Audi’s Q5 Sportback is set to revolutionize the European market with its striking, coupe-like design, aimed at customers seeking a perfect blend of elegance and practicality.
The second-generation Q5 Sportback introduces a more refined appearance, optimized aerodynamics, and the versatility expected from an SUV.
This car is not just about looks; it brings plenty of advanced features and improved performance. Let’s take a closer look at everything that makes the Audi Q5 Sportback stand out from the crowd.
Table of Contents
Design
The Audi Q5 Sportback is tailored for those who appreciate design without compromising on practicality. Unlike its predecessor, the second generation takes a sleeker, more dynamic approach.
While maintaining the same wheelbase, length, and width as the regular Q5, the Sportback’s height is slightly lower, giving it a sportier, more streamlined profile. Its progressive design emphasizes a roofline that slopes back, enhancing aerodynamics and giving the car a distinct, coupe-like appearance.
In the rear, the Q5 Sportback features a visually dynamic roof arch and sleek, thin OLED taillights, creating an aggressive yet stylish silhouette. A new addition is the option for roof rails, which not only complement the design but also enhance utility. Whether you’re hauling gear or looking for a more refined look, these rails add both form and function to the car’s exterior.
New Audi Q5 Sportback Release Date
Audi has officially announced that the Q5 Sportback will be available for order starting December 2024. This will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Audi’s SUV lineup, as it follows in the footsteps of previous coupe-style SUVs from the brand.
With its progressive silhouette, this model will cater to customers looking for both aesthetics and functionality. Expect the first deliveries in the European market in early 2025.
While the North American launch will follow in 2026, this model will primarily cater to European consumers initially, emphasizing design over practicality, a trend Audi has seen gaining popularity.
Interior
Inside the cabin, the Audi Q5 Sportback stays true to Audi’s reputation for blending luxury with advanced technology. The interior mirrors the Q5 SUV but adds a unique touch of sustainable materials.
The MMI panoramic display, along with a 14.5-inch multimedia screen and a 10.9-inch display for the passenger, makes the Q5 Sportback one of the most tech-savvy in its class.
Audi’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the use of materials such as Kaskade fabric and Dinamica microfiber, which are primarily made from recycled polyester.
While these materials offer an eco-friendly appeal, the quality of their feel and finish will require testing in real-world conditions.
Engine Options and Performance
The Audi Q5 Sportback debuts with the MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) technology, an efficient system that integrates a 48-volt electrical system.
This system provides a 24-hp boost, reducing fuel consumption and allowing for smoother starts and stops. While the primary focus remains on performance, this hybrid system enables electric maneuvering and parking, making it easier to drive in urban environments.
Audi has launched the Q5 Sportback with a variety of engine options, including the 2.0 TFSI, which delivers 204 hp (150 kW) and 340 Nm of torque.
For those looking for more power, the 2.0 TDI diesel engine offers 204 hp and 400 Nm of torque, available only with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive. The top-of-the-line SQ5 Sportback offers the 3.0-litre V6 TFSI engine, producing a robust 367 hp (270 kW) and 550 Nm of torque, ensuring a thrilling driving experience.
Engine Options:
Engine Type | Power Output (hp) | Torque (Nm) | Transmission | Drivetrain |
2.0 TFSI | 204 | 340 | 7-speed S tronic | Front-wheel drive/Quattro |
2.0 TDI | 204 | 400 | 7-speed S tronic | Quattro |
3.0 V6 TFSI | 367 | 550 | 7-speed S tronic | Quattro |
The mild-hybrid system significantly reduces fuel consumption while maintaining excellent driving dynamics, particularly when combined with the 7-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission, which provides smooth gear shifts and responsive acceleration.
New Audi Q5 Sportback Price
When it comes to pricing, the Audi Q5 Sportback isn’t exactly budget-friendly, but it offers a substantial amount of technology, luxury, and performance. In Germany, the starting price for the Q5 Sportback is €54,800 (approximately INR 49.7 lakhs, USD 57,500), which is slightly more expensive than the standard Q5 SUV.
For the SQ5 Sportback, prices start at €85,400 (approximately INR 77.3 lakhs, USD 89,620). These prices reflect the additional sportiness and exclusivity offered by the Sportback variant.
Competitive Edge and Market Position
The Audi Q5 Sportback is positioned to compete with other luxury SUVs, particularly the BMW X4 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.
While the BMW X4 also boasts a similar coupe-like design, the Audi stands out with its more refined exterior and superior tech features. The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, on the other hand, focuses more on comfort, but the Q5 Sportback’s driving dynamics and hybrid technology give it a competitive edge.
Audi Sportback Features
The Audi Q5 Sportback offers a range of high-tech features that elevate the driving experience.
The MHEV system provides up to 18 kW (24 hp) of additional power during acceleration, and its regenerative braking system helps recapture energy to charge the battery. The car’s safety features have also been upgraded with digital OLED taillights, which increase visibility and ensure better road safety.
Additionally, the car is equipped with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a variety of other driver assistance systems, making it an ideal choice for those seeking both luxury and practicality in a single package.