2021 Audi Q5 Sportback First Look: Baby Got (Sport)Back

Audi takes aim at the BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe.

Audi adds a more rakish sibling to the Q5 model line for 2021. Dubbed the Q5 Sportback, the latest iteration of the brand's compact crossover takes on the BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe. 

Like its competition, the Q5 Sportback trades cargo space for style. Whereas today's Q5 sports 23.1 cubic feet of space aft of its rear seatback, the Sportback offers just 18.0 cubes. That's on par with the Bimmer and Merc, which provide 17.7 and 18.5 cubic feet of space with all seats in place. Fold the Sportback's rear seats down and its cargo hold expands to 52.3 cubic feet, a sum that bests the X4's and GLC's and nearly matches that of the current Q5's 53.1-cubic-foot space.

2021 Audi Q5 Sportback: Familiar Face

Predictably, the Q5 Sportback looks much like the 2021 Q5 from the window line down, adopting design cues like those of its squarer sibling. This includes fascias that integrate Audi's latest styling elements, a more stylish headlight design, and new organic LED taillights with three different light signatures: one for entering the car, another for exiting, and a final iteration that's tied into the car's Dynamic drive mode.

Additionally, Audi offers the crossover in two different exterior trims: the standard Advanced setup and the sportier S Line configuration. S Line models boast more aggressive details to the grille, front fascia's side intakes, and rear bumper.

2021 Audi Q5 Sportback: Power Sport(Back)

Despite the Q5 Sportback's sultry shape, its dynamics remain largely identical to that of the standard Q5. Both active dampers and an air suspension system are available options, the latter of which allows the driver to adjust the Sportback's ride height by a total of 2.4 inches. Of this, 1.8 inches are dedicated to raising the ride height in order to improve the Sportback's off-road capabilities. During high-speed driving, the Audi's air suspension automatically drops the body 0.6 inch in order to lower the center of gravity and decrease drag. 

Power for the Q5 Sportbacks comes courtesy of a 261-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four for motivation, which mates to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Audi also plans to offer a sportier SQ5 Sportback with standard adaptive dampers and a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that pairs with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Regardless of what's underhood, every Q5 Sportback comes standard with all-wheel drive.

2021 Audi Q5 Sportback: Put It In The Back(Seat)

Unsurprisingly, the Q5 Sportback cribs its dashboard design from the run-of-the-mill Q5, including its 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with on-board navigation and available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Rear-seat riders will note a small loss in headroom relative to the regular model. That said, an available adjustable rear bench with sliding seat bottoms and adjustable seatbacks allows those in the back to maximize the available space.

Other optional comfort and convenience items include a proximity key, a hands-free feature added to the standard power rear liftgate, a head-up display, and safety items such as adaptive cruise control and lane centering. Forward collision warning and automatic front braking come standard.

Look for the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback to launch in the early part of 2021. Pricing remains under wraps, however, we expect the model to start at just north of $50,000.