The SQ5 Sportback has been refreshed for the 2021 model year, with Audi equipping it with the same diesel engine as its SQ5 SUV sibling. The 3.0-liter V6, which is still paired to a 48V mild-hybrid system, now sports forged steel instead of aluminum pistons, a new piezoelectric sensor that monitors the valve injectors, light compressor wheel, short intake air routes and indirect water-air cooler for the intercooler.
The result is 341 PS,
down from last year’s 347 PS, and an identical 700 Nm of torque, produced between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm. Audi claims the 0 to
100 km/h acceleration takes 5.1 seconds and top speed stands at an
electronically limited 250 km/h. The sporty Coupe SUV rides on
20-inch wheels shod in 255/45 tires, with 21-inch rims available as an option,
and also features upgraded brakes and an S sport suspension with damper
control.
The ‘normal’ Q5 Sportback has also been
updated and is offered with three engines in Europe, two diesels and one
petrol, which meet the latest emission standards. The lineup includes the 40
TDI model, with a 2.0-liter diesel that generates 204 PS and
400 Nm of torque, for a 0-100 km/h of 7.6 seconds and a
222 km/h top speed. It features a 12V mild-hybrid system that allows
coasting with the engine off at low speeds and is mated to a seven-speed S
tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.
The Q5 Sportback 50 TDI has 286 PS and 620 Nm, dropping the sprint time to 5.7 seconds and
increasing top speed to 240 km/h. It too gets the quattro AWD system
and a more efficient 48V mild-hybrid assembly. The 2.0-liter petrol unit in the
45 TFSI version pumps out 265 PS and 370 Nm, and
is mated to a 12V mild-hybrid system, 7-speed gearbox and quattro AWD.
Audi’s 2021 Q5 Sportback and SQ5 Sportback
TDI lineup copies the looks of the 2021 Q5 and SQ5, with revised headlights and
a distinctive DRL signature, large air intakes that flank the grille, new side
skirts and OLED taillights. Customers can choose between the ‘Advanced’ and ‘S
line’ specs, a number of trims, including the black styling package, and one of
12 paint finishes.
Inside, the 2021 Q5 Sportback boasts the
third-gen infotainment system (MIB 3), paired to a 10.1-inch touchscreen
display. The virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster, with a 12.3-inch
display, is also included, alongside a head-up display, sat-nav, multi-function
steering wheel and a selection of upholsteries, including Nappa leather.
Options include the Audi Phone Box, Bang & Olufsen premium audio, and
dynamic steering, while an adaptive air suspension with electronically controlled
dampers can be ordered instead of the standard sport suspension.
Made at the San Jose Chiapa factory in
Mexico, the 2021 Q5 Sportback and SQ5 Sportback TDI can already be ordered in
Europe and will launch in international markets before mid-2021. For China, the
vehicle is built at the Changchun facility.