2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback TDI: Europe’s Facelifted Diesel Sporty Coupe SUV Is Here With 336 HP

The SQ5 Sportback has been refreshed for the 2021 model year, with Audi equipping it with the same diesel engine as its SQ5 SUV sibling.

The 3.0-liter V6, which is still paired to a 48V mild-hybrid system, now sports forged steel instead of aluminum pistons, a new piezoelectric sensor that monitors the valve injectors, light compressor wheel, short intake air routes and indirect water-air cooler for the intercooler.

The result is 341 PS (336 HP / 251 kW), down from last year’s 347 PS (342 HP / 255 kW), and an identical 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque, produced between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm. Audi claims the 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration takes 5.1 seconds and top speed stands at an electronically limited 250 km/h (155 mph).

The sporty Coupe SUV rides on 20-inch wheels shod in 255/45 tires, with 21-inch rims available as an option, and also features upgraded brakes and an S sport suspension with damper control.

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2021 Audi Q5 Sportback

The ‘normal’ Q5 Sportback has also been updated and is offered with three engines in Europe, two diesels and one petrol, which meet the latest emission standards.

The lineup includes the 40 TDI model, with a 2.0-liter diesel that generates 204 PS (201 HP / 150 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque, for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) of 7.6 seconds and a 222 km/h (138 mph) top speed. It features a 12V mild-hybrid system that allows coasting with the engine off at low speeds and is mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.

The Q5 Sportback 50 TDI has 286 PS (282 HP / 210 kW) and 620 Nm (457 lb-ft), dropping the sprint time to 5.7 seconds and increasing top speed to 240 km/h (149 mph). It too gets the quattro AWD system and a more efficient 48V mild-hybrid assembly.

The 2.0-liter petrol unit in the 45 TFSI version pumps out 265 PS (261 HP / 195 kW) and 370 Nm (273 lb-ft), and is mated to a 12V mild-hybrid system, 7-speed gearbox and quattro AWD.

Subtle styling tweaks across the range

Audi’s 2021 Q5 Sportback and SQ5 Sportback TDI lineup copies the looks of the 2021 Q5 and SQ5, with revised headlights and a distinctive DRL signature, large air intakes that flank the grille, new side skirts and OLED taillights.

Customers can choose between the ‘Advanced’ and ‘S line’ specs, a number of trims, including the black styling package, and one of 12 paint finishes.

The cockpit

Inside, the 2021 Q5 Sportback boasts the third-gen infotainment system (MIB 3), paired to a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. The virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster, with a 12.3-inch display, is also included, alongside a head-up display, sat-nav, multi-function steering wheel and a selection of upholsteries, including Nappa leather.

Options include the Audi Phone Box, Bang & Olufsen premium audio, and dynamic steering, while an adaptive air suspension with electronically controlled dampers can be ordered instead of the standard sport suspension.

Made at the San Jose Chiapa factory in Mexico, the 2021 Q5 Sportback and SQ5 Sportback TDI can already be ordered in Europe and will launch in international markets before mid-2021. For China, the vehicle is built at the Changchun facility.