Audi Debuts 2021 Q5 Sportback

• Audi is expanding its SUV lineup with the 2021 Q5 Sportback, a sloping-roofline variant of the Q5.
• It will be mechanically similar to the regular Q5, but it won't be available with a plug-in-hybrid version in the U.S.
• The Q5 Sportback is expected to arrive in mid-2021, and a more performance-oriented SQ5 Sportback is coming, too.

Automakers are making sure that SUV buyers get what they want, and now, buyers who want an Audi Q5 with a sloping roofline will be able to get one. To be called the Audi Q5 Sportback, this all-new crossover is mechanically very similar to the regular Q5 but has a sleeker and sportier look to it thanks to that new roofline.

The 2021 Q5 Sportback will be powered by the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque found in the Q5, and the SQ5 Sportback will also have the 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque which is the the SQ5. The 2.0-liter engine will be mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission and the 3.0-liter will get an eight-speed automatic – both of which will route power to all four wheels with Audi’s quattro system. Unlike in the standard Q5, Audi says a plug-in hybrid powertrain will not be offered on the Sportback model in the U.S.

Also unique to the Q5 Sportback is that the sporty S-Line exterior will come as standard in the U.S., which brings with it a unique grille and front and rear diffuser. The OLED taillight design on the Q5 Sportback will also differ from that on the standard Q5. Nonetheless, the biggest difference is the roofline, which should affect little beyond the amount of storage space in the interior.

A 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display, a 12.3-inch instrument display, and a head-up display are all standard. The optional adaptive air suspension can adjust the ride height by up to 2.4 inches.

Audi is far from alone in adopting the sloped-roof treatment on its SUVs: the Mercedes-Benz GLC-class SUV and the GLC coupe, as well as the BMW X3 and X4, all come to mind. The Q5 Sportback will go head to head with the GLC coupe and the X4 especially, along with the upcoming Infiniti QX55, once it goes on sale toward the middle of 2021.