In Audi’s ongoing range-wide revamp, the Q5 Sportback is the next to launch. A mid-size premium SUV, it takes aim at Mercedes GLC Coupe and Range Rover Velar. The coupe-style Q5 SB rides on the new Premium Platform Combustion chassis. It features new tech and suspension, among other things.
Key differences between this and the Q5 SUV relate to the body, with the new model having a coupe-style silhouette. However, this Sportback was designed as a second bodystyle rather than fresh rump for the SUV. That allowed the Audi design team to push the roofline lower, and make it look more aggressive.
The sleek look does impact on luggage area but it’s still 515 litres, or 470 litres for the SQ5 version that has a higher floor on account of its sport differential. After split folding there’s 1415 litres or 1388L, respectively.
Otherwise the SUV and SB are the same, with ditto powertrains. Base models ride on 19-inch alloy wheels with contrasting wheel arch surrounds and a matte-grey finish on the rear bumper.
S line and Edition 1 models come with sharper bumpers, and 20- or 21-inch wheels. There’s also a black-out of all the brushed aluminium elements found on the Edition 1.
All versions come with Audi’s new dual-screen interior layout which includes a 14.5-inch central touchscreen and 11.9-inch driver’s information display in an OLED screen.
The range-topping Edition 1 gets an OLED rear light bar set-up, matrix LED headlights, and Dinamica soft-touch fabric inserts, along with a surround camera.
Air suspension and a panoramic glass roof are cost options, as is the Bang & Olufsen sound system, part of a Sound and Technology package. That also includes extended ambient lighting, a head-up display and more powerful USB-C charge points.
The base model runs with a 149kW/340Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine while the SQ5 gets a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine. Each has a 48V mild hybrid battery system, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.
Traditional rivals like BMW X4 have gone, while Macan petrol is only available here as a carryover first generation model.
A pair of plug-in hybrids with an EV range of 80km is due out next year.
