Audi Q5 Sportback
From £51,335
Audi has given its Sportback treatment to yet another car in its range - the Q5. Following on from the likes of the Q3 Sportback and e-tron Sportback, the Q5 Sportback boasts a sleeker and more dynamic design than the conventional Q5. Though still retaining the regular car’s classy cabin and efficient range of engines, the Sportback brings a somewhat sportier edge to the Q5. Let’s dive in and see what else it’s got to offer.
Exterior
It’s on the outside where you’ll notice the most amount of difference between the standard Q5 and this new Sportback model. It’s far sleeker in design than the conventional SUV, bringing a raked roofline which ties it together with other Sportback models in the range.
Of course, this does mean that headroom inside is slightly impeded, but it’s not as badly affected as you might think given the sharply tapered roofline. The Sportback represents a new take on the Q5 formula, and it’s a well executed one to say the least.
Interior
The cabin of the Q5 Sportback has been given a generous helping of premium materials to ensure that it feels up to the standards expected from an Audi product. As such, there's a lot of high-end materials used throughout which meet a large infotainment screen and Audi’s virtual cockpit display.
However, practicality hasn’t been forgotten about either. Despite the sloping roof, there’s 510 litres of boot space to play with, and this can be increased to 1,480 litres by folding down the rear seats. In addition, tip-top Vorsprung models get a sliding rear bench which allows you to boost the standard boot space by 60 litres by pushing the seats as far forward as possible.
Technology
The Q5 Sportback is practically bristling with technology. Step inside the cabin and you’ll be met by a large 12.3-inch panoramic screen and it’s here where you’ll access all of the major functions such as media controls, satellite navigation and system settings. It also includes Apple CarPlay, which gives another way of quickly integrating your smartphone into the car’s system.
Audi’s clever Virtual Cockpit is included too. This display, which takes the place of the conventional dials, allows you to change between various screens and icons. You can even use it to show the satellite navigation rather than viewing it on the standard infotainment screen.
Performance
The Q5 Sportback has a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine with 201bhp, linked to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. It’s also equipped with mild-hybrid technology for added economy and efficiency gains.
What trim levels are on the Audi Q5 Sportback?
Sport:
Sport trim highlights include:
- 18" x 8J '5-twin spoke' dynamic design alloy wheels
- LED headlights & tail lights
- MMI navigation plus with 10.1" touch screen
- Audi virtual cockpit plus with 12.3" screen
- Pre sense city
- Front sport seats in twin leather
S line:
In addition to Sport:
- 19" x 8.0J '5-twin-spoke star' design, diamond cut finish alloy wheels
- S line sport suspension
- Privacy glass on rear and rear-side windows
- Front Sport seats in Dinamica-Leather
- 3-spoke multi-function leather steering wheel with grips in perforated leather and S badging
Black Edition:
In addition to S line:
- 20" '5-V-spoke star' design Audi Sport alloy wheels in gloss anthracite black, diamond cut
- Black styling with black rings
- Black door mirrors
- Black roof rails
- Inlays in Piano black finish
- 3-spoke flat-bottomed multi-function leather steering wheel
Q5 Sportback TFSI e
There are two powertrain options when it comes to the Q5 TFSI e - either the 50 or 55. Both use a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine hooked up to an electric motor and 14.1kWh battery. The former kicks out 295bhp, while the latter delivers 362bhp. Both cars come with a seven-speed automatic gearbox, too, and should return up to 26 miles of electric-only driving.
Capable of returning up to 134.5mpg the Q5 hybrid is impressively efficient, while its low CO2 output of just 48g/km will no doubt ensure it proves popular with company car drivers.
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Representative finance
- PCP PCP Hire purchase
- 24 Monthly Payments £228.45
- Optional Final Payment £5,444.25
- On the Road Cash Price £10,499
- Customer Deposit £1,050.00
- Manufacturer Deposit Contribution £0
- Part Exchange £0
- Amount of Credit £9,449.00
- Interest Charges £1,478.05
- Total Amount Payable £11,977.05
- Duration of Agreement 25 months
- Fixed Rate of Interest 5.08% P.A.
- Annual Mileage 8000 Miles
- Representative APR 9.9% APR
- Excess Mileage Charge per mile 14.9p
What's new?
The bulk of the changes reside around the car’s looks. The rear end dips considerably more than that on the regular Q5, which there’s a higher rear bumper which gives the Sportback a more ‘pinched’ appearance.
Though that sloping roof does impede boot space a touch, Audi offers an optional sliding rear seat which can be used to increase outright luggage capacity.
What's under the bonnet?
There’s a good variety of engine choices available with the Sportback, with two diesels, one petrol and a single hybrid there to select from. The entry-level diesel produces 201bhp and 400Nm of torque, while mild-hybrid assistance helps to boost efficiency, too.
Above this sits the more powerful SQ5 which utilises a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel unit with 336bhp and 700Nm, yet can return up to 34mpg and emit 222g/km CO2.
Two variants of the same plug-in powertrain are available - pushing out wither 295 or 362bhp - but they promise up to 188mpg and CO2 emissions of 37g/km.
We tested the 45 TFSI petrol, which produces 261bhp and 370Nm while returning 32mpg and emitting 202g/km CO2.
What's it like to drive?
The thrummy petrol engine is just as punchy as the numbers might suggest and brings more than enough performance for a car of this size. It even sounds good, delivering a turn of pace which will be plenty for the average driver.
However, the Sportback does the more relaxed side of driving impressively well too. The adaptive air suspension plays a starring role in this, bringing a real sense of refinement to the way the car travels down the road.
How does it look?
Audi’s range of SUVs has a real presence to it and this is particularly evident with the Q5 Sportback. The large front grille, wide side air inlets and striking LED headlights all result in a ca which is hard to miss.
At the back, that sloping roofline has been successfully integrated into the car’s overall design, while the rear window seamlessly blends into a small spoiler-like section. A chunky lower bumper helps to beef up the car’s looks even further.
What's it like inside?
As you’d expect from a modern Audi, the interior of the Q5 Sportback is a high-quality and well-made affair. It might not be the most interesting to look at, but it certainly feels well put together and as though it’ll stand the test of time.
The central infotainment screen is easy to navigate through and good to look at, while it’s pleasing to find physical buttons and dials for the climate controls - it’s often annoying to find these positioned within the screen.
What's the spec like?
Even in base-level Sport trim, the Q5 Sportback incorporates a lot of standard equipment. Priced from £44,495, you get 18-inch alloy wheels, LED head- and tailights, twin-leather sport seats and a variety of high-end finishers for the cabin. You’ll also find that 10.1-inch infotainment screen fitted as standard too, alongside a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit.
Move up to S Line - priced from £47,495 - and you’ll find 19-inch alloy wheels added alongside S Line sport suspension, Alcantara and leather upholstery and aluminium interior inlays. Top-spec Vorsprung models start from £62,645 and boast 21-inch alloy wheels, adaptive air suspension and a panoramic sunroof - among other features.
Verdict
The Q5 Sportback arrives a real all-rounder, bringing fun and refinement as well as that all-important practicality. Despite the more dynamic looks this is a sensible and spacious SUV which manages to ride beautifully well - even when using larger alloy wheels.
However, these are all of the attributes you get with the regular Q5 without the boot space penalty. It’s unlikely that those opting for the Sportback will be left disappointed, but it’s definitely a decision to be made on looks alone.