The 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback is a new version of the popular Audi Q5
It offers similar features to the traditional Q5
Will be offered with a base turbo engine and an SQ5 Sportback model
The 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback is the latest SUV coupe to arrive on the market and applies a tried-and-true recipe of making a popular model look slightly sportier to increase the model’s reach.
What’s New About The 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback?
This is the first Sportback version of the Q5 to arrive on the market, but the model itself is heavily influenced by the traditional and redesigned 2021 Audi Q5. So you could say that it is a new version, but not necessarily a new vehicle.
The 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback gets the same boost in power as its brother with a 261-horsepower four-cylinder turbo acting as the base engine. There’s also 273 pound-feet of torque on tap. There’s a 12-volt mild-hybrid system helping out the base turbo. Audi has also confirmed a plug-in hybrid version that will deliver 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
Audi also confirmed that a 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback will be offered with 349 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
Visually, you immediately notice the more dynamic lines of the Sportback model, which is distinctive behind the B pillar where the roof line starts to slope sharply. From the front or directly from the back, however, it looks pretty much like any Q5. It is 7.0 mm longer than the Q5 with the same height and width.
The major difference is in cargo capacity. While the Q5 offers 710 litres of total space with all seats up, the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback offers 510 litres. That said, it’s mostly in height that it is impacted as the cargo area’s width and depth should remain about the same.
Inside, there’s a new 10.1-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital information cluster.
How Much Does The 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback Cost?
Pricing hasn’t been confirmed yet. However, expect the new Sportback trim to be more expensive than a regular Q5 with similar equipment. Probably not a huge jump, but you will pay more for the Q5 Sportback than a traditional Q5.
When Will The 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback Arrive On The Market?
It will launch in the first half of 2021
Which Models Will Compete With The 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback?
The Audi Q5 Sportback takes on the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and the BMW X4, both launched a few years ago. The Q5 Sportback will also take on the upcoming Infiniti QX55.
What Do We Think About It?
We get why Audi built it. Some buyers don’t want a traditional looking SUV, but they like the style of the a coupe utility vehicle. It’s also not too expensive of a proposition to modify the Q5’s body into a coupe profile with the rest of the Sportback remaining largely unchanged compared to the regular Q5.
Of course, losing 200 litres of cargo space is a bit annoying, but it won’t be for those buyers who will get the Q5 Sportback. 510 litres will be plenty and enough to justify the sportier design of the Sportback.