By Otsile Kadiege

Audi has finally entered the Sports Activity Coupe segment with its all-new Q5 Sportback. The Ingolstadt based car manufacturer promises its eye-catching BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe rivalling Q5 Sportback will offer customers an expressive looking car packed with the latest technology and practicality.

Design

Upfront, there is a large octagonal single frame grille dominating the front-end with a contrasting skid plate beneath it. The grille is flanked by distinctive LEDs (Matrix LEDs are optional). Large, non-functional air inlets housing PDC sensors sit beneath the headlights.

A sharp shoulder line runs from the headlights joining the rear-lights. Next-generation organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) will be offered on the SQ5 Sportback models.

Interior

The Q5 Sportback gets a similar, updated interior of the regular Q5. Customers can opt for a 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit with heads-up display and the customizable 10.1-inch MMI navigation plus touchscreen infotainment running MIB 3 system (third-generation modular infotainment system). Also available as an optional extra, for customers who enjoy quality sound, is the Bang and Olufsen 3D sound system.

As standard, the Q5 Sportback will come with rear seat bench plus, which can be shifted laterally and has adjustable back seat angles giving owners increased base luggage capacity and enhanced comfort for rear passengers. The Q5 Sportback will come standard with a power tailgate.

Engines

Powering Audi’s newest member is a 2.0L TFSI engine with 12V mild-hybrid system delivering 195 kW (261 hp) of power and 370 Nm of torque. A more potent SQ5 Sportback makes use of a 3.0-litre TFSI V6 engine producing an impressive 260 kW of power (349 hp) and 500 Nm of torque. As standard, the SQ5 Sportback is equipped with adaptive dampers. Air suspension is also available.

Pricing and availability

Local pricing and availability of the Q5 Sportback is yet to be announced. It will be built in San Jose Chiapa plant in Mexico and will launch in the U.S. in the first half of 2021.