Audi Q5 Sportback: Meet Audi’s New SUV Coupe

The Audi Q5 Sportback is one part SUV and one part coupe. After introducing a plug-in hybrid earlier this year, Audi expands the Q5 lineup again with a Sportback variant. The new “SUV Coupe” (as Audi calls it) will arrive in the first half of 2021. 

Audi wanted the design of the Q5 Sportback to stand out from the crowd. Designers worked explicitly on the shoulder lines and side sill trim to lend more credence to the Q5 Sportback’s stance and overall character. To achieve the correct look, the downward slope of the greenhouse begins earlier than usual so that the third side window tapers sharply to the rear.

OLED lighting technology will be available on the SQ5 Sportback. The OLED taillights are split into three tiles of six segments each. This allowed Audi’s designers to create different light designs and signatures from a single item of hardware.

Under the hood of the Q5 Sportback is a 2.0-liter TFSI engine paired with a 12-volt mild-hybrid electric system. The combination delivers 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. of torque. The SQ5 Sportback has the more muscular 3.0-liter TFSI V6, which produces 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque.

Both the Q5 Sportback and SQ5 Sportback are standard with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system. The standard automatic transmissions are different, however. The Q5 Sportback employs a seven-speed unit while the SQ5 Sportback receives an eight-speed. 

The SQ5 Sportback is standard with adaptive dampers, although an air suspension is available. With the air suspension, drivers can change the ride height and the firmness of the dampers. Audi’s Dynamic Steering system is also available. It provides a flexible and variable steering ratio that adjusts, based on speed, to help drivers feel more secure behind the wheel.

The Q5 Sportback features Audi’s latest MIB 3 infotainment system. Highlights include Audi’s virtual cockpit plus with a 12.3-inch display and a separate heads-up display. The Audi phone box is optional, along with a Bang and Olufsen sound system. Safety features include adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist and lane departure warning, among others.

The rear bench has adjustable seatbacks and can move both fore and aft for more cargo space or legroom, depending on what the occasion calls for. The standard power tailgate can be opened with a foot gesture.

As of this writing, Audi has not announced pricing for the Q5 Sportback. It’s due to arrive in the United States in the first half of next year. The Audi Q5 Sportback will be assembled at the San José Chiapa plant in Mexico.