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2021 Audi Q5 Sportback revealed

Audi has extended its ever-widening line-up even further, by unveiling the 'coupe' sibling to its Q5 SUV, the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback.


The sportier-looking variant's unveiling comes roughly three months after Audi debuted the reworked Q5, making it the third Audi SUV to receive a coupe-style Sportback makeover (after the Q3 and e-tron).

Due in Australia in late 2021, the Q5 Sportback will launch first in the European market with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel TDI engine making 150kW and 400Nm, paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

A mild-hybrid system has also been added to improve efficiency.

 

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This first engine option will be later joined by an entry-level version of the TDI diesel engine making 120kW and sending power to the front wheels only.

Additionally, a 3.0-litre, V6 TDI engine making 210kW and two 2.0-litre, four-cylinder TFSI petrol engines, producing either 150kW or 195kW, will follow.

All Q5 Sportback models are all-wheel-drive bar the entry-level 120kW TDI offering, and every variant is equipped with an automatic transmission – no manuals will be offered.

 

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Buyers will have the choice of Audi’s standard steel spring suspension or a more tautly-tuned sports suspension, with adaptive air suspension available as an option, allowing the ride height to be adjusted over a range of 60mm.

Equipped with the 150kW 2.0-litre TDI engine, the Q5 Sportback is also capable of towing up to 2.4 tonnes.

Eventually, Audi says plug-in hybrid powertrains will also be offered across two output variants, as well as an SQ5 Sportback performance variant.

A longer wheelbase version of the Q5 Sportback will also be available in China only, adding 88mm to the existing model’s 2.82m wheelbase.

 

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Revealed in the all-new shade of Ultra Blue, the Sportback retains some of the original elements of its SUV predecessor, including the headlights and infotainment operating system, but adds a host of unique features to both the interior and exterior.

For starters, the Sportback gains a new honeycomb grille that is more reminiscent of Audi’s RS cars, plus new air intakes at the front, the option of 21-inch Sportback-specific wheels, and a completely new shoulder line from the B-pillar onwards.

At the rear, the OLED taillights have been added to complement a redesigned tailgate, complete with subtle spoiler.

 

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The Sportback adds 7mm to the length of the Q5 SUV, bringing the total length to 4.69 metres, but the overall height and width are the same between the SUV and Sportback variants.

Meanwhile, the raked roofline means 1-2cm of rear headroom have been lost, but rear legroom remains unchanged from the Q5.

The boot boasts a capacity of 510 litres, which can be improved to 1480L with the rear seats folded.

Inside, the cabin adds an ambient light package, plus an optional rear seat which can be adjusted for both inclination and position.

 

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The 10.3-inch infotainment system features a new split-screen capability and a reworked version of the menu available on the Q5 SUV.

It’s joined by a second 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, or “virtual cockpit”, and a head-up display.

Along with Ultra Blue, the Q5 Sportback will be available in 11 different paint finishes and with 21 different wheel designs, with Audi saying it expects the new model to resonate with a younger buyer.

More Australian-specific pricing and specification details for the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback will be revealed closer to a local launch.

 

Below: the regular 2021 Q5 SUV

 

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Susannah Guthrie

Susannah Guthrie has been a journalist for over a decade, covering everything from world news to fashion, entertainment, health and now cars. Having previously worked across titles like The New Daily, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, People Magazine and Cosmopolitan, Susannah now relishes testing family cars with the help of her husband and two-year-old son.

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