Audi have introduced an alternative body style in the US for their Q5 mid-sized crossover. The Q5 Sportback now joins the range, just as the Q3 Sportback did last year. The standard Q5 goes up against its German rivals the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3, meaning this Q5 Sportback takes the fight to the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé and BMW X4.
You can expect many familiar Q5 elements to be present on this Sportback variant. A large octogonal Singleframe grille, LED and optional matrix-design LED headlights are fitted at the front along with LED DRLs. Just expect a sportier looking profile thanks to that sloping roofline.
There will also be a performance variant, the SQ5 Sportback. On top of better powertrain options, this model will get higher levels of equipment, such as OLED lighting on the rear taillights for a more intricate signature look.
The Audi Q5 Sportback is powered by a 2.0-liter TFSI engine and a 12v mild-hybrid electric vehicle system. This will put out 261hp and 370Nm of torque. The SQ5 Sportback gets a 3-litre TFSI V6 motor good for 349hp and 500Nm of torque. The SQ5 Sportback also gets adaptive dampers with air suspension available.
Both models will be available in early 2021, built in the San José Chiapa plant in Mexico for the US market. Maybe in a couple of years, we’ll see it appear on Malaysia’s Audi Online Showroom? After all, the Q3 Sportback is available there already.
Here’s the press release with more.
PRESS RELEASE
Elegant and practical, progressive and sporty: the Q5 Sportback. The Audi Q5 Sportback is a coupe with dynamic lines that addresses customers who appreciate not just expressive design and technical innovation, but also sporty character and high everyday utility. Simple operation and clear displays provide for relaxed driving.
The Audi Q5 Sportback is a real eye-catcher and exudes a powerful presence as is typical for the SUV models from Audi. Large air inlets flank the octagonal Singleframe. The headlights with a distinctive daytime running light signature feature LED or optional matrix-design LED technology. The continuous, elegantly sweeping shoulder line emphasizes the wheels and with them the quattro all-wheel drive. The side sill trim on the doors imbue the CUV with stability and robustness. The greenhouse extends low over the body and begins its downward slope early so that the third side window tapers sharply to the rear. The starkly sloped rear window and the seemingly high-mounted rear bumper give the Audi Q5 Sportback a very dynamic and powerful appearance.
Innovative: rear lights with digital OLED technology
SQ5 Sportback models will offer next-generation OLED lighting technology. OLEDs are extremely efficient organic light-emitting diodes that generate a homogenous light surface. The OLED taillight on SQ5 models is split into three tiles of six segments each, which enables Audi designers and developers to create different light designs and signatures from a single item of hardware.
Flexible space configuration: rear seat bench plus
Audi will also offer the newest member of the family with the standard rear seat bench plus, which can be shifted laterally and has adjustable seat back angles. If necessary, it can slide forward to increase the base luggage capacity. On the other hand, it provides enhanced comfort for the rear seat passengers when the seat back and seating surface are all the way back. A power tailgate will be standard. In combination with the optional convenience key in your pocket or purse, it can be opened with a simple foot gesture if you don’t have your hands free, for example.
The engine lineup
The Audi Q5 Sportback will receive a 2.0-liter TFSI® engine and a 12v mild-hybrid electric vehicle system to deliver 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The SQ5 Sportback utilizes the 3.0-liter TFSI® V6 engine which produces 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
The SQ5 will also come standard equipped with adaptive dampers and offers an available air suspension which allows for adjustment of the ride height in addition to the firmness of the dampers, controllable via the standard Audi drive select. Available dynamic steering offers a variable steering ratio that adjusts based on vehicle speed and the Audi drive select setting. During slower driving, the more direct ratio with fewer steering wheel rotations stop-to-stop and the higher power assist improve comfort. At higher speeds, the more indirect ratio has a positive effect on tracking and provides for high directional stability.
Digital and intuitive: controls and connectivity
For the controls, displays and infotainment, the Q5 Sportback uses the same new technology in the updated Q5: the third-generation modular infotainment system or MIB 3. When fully equipped, the display-based Audi virtual cockpit plus with 12.3-inch display and a head-up display are also on board. The multifunction steering wheel plus enables simple operation of the most important functions and displays.
The MMI navigation plus infotainment system is paired with a 10.1-inch touch display. Its home screen is customizable and many vehicle settings can be put into individual user profiles and stored online on the myAudi customer portal. Each authorized user can access them for any Audi models appropriately equipped.
Optional hardware modules such as the Audi phone box or the Bang and Olufsen® sound system with 3D sound supplement the infotainment system.
Helpful and efficient: the driver assist systems
The Audi Q5 Sportback will be equipped with numerous driver assist systems including adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, standard Audi side assist and Audi pre sense rear, lane departure warning and parking system plus.
Market launch: first half of 2021
The Audi Q5 Sportback rolls off the assembly line at the San José Chiapa plant in Mexico and will launch in the U.S. in the first half of 2021.
