With the Q5 Sportback, Audi enters a stage where it has been absent for many years. Imagine that BMW already came up with the X4 in 2014 (!) And Mercedes-Benz hooked up with the GLC Coupé a year later. At Audi, they did not immediately follow the trend to give the high-legged models a sloping roofline and only with the arrival of the Q8, the E-tron Sportback and Q3 Sportback did this change. Now there is also the Q5 Sportback. We can be quite brief about the basic setup of the Q5 Sportback: it is a Q5, but then ‘sportier’ in shape. Selling SUVs like crazy, ‘coupé SUVs’ are a lucrative addition to that success. Audi expects that about 30 percent of the Q5s sold will eventually become a Sportback.
Audi takes a subtle approach, the Q5 Sportback does not deviate shockingly from the normal Q5, but also does not just look like a Q5 where a bite has been taken. We know the front of the Q5 Sportback from the very recently facelifted regular Q5. So still nice and fresh. More novelties can be spotted at the rear, because that is of course the distinctive element of the Sportback. The roof optically extends a bit further due to a subtle spoiler above the rear window. There is also a spoiler-like fold in the tailgate just above the rear lights. The rear light units, equipped with OLED lighting as standard, are also slightly different from the regular Q5. Here too we see various elements light up in it; you can choose from three different light signatures. According to Audi, they look extra sporty in the ‘Dynamic’ mode of Drive Select. Nice for the people behind you.
Space
The Q5 Sportback is 7 millimeters longer than the regular Q5 to limit the loss of space due to the sloping roofline. Although the height and width have remained the same, according to Audi, the increased length should ensure that the Q5 Sportback still offers reasonably comparable interior space. In terms of luggage space, you still deliver something with the Sportback: 510 to 1,480 liters (with the sofa flat) can be stowed in it, compared to 550 to 1,550 liters in the normal Q5. Those who do not allow their passengers in the rear legroom, can use the optional ‘rear seat plus’ to slide the rear seat in its entirety forward to create 60 liters of extra luggage space without flattening the seats. Then there is 570 liters available.
Infotainment and engines
The Q5 already received an upgrade of the infotainment area during its facelift and the Sportback of course also benefits from that. The new MIB 3 infotainment system can also be found in the Q5 Sportback. Depending on the choices you make when ordering, this works on a 10.1-inch or 12.3-inch screen. A head-up display is also an option. If you prefer not to have greasy spots on your screen, you can say ‘hey Audi’ and everything has to be done without touching it before you get to work.
If we take a look at the engine list for the Dutch market, it looks familiar again. The Q5 Sportback comes with the same two options as the Q5: the 50 TFSI-e and the 55 TFSI-e. Both plug-ins, generating 300 hp and 367 hp of system power respectively. In electric mode it is possible to cover more than 40 km and then the top speed is 135 km / h. Shifting is done in all cases with a S Tronic automatic transmission with seven gears and the forces go to all four wheels. Great news for fans of sportier performance: there is also an SQ5 Sportback on its way. It obviously has the well-known 347 hp 3.0 TDI V6 in its nose. For the American market, Audi (as with the SQ5) is also spooning the 3.0 TFSI V6 into the SQ5 Sportback. The Q5 Sportback will make its appearance at Dutch dealers in the first half of next year. Prices will be announced before then.
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