All-new Q5 Sportback arrival imminent

It’s a match made in heaven and one that has been eagerly anticipated in Australia since the new model was unveiled internationally late last year. All of the attributes that have made the Audi Q5 and SQ5 so successful, married to the timeless design of the Audi Sportback are now on approach for launch in Australia next month.

The Audi Q5 Sportback marks the third crossover utility vehicle (CUV) in the Audi range, joining the Q3 Sportback (including RS Q3 Sportback) and the Audi e-tron Sportback, both of which were launched Down Under in 2020. The sweeping coupe-like design of the Sportback works perfectly with the Q5 dimensions, adding yet another facet to the award-winning, mid-sized luxury SUV and making it the perfect answer to those wanting all of the luxury and performance of the Q5 range with a more design-driven style.

The visual change is significant, yet even with this distinctive new design, the Q5 models still offer 510 litres of space in the luggage compartment, which is just 10 litres less than the SUV design.

The Q5 Sportback will be available with both a petrol and a TDI powerplant in Australia – the Q5 Sportback 40 TDI quattro S line touching down from $77,000* and the Q5 Sportback 45 TFSI quattro S line at $86,300*. These two models will be joined by the high-performance SQ5 Sportback TDI at $110,900* which will be of particular interest to the dedicated following of the SQ5 SUV model.

All three models will arrive with impressive specification for the local market and of course the combination of performance, technology and practicality that has made the Q5 model such a resounding success story. 

The eye-catching S line exterior styling is standard on both Q5 Sportback models, featuring a honeycomb pattern grille, trapezoidal front bumper design with matt aluminium inserts. The S line rear spoiler and diffuser with selenite silver trim both perform their intended function while being beautifully integrated into the design language, and the S line badging adds subtle touches. Two 20-inch alloy wheel designs are standard inclusions and for those who like to spot the details, the five-arm design features on the TDI while the TFSI models rides on Audi Sport five-V-spoke design. 

The SQ5 Sportback TDI takes the outstanding package of the recently released SQ5 TDI and brings its own distinctive sense of style with the Sportback interpretation. Riding on larger 21-inch turbine design wheels, it features distinctive Singleframe treatment and of course the quad rear tailpipe tips and the subtle yet famous SQ5 badging.

Cutting edge lighting features across the range, the TDI model with LED headlights and both the TFSI and SQ5 models featuring matrix LED, while the innovative digital OLED tail lights debut and are optionally available on all three models.

Inside the Q5 Sportback models boast state-of-the-art technology seamlessly integrated into their luxurious cabins. Audi virtual cockpit and a 10.1-inch high-resolution MMI touch display provide all relevant data to the driver and allow fingertip control of numerous systems, Audi smartphone interface via Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay are standard, as is Audi phone box light with wireless charging (for mobile phones with Qi standard), two simultaneous Bluetooth connections, Digital DAB+ radio and 4 USB outlets (two in the rear) – all standard inclusions.

All Q5 models offer the convenience of Audi connect plus functionality, which connects the vehicle with a veritable world of online services and safety features, while the level of interior appointment is even higher than the comprehensive standard equipment offered in their respective peers in the Q5 model range. 

The 40 TDI quattro S line gains highlights such as sport front seats and exterior mirrors with heating, folding, auto dimming and dipping. A suite of sophisticated interior upgrades such as the black cloth headlining, inlays in aluminium rhombus, accent surfaces in black gloss and illuminated ‘S line’ door sill trims likewise impart the luxurious feel for which Audi is famous. 

In addition, the 45 TFSI quattro S line features Fine Nappa upholstery with diamond stitching for the seats, inlays in matt brushed aluminium, diamond stitching in the front sports seats, pedals in stainless steel and other S accents, like contrasting stitching. The 45 TFSI also adds rear seat bench plus, which allows you to slide and recline the second seat row for added versatility and comfort. 

Performance and handling are of course highlights, with both the 40 TDI quattro S line and the 45 TFSI quattro S line featuring 12v Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology, with power in both models harnessed by a seven-speed S tiptronic transmission and power down to the road through quattro all-wheel drive with ultra technology. The Q5 40 TDI generates 150kW power and 400Nm of torque for a 0 to 100km/h time of just 7.6 seconds and top speed of 222km/h, yet delivers fuel economy of 5.4 litres /100 km. This, along with its standard 70 litre fuel tank gives it a potential range of over 1250km on a single tank. 

The Q5 Sportback 45 TFSI produces 183kW and 370Nm of torque for a 0 to 100km/h sprint time of 6.3 seconds, while the SQ5 Sportback TDI with its 3.0-litre V6 engine with 48v MHEV system and Electric Powered Compressor (EPC), tops the line-up with an output of 251kW and 700Nm of torque. Mated to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission, it hits 100km/h from standstill in a mere 5.1 seconds yet still manages to deliver fuel consumption of 7.1 litres per 100km, with CO2 emissions of 186g/km. 

Riding on adaptive suspension with damper control (air suspension is optionally available), the SQ5 Sportback TDI sits 30mm lower than a standard Q5 Sportback, and features quattro permanent all-wheel drive with a self-locking centre differential. This directs 40 percent of the torque to the front axle and 60 percent to the rear in normal driving conditions, but can push up to 85 percent to the rear wheels as required. Customers can also opt for the quattro sport differential which provides even greater adjustment, directing almost all of the rear axle’s torque to either wheel during very ‘spirited’ driving, for unparalleled road holding. 

Of course safety and driver assistance systems are of the highest order, with five-star ANCAP ratings all round and a full suite of assistance systems included as standard equipment. From eight airbags to Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, the list is extensive and impressive. It also includes, attention assist, side assist, active lane assist (with lane change warning), exit warning, hill descent control, cross traffic assist rear, hold assist, park assist, parking system plus with reversing camera, tyre pressure monitor and pre-sense basic/rear, as well as intelligent 360-degree cameras. 

Indeed the new Q5 Sportback is impressive right across the board, but when it arrives next month, customers will also be able to further customise their vehicles with the addition of select packages such as the Comfort package (40 TDI) and Technik package (40 TDI and 45 TFSI). The Audi Q5 Sportback will also be offered with the comprehensive Audi five-year service plan package, priced at $3,140 or $3,170 for the SQ5 Sportback TDI.

Given the ongoing success of the Q5 and SQ5 TDI models since day one, the addition of the design-driven Q5 Sportback models are bound to attract considerable attention when they touch down in Australia in August and write another chapter in the Q5 success story.

*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges

The vehicles shown are international press vehicles models and may not accurately reflect the final specification available in Australia.