design is a popular choice for Q5 and SQ5 grills, as it gives a more aggressive RS look, making your car instantly more appealing on the road. It makes the front end look sharper, and adds a sportier feel that factory grilles just don’t achieve.
Some grilles also include a lower mesh insert that completes the RS-style look.
Beyond looks, front grilles also improve airflow to your intercooler or radiator, giving this mod some functionality as well.
Fog Light Grilles
Fog light grilles are one of those details that often go unnoticed until you upgrade them.
Replacing your factory fog light grilles with some custom RS-style versions will tie the entire front end together.
They’re the perfect complement to a honeycomb grille upgrade and help achieve a uniform, aggressive RS front look Audi enthusiasts love.
Carbon Fiber Mirror Caps
Carbon fiber mirror caps are a popular exterior upgrade among Audi owners because they add that premium motorsport finish while being affordable and not over the top.
The gloss finish you can get on some mirror caps complements other carbon fiber parts, while being durable, lightweight, and resistant to the elements.
They’re quick to install and instantly elevate the appearance of your Audi, giving it a high-end look that ties in beautifully with other exterior mods.
Rear Diffusers & Exterior Add-ons
At the back, a rear diffuser makes one of the biggest visual differences you can make.
It’s designed to make the car look lower to the ground while also enhancing airflow, creating a more planted, aggressive stance, especially when paired with a valved exhaust system.
For newer models, gloss black and carbon-finish diffusers add a bold, performance-inspired aesthetic that can perfectly match other upgrades on your build.
Even without other performance mods, a rear diffuser gives your Q5 or SQ5 a genuine RS-level finish.
Performance Mods for the Audi Q5 / SQ5 / RSQ5
The Q5 and SQ5 already deliver strong performance out of the box, but there’s always room to push things further.
The following performance upgrades will deliver results that you can actually feel behind the wheel.
Valved Sport Exhaust Systems
A valved sport exhaust system completely transforms your driving experience. It lets you switch between quiet and aggressive modes with the click of a button, perfect for those who want comfort during daily drives but full sound of the engine when it’s time to have fun.
The valved system not only brings the signature Audi growl to life but also improves exhaust flow, reducing backpressure and slightly increasing power and throttle response.
No matter which model you own, a valved exhaust system will give your SUV a different sound that will make every drive feel more special.
Downpipes & Front Race Pipes
Once you’ve upgraded your exhaust, the next step for performance is generally your downpipes or front race pipes.
These upgrades replace restrictive factory pipes, helping to improve your exhaust flow and turbo spool for a better throttle response and a more aggressive tone.
They’re one of the most effective ways to improve both sound and performance, particularly on the SQ5 where the supercharged and turbocharged setups benefit massively from reduced backpressure.
Paired with a valved exhaust, you’ll get a deeper note, faster response, and a noticeable improvement in power delivery.
Keep in mind that some aftermarket downpipes may affect emissions compliance, so always check your local regulations before installing.
Cold Air Intakes
A cold air intake helps your engine breathe more efficiently by drawing in cooler, denser air.
This not only improves throttle response but also delivers smoother power delivery and a subtle induction sound that makes the car feel more alive.
It’s one of those mods that complements everything else - whether you’ve already installed a downpipe or you’re just getting started.
Cold air intakes are available for all major Q5 and SQ5 generations and make for a great first step into performance tuning.
Intercoolers
If you’re running performance upgrades or pushing your Audi even harder, an upgraded intercooler is a must.
Intercoolers reduce intake temperatures, helping your engine maintain power even under heavy load or hot conditions.
Factory intercoolers can suffer from heat soak during big driving sessions, leading to reduced performance. A larger, more efficient intercooler fixes this issue by keeping intake air cool and dense for consistent power output.
Supercharged Headers (SQ5 Only)
For supercharged SQ5 owners, performance headers can unlock serious gains.
Similar to downpipes, they’re designed to optimize exhaust flow, reduce restriction, and help your engine breathe better, leading to improved top-end performance and sound.
When combined with an intake, downpipes, and exhaust system, supercharged headers round out a full bolt-on setup that dramatically enhances both performance and drivability.
If budget isn’t an issue and you’re going for all out performance, this is the cherry on top.
Fitment Across Generations
One of the great things about upgrading an Audi is the wide compatibility across generations.
At German Car Accessories, we stock parts for B8 (2009-2012), B8.5 (2013-2017), B9 (2018-2020), and B9.5 (2021-2024) models.
Every part that we stock is designed to fit cleanly into the factory mounts of your car, matching OEM standards in quality and finish.
So no matter which year or model you’re rocking, you’ll find options designed for your exact generation with GCA.
So, Which Mod Should You Start With?
The Audi Q5, SQ5, and RSQ5 are already amazing SUVs from the get go, but with the right mods, you can really create something that stands out and is truly unique.
Whether your goal is for better performance, or just a visual upgrade, these mods are the best place to start.
If you want a simple, affordable visual upgrade, it’s hard to go part carbon fiber mirror caps, or a honeycomb grille. Both are easy to install and will make a big impact on your car's appearance.
If you’re chasing sound and performance, go for a valved exhaust system. It is a little more expensive, but nothing will change the driving experience quite like it.
At German Car Accessories, every part we offer is designed for precision fitment, premium quality, and a noticeable difference, so you can build your Audi your way, with confidence.
