Audi Q5 Sportback: the coupé version of the Q5

The Audi Q5 range expands the family with a new member: the Q5 Sportback. This repeats the “formula” used for the Audi Q3, which also has its corresponding coupé-style body version, the Audi Q3 Sportback. Like the Audi Q5, the Q5 Sportback will be manufactured at the brand’s factory in San José Chiapa, Mexico. It is scheduled to arrive on the market in mid-2021.

Sloping roofline, sportier style

With the same technical basis as the Audi Q5, the Q5 Sportback is visually distinguished by a rear end with a sloping roofline that gives it that coupé look, along with some design changes. It retains the wheelbase of 2.82 metres, while the length varies by just 7 mm, reaching 4.69 metres. The body height is not reduced and remains 1.66 metres. Nor is the width. The Audi does announce a slightly more favourable drag coefficient of 0.30.

Beyond the roof shape, the Q5 Sportback also features a specific Singleframe grille and side air intakes and bumpers with a different design. As on the Audi Q5, the rear light clusters use digital OLED technology, which allows different light designs and the animations they perform when the car is unlocked or locked. It also adds a warning function to alert the driver to another vehicle approaching from the rear within two metres when the Q5 is stationary.

12 body colours and contrasting paint finishes will be offered, as well as the same customisation possibilities as the Audi Q5, including Matrix LED headlights, the advanced and S line exterior trims, or the black styling package.

The interior of the Audi Q5 Sportback

The main difference between the Audi Q5 Sportback and the Audi Q5 is the reduced headroom for rear passengers due to the downward-sloping roofline, which also makes access to the rear seats somewhat more awkward. The Audi retains the plus rear bench, which allows the legroom for passengers to be adjusted and the backrest angle to be set.

The boot capacity is 510 litres, increasing to 1,480 litres when the seats are folded and the space up to the roof is used. For the Audi Q5, these figures are 550 and 1,550 litres, respectively. With the rear bench in its most forward position, the Q5 Sportback offers 570 litres.

Engines: TDI, TFSI and TFSIe plug-in hybrids

As with the Q5, the Q5 Sportback will launch with the 2.0 TDI 4-cylinder engine in the 40 TDI version, paired with an S tronic dual-clutch gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive with ultra technology. Power is 204 CV, with a maximum torque of 400 Nm. It is equipped with a MHEV mild-hybrid system, which entitles it to the ECO label from the DGT. To reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, it features dual AdBlue injection.

Later, following the launch, the range will be completed with a new 2.0 TDI variant, two versions of the 2.0 TFSI petrol engine, and the SQ5 Sportback. The TFSIe plug-in hybrid will also be available, in two power versions.

Digital and connected

In terms of connectivity, controls, multimedia or driver assistance systems, the Audi Q5 Sportback is equivalent to the recently updated Audi Q5. This means adopting the third generation of the modular infotainment platform used by the Audi, enabling maximum digitalisation. Higher-spec versions can be equipped with the most advanced version of the digital instrumentation, the Audi Virtual Cockpit, which reaches a 12.3-inch diagonal display.

For MMI Navigation plus, the centre console screen reaches 10.1 inches, and the various driver assistance systems are organised into the now-familiar packages called City and Tour, the first aimed at urban driving and interurban routes, and the second designed to enhance the experience, comfort and safety on long journeys.

Notable is the adaptive cruise control, which temporarily and automatically controls acceleration, braking and steering to keep the car in its lane. The driver barely needs to lightly touch the capacitive steering wheel for the car to recognise that they remain “alert”, allowing the system to keep working.

Image gallery Audi Q5 Sportback