by Aiden Eksteen
The coupe-fashioned SUV body style is still relatively new in the USA but, as Mercedes-Benz and BMW have demonstrated with theGLC-Class CoupeandX4, respectively, there's plenty of potential for the all-new 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback to quickly climb the sales charts. Beneath its hood is a polished 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that's been finely augmented with a mild-hybrid electrical system resulting in overall outputs of 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. With this powertrain, Audi claims the Q5 Sportback will launch from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds from off the line and, while it's not the most performance-focused and engaging car out there, it's still very pleasant to drive and highly proficient. These qualities, along with its 4,400-pound maximum towing capacity, make the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback both enjoyable and pragmatic, and if its all-rounder qualities don't intrigue you, then its high-value pricing certainly will.
The Q5 Sportback is a brand-new, second-generation model introduced for 2021, but it benefits from the latest updates to the Q5 family, which include a thinner and broader octagonal singleframe grille and standard LED headlights and DRLs. The upgraded 10.1-inch infotainment display serves as the focal point of the dashboard and is connected to the all-new MIB 3 infotainment system. The 2.0-liter TFSI motor receives a power bump of 13 hp over last year. The Q5 model line also gets a full suite of newly standard driver-assistance tech, including side assist, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic assist. The new Sportback differs from the regular Q5 by coming standard with 19-inch wheels and an S line exterior. We review the Audi SQ5 Sportback separately from this model.
See trim levels and configurations:
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prestige 45 TFSI quattro |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas |
7-Speed Automatic |
All-Wheel Drive |
$47,800 |
| Premium Plus 45 TFSI quattro |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas |
7-Speed Automatic |
All-Wheel Drive |
$47,800 |
| Premium 45 TFSI quattro |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas |
7-Speed Automatic |
All-Wheel Drive |
$47,800 |
NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.
If the coupe crossover design appeals to you and you're an Audi fan, then the Q5 Sportback is an exceptional choice as a design-alternative to the polished and capable Q5 SUV. The engine augmented with the MHEV system delivers plenty of punch and its responses are always precise and silky smooth. Though it does ride slightly firmer than the regular Q5, it's still a very comfortable cruiser and runabout. Unfortunately, it doesn't return the best fuel economy figures, but it's not too far off from its compact 5-door competitors. You'll have to aim for the mid-spec Premium Plus trim to get most of the more desirable Audi tech, but even the base model offers plenty of value for the money - the entry-spec 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback SUV's price coming in at $47,800. With the NHTSA's and the IIHS's consummate review of the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback and its high reliability expectations, it's undeniable that the coupe-crossover is a brilliant vehicle.
Direct competitors from both Mercedes-Benz and BMW are more expensive than the 2021 Q5 Sportback by a fairly large margin. You can, in fact, opt for the mid-spec Premium Plus and still pay less than what you would for the base models from competitors. Some of the more notable features the Premium Plus gets over the entry-spec Premium model includes a heated steering wheel, Audi's 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit display, a top-view camera system, and a good selection of advanced driver assists, including active lane assist and adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist.
The most popular competitors of 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback:
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
BrightDrop
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Caterham
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Gordon Murray Automotive
亨尼西
Honda
Hyundai
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Karma
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lordstown
Lotus
Lucid Motors
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pagani
Polestar
Porsche
Ram
Rimac
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Spyker
Subaru
Tesla
Toyota
VinFast
Volkswagen
Volvo