Audi Q5 Sportback 2021: swooping roof SUV arrives in in Australia with BMW X4 in its sights

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The 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback will arrive in Australia next month with a two-strong range priced from $77,700 before on-road costs.

When the medium-sized Sportback lands, the engine range will mirror the regular wagon-bodied Q5 that is available now. 

However, the most affordable Sportback model commands an $8,100 premium over the regular Q5 due to the fitment of the sporty S Line package as standard.

The Q5 Sportback lineup mirrors how competitors like BMW structured the X4 range, emphasising sportiness and road presence over affordability. 

Outside, the Sportback differentiates itself with a swooping roofline, a design choice that has already proven successful for Audi with the Q3 Sportback.

Paul Sansom, Audi Australia Managing Director, showed plenty of excitement for the first-ever Q5 Sportback: “The highly successful 5-door Sportback body style has met a perfect match in the extraordinarily popular Q5 SUV.”

The larger Q5 Sportback gets the new singleframe grille from the regular SUV while getting LED headlights as standard with powerful Matrix LEDs optionally available.

Around the rear, the lighting features are even more intriguing, with OLED taillights that react to drivers behind. When someone gets within two metres, the taillights will perform a little warning dance for the car behind.

Audi Q5 Sportback engine choices

Like the regular Q5, Audi will offer just two engine choices for the Q5 Sportback. The more affordable of the two is a 2.0L turbo diesel 40TDI engine, which produces 150kW of power and 400Nm of torque and includes a 48-volt MHEV system.

The only petrol-powered Q5 is the 45TFSI, which uses a 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine producing 183kW/370Nm and priced from $86,300 plus on-roads. There’s also a more powerful diesel V6 available in the SQ5 TDI Sportback.

Every Q5 Sportback is fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission and sends power to all four wheels via a Quattro AWD system.

Audi Q5 Sportback Australian specifications

Inside, the Q5 40TDI gets impressive technology with a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The updated interior also features a slimmer touchscreen with Audi moving away from a central rotary controller. 

The 40TDI also gets leather-appointed sports seats, wireless phone charging, embedded sim card, S Line interior trims and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Safety equipment includes AEB with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic assist, 360-degree cameras, front and rear parking sensors and lane-keep assist.

Above the diesel sits the 45TFSI petrol, which swaps in Nappa leather upholstery, stainless steel pedals, an adjustable rear bench and brushed aluminium inlays. Oddly, only the 45TFSI is equipped with adaptive cruise control. The 40TDI does not offer this feature as an option.

Optionally, customers can get the comfort pack for the 40TDI that adds heated mirrors, power steering column adjustment and driver’s seat memory function. The Technik pack bundles Matrix LED headlights, a premium sound system and a head-up display and is available on both grades.

Audi offers further customisation with several interior trim choices and a total of nine exterior paint colours. 

The Audi 2021 Q5 Sportback range is available to order now with deliveries commencing in August.

Audi Q5 Sportback 2021: pricing in Australia

Prices listed are before on-road costs.

• Q5 Sportback 40TDI – $77,700
• Q5 Sportback 45TFSI – $86,300