2021 Audi Q5 Sportback review: Good looks come at a cost

Head turning looks and plenty of luxury kit boost the appeal of the German brand’s latest machine to arrive Down Under.

2021 Audi Q5 Sportback.

Audi has enjoyed plenty of success with its Q5 mid-sized luxury SUV, but it’s taken longer to add a coupe-inspired alternative that steps up the style.

Rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz have had them for years with the X4 and GLC Coupe, and now with the arrival of the Q5 Sportback the third German player is firing on all SUV cylinders.

As with the Q3 and e-Tron Sportbacks, there are unique touches for the Sportback, including an extended rear bumper with a deeper lower section and different air intakes on the outer edges of the front bumper.

Audi has added a stylish Sportback version to its Q5 range.

All Sportbacks sold here also get the S Line package that includes a honeycomb grille, rear spoiler and 20-inch wheels (an inch up).

Along with a longer list of gear, that partially justifies a price premium.

Entry to the Q5 Sportback starts at about $87,000 for the 40 TDI with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel, about $9000 more than the regular Q5. Like all Q5s, it drives all four wheels.

The 45 TFSI with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol that’s expected to account for about half of all Sportback sales starts at about $96,500, the circa-$17,000 premium over the regular Q5 exacerbated by luxury car tax.

The range-topping SQ5 gets a 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel and is about $124,000, only around $4000 more than the SUV (both get the same styling treatment, hence the tighter pricing).

Each comes with smart key entry, three-zone ventilation, electric tailgate, 360-degree camera, leather, ambient lighting, electric seats, blind spot and exit warning to alert of an approaching vehicle.

The sporty look adds about $9000 to the price.

The 45 TFSI picks up a sunroof, Nappa leather, heated front seats, sliding rear bench, matrix LED headlights, and adaptive cruise that incorporates turn assist to apply the brakes if you try to turn across traffic. It also gets a more advanced auto braking system (the 40 TDI’s auto braking works up to 85km/h and reduces speed by only 40km/h).

The 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and head-up display that are part of the Technik Pack ($5600 on the 40, $5000 on the 45) are standard on the SQ5, which also gets 21-inch wheels, adaptive dampers, red brake calipers and styling and trim updates.

But it’s the fastback-style roof (sans roof rails, which are optional) that’s most distinctive on the Sportback.

Inside is packed with luxury kit.

As with all coupe-inspired SUVs, the boot is not as tall. But Audi has maintained the same floor dimensions as the regular Q5 and a vast 510-litre capacity that’s only 10L off that of the regular Q5 SUV. The more obvious change is in rear headroom. Front headroom is identical to the regular Q5, but those in the rear have 16mm shaved off their noggin space. It’s only likely to affect those taller than 185cm.

Even in the rear there’s no skimping on luxury. Dual USB power outlets, air vents, nicely sculpted outer seats and a separate temperature controller kick things off and there’s the same meticulous attention to detail as up front.

Buyers can choose between diesel or petrol power.

The 40 TDI diesel is the most efficient, using a claimed 5.4L/100km and the grunty nature of its 400Nm of pulling power makes it a winner when cruising.

But it lacks the zing of the Q45 TFSI that dials back the torque but steps up the power (183kW versus 150kW). With a thoroughly useful 370Nm the 2.0-litre turbo petrol is the pick, albeit undernourished in aural excitement.

If it’s outright punch you want – and the ability to hit 100km/h in 5.1 seconds – the SQ5’s 251kW and 700Nm ticks that box. As well as loads of effortless pull there’s also a refreshingly husky sound that suits its performance focus.

The Q5 is predictable and responsive through corners and there’s no shortage of grip. Cars fitted with the optional air suspension have better bump compliance as well as height adjustability.

It’s the sort of car that rewards around town with a solid stance but rises when you step up the pace. It also seems to sit flatter through bends, adding to its talents.

But it’s the minimal compromise in a body that stands out visually that is the Sportback’s biggest asset. But you’ll have to dig deeper to own one, something partially repaid with a plumper equipment list.

VERDICT 3.5/5

Minimal compromise but a bigger price tag for a Q5 with more visual flair.

AUDI Q5 45TFSI SPORTBACK VITALS

Price: From about $96,500 plus on-roads

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo petrol, 183kW/370Nm

Warranty/servicing: 3 yrs/u’ltd km, $3140 for 5 yrs/75,000km

Safety: 8 airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, 360-degree parking aid, driver monitor, rear cross traffic alert, exit assist, blind spot warning

Thirst: 8.0L/100km

Spare: Space-saver

Boot: 510L

Originally published as 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback review: Good looks come at a cost