2021 Audi Q5 Sportback Debuts As The Regular Q5’s Trendier Sibling

Audi continues the rollout of coupe-like Sportback variants for its SUVs with the new Q5 Sportback.

Set to join the standard Q5 SUV in the first half of 2021 in the U.S., Europe, and other markets, the Audi Q5 Sportback applies the tried and tested SUV-coupe recipe to the brand’s midsize model. Audi’s answer to the BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe features a very similar design to the facelifted Q5 from the front up to the B-pillars.

From then on, the roofline drops more abruptly towards the back, drawing a coupe-like profile and glasshouse. The rear end is the most distinct part of the Q5 Sportback, which features a more inclined screen and, subsequently, a different tailgate. A closer look reveals more differences compared to the 2021 Q5 SUV, the most visible of which are the sportier bumpers and grille inserts of the S line variant.

See Also: Here’s Our First, Virtually Undisguised Look At The 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback

The LED headlights (matrix LED for S line models and above) and LED taillights (OLED technology standard on high-spec models and the SQ5 Sportback) look identical with the regular Audi Q5, though. When it comes to size, the Q5 Sportback is 7 mm (0.3 in) longer than the Q5, with the height, width and wheelbase being identical. Thanks to the body shape, the Q5 Sportback has a lower coefficient of drag at 0.30.

Mind you, customers choosing the Q5 Sportback will have to sacrifice a bit on practicality as the boot volume is 510 liters (18 cu ft), 40 liters (1.4 cu ft) smaller than in the Q5. When the rear seats are folded down, the capacity increases to 1,480 liters (52.2 cu ft) – 70 liters (2.5 cu ft) less than the Q5.

Inside, the two-section dashboard is identical to the regular Q5 and features a freestanding 10.1-inch MMI display powered by the third generation modular infotainment system (MIB 3), standard 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit plus (in the UK), as well as MMI Navigation Plus and Audi connect internet connectivity.

Optional extras (standard on UK-spec Vorsprung models) include a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, a head-up display, Audi Phone Box wireless handset charging, and a host of advanced driver assistance upgrades, including adaptive cruise assist and lane centering.

In the United States, the Audi Q5 Sportback will offer a standard 2.0-liter TFSI engine assisted by a 12V mild-hybrid electric vehicle system producing a total of 261 HP (265 PS) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque. U.S. customers will also get the SQ5 Sportback powered by a 3.0-liter TFSI V6 engine rated at 349 HP (355 HP) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque.

At launch, European customers will get two 204 PS (201 HP) 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines with mild-hybrid tech – a TDI and a TFSI. The SQ5 Sportback will also arrive early in Europe and it will continue with the diesel engine, more specifically a 347 PS (342 HP) 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with mild-hybrid assistance. Later on, Audi will also offer two plug-in hybrid TFSIe variants.

The four-cylinder engines are mated to a seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission while the V6 TDI in the SQ5 Sportback gets an eights-speed tiptronic automatic. Quattro all-wheel drive is standard in all models.

Note: European model pictured