Not even the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback can have it all. Looks, power, space, and more can be challenging to incorporate into a midsize SUV. With the new, more aggressive look of the Sportback, decisions had to be made. 

The Audi Q5 Sportback cuts cargo space 

Recently, Audi revealed the new Q5 Sportback that will be on sale in local showrooms by the first half of 2021. The Audi Q3 Sportback is a similar option that made its debut last year but isn’t sold in the U.S. 

Also, the midsize Audi E-Tron Sportrack is on sale in America, and we can think of it as the bigger, more spacious brother because you might not find much cargo space in the Audi Q5 Sportback. 

To create a coupe-like roofline ending in a liftback, the Audi Q5 Sportback decided to sacrifice cargo space for its looks. It added style with a more dynamic profile. This sets it apart from compact SUVs with upright tailgates that we are used to seeing and removes trunk space. 

What to expect with the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback 

The 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback is based on the updated 2021 Audi Q5, but it’s smaller and sportier. It features a majority of styling elements from the larger Q5, including that style of the LED headlights and OLED taillights. 

However, the Q5 Sportback sets itself apart with a sloping, downward roofline. It flows from the beginning of the roofline down to the rear panel with a spoiler on top. A second main spoiler is on top of the rear windshield. 

The Audi Q5 Sportback is 15.4 feet long, which is actually .3-inches longer than the regular Q5. It has up to 52.3 cubic feet of cargo space total once the rear seats have been folded flat.

The standard Audi Q5 only has up to 53.1 cubic feet of cargo space, though. So, the difference in size isn’t too striking. However, the regular Audi Q5 may have more headspace for passengers without the sloping roof.

In the dash, you’ll find an available 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster display and a 10.1-inch infotainment system that you can control via touchscreen, steering wheel controls, or with voice activation. 

How does the 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback drive? 

The 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback has a stiffer suspension than the regular Q5 to provide a sportier feel. It also sits on 18-inch wheels for improved cornering and control. 21-inch wheels are also available. 

According to MotorTrend, the standard powertrain will be a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that pumps out 261 hp. We could also see the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel-drive variant. The plug-in hybrid powertrain could be another possibility. 

The air suspension with adjustable dampers and speed-sensitive steering are available options. The speed-sensitive steering allows for fewer turns at low-speed driving, like while parking, and increases the feeling of stability at higher speeds. 

Audi Q5 Sportback driver assistance and safety features include forward collision warning, blind-spot warning, rear-cross traffic alert, and more. But the navigation system and camera-based traffic sign recognition can improve driving efficiency by recommending speeds based on predictive route data.