Q5 Sportback models arrive

Rounding out what has been an extremely busy year in terms of new Audi models launched Down Under, Audi Australia has officially launched the Sportback variants of the popular Q5 and SQ5 range. These style-oriented fastback variants follow the introduction of the all-new Q5 range back in September, one of the most significant local releases for the brand in a year that has seen more than 20 new or significantly ungraded Audi models make their Antipodean debut.

And while the Q5 Sportback launch marks the final one for the year, they represent little more than a quick pause before the new model offensive continues in 2026, with Audi Australia already confirming the addition of two new powertrains to the Q5 ranks, with both a TFSI quattro model and a Q5 e-hybrid quattro arriving in the first quarter of the new year.

The arrival of these all-new Q5 models mark the second generation of Sportback style being offered in the mid-sized luxury category. Like the new Q5 SUVs recently launched here, the Sportbacks arrive with five distinct models, starting with the front-wheel drive Q5 Sportback TFSI 150kW ($84,500*) and the Q5 Sportback TDI quattro also with 150kW from $91,100*. There is also a Q5 Sportback TDI quattro sport, that offers significantly more equipment and specification from $97,600* before we get into the performance offering, comprising the SQ5 Sportback TFSI with 270kW from $125,900* and for a limited time, a special SQ5 Sportback edition one launch model at $109,900*.

Obviously the addition of these new design-driven variants will greatly appeal to those who are drawn to that sporty aesthetic that characterises the Sportback design – and that’s a significant number of Q5 owners with around half preferring the swooping, coupe-like design of the Sportback in both Q5 and SQ5 models in the past.

This new Q5 design represents a completely new vehicle for Q5 using the brand’s Performance Platform Combustion (PPC), and represents the third generation of the brand’s hugely successful mid-sized, luxury SUV. It is only the second time the Q5 models have been offered in Sportback guise, given that the first generation of the vehicle was offered as an SUV only. Certainly the fastback approach suits the size of the Q5 perfectly and melds with the already sporty profile of the SUV design to take it to the next level, utilising the new Q5’s larger dimensions to good effect and making for the most dynamic Q5 profile yet.

Further enhancing that distinctive Sportback styling is the inclusion of the S line exterior package as standard equipment from the entry models, which includes 19-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights with selectable signatures. 

The Q5 Sportback TDI quattro sport builds on these this visually with 20-inch alloy wheels  as standard as well as a panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade, while the SQ5 Sportback models feature more equipment and distinctive features again. The SQ5 Sportback edition one features 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels in black metallic, S sport suspension, red brake callipers, privacy glass and a black exterior styling package with anthracite Audi rings. The SQ5 Sportback which represents the top of the model line and will remain on offer past the limited edition one gets 21-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels and distinctive aluminium-look exterior styling, as well as metallic paint and acoustic glazing for added cabin refinement. Also, those quad exhaust tips visible on the ’S’ models are an obvious giveaway to anyone who happened to miss the subtle badging or the aluminium-look elements on the rear assembly, in and around the front grille or encasing the huge front air intakes. And, like the front air intakes, those exhaust tips are the real deal – what are called ‘hot exhausts’ as opposed to cosmetic exhaust tips, which simply won’t do on a true performance model.

It’s a good looking package that manages the right balance of elegance with an undertone of aggression that will appeal to the legions of SQ5 fans and no doubt help attract even more to the fold.

In real terms, performance of the new Sportback variants mirrors that of the SUV models across the board. The entry model delivering its 150kW from 4300rpm to 6000rpm and 340Nm of torque from right down at the 2000rpm mark through to 4000rpm through its front wheels. Power is harnessed by a seven-speed S tonic transmission across all models and MHEV plus technology is likewise integral across the board, meaning the that the TFSI models will hit the 100km/h from rest in 8.6 seconds and deliver fuel economy of 5.7L/100km.

The two TDI variants put their 150kW and 400Nm of torque to the road through all four wheels thanks to the addition of Audi’s quattro drive with ultra technology – hitting the sweet spot from 3800rpm to 4200rpm for outright power and 1750rpm and 3250rpm for torque on both models. This gives the TDI models a 7.4 second 0 to 100km/h sprint time and sees fuel consumption drop to 5.4L/100km, despite the presence of quattro with ultra technology.

Looking at the SQ5 Sportback models – where we spent the bulk of our test drive at launch – and the four-cylinder powerplant is replaced with the same 3.0-litre V6 TFSI unit from the SUV variants, delivering 270kW between 5500 and 6300rpm and a huge 550Nm of torque from 1700rpm right through to 4000rpm. Also driving all four wheels via quattro with ultra, the SQ5 Sportback sees off the standard sprint in a very serious 4.5 seconds, although not surprisingly, its fuel figures can’t match those of its TDI siblings, but nevertheless manage a creditable 7.6L/100km when not being driven hard.

This new SQ5 Sportback represents a major increase in performance over its distinguished predecessors which is a real boon for performance enthusiasts. With 10kW more power and 50Nm more torque, in real terms it cutting the 0 to 100km/h sprint time by close to half a second – the new model’s 4.5 seconds eclipsing the 4.9 seconds of the previous V6 TFSI model.

That’s thanks in no small part to the MHEV plus technology, which delivers power straight off the line, giving the SQ5 (and indeed all of the models in the range) acceleration off the line like an electric vehicle before the combustion engine seamlessly comes in. 

This very much changes the driving dynamic and builds significantly on the SQ5’s already impressive performance credentials. On our test car at launch, the addition of adaptive S air suspension elevated that performance even more over the S sport suspension which comes as standard equipment on the SQ5 Sportback. Our press vehicle (pictured) also featured the Tech pro package ($5700*) which included the digital OLED rear lights as well as the passenger side MMI display and electric steering column. In addition it adds heating to the steering wheel rim and outer rear seats, although these two additions didn’t get a workout on our drive given the searing summer heat, but will come into their own in winter and on trips down south.

All of these things along with the significant standard equipment and technology make for a beautifully executed, luxury vehicle, from its premium leather upholstery, to the ventilated electronically-adjusted front seats with four-way lumbar support and massage function. With additional trim in brushed aluminium and touch points finished in dinamica, the overall feel is luxurious yet understated, while the colour interior ambient lighting allows you to be as dramatic or as subtle with the interior lighting as the mood grabs you.

From a technology perspective it is state-of-the-art, melding the traditional luxury elements with the new digital stage that presents the driver with a large, curved OLED screen arrangement that effectively combines the 11.9-inch virtual cockpit and 14.5-inch MMI navigation plus touch screen. 

With the addition of the front passenger screen (in this case as part of the Tech pro package) the effect is very hi-tech, but without being overwhelming. The passenger screen is of course digitally masked when the vehicle is underway so as not to distract the driver, while conversely, the standard head-up display provide all vital and navigation information to the driver without them ever having to take their eyes off the road.

Of course all of the services afforded by Audi connect plus are standard equipment, from navigation features to infotainment to security services and then of course there is the Audi smartphone interface with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as an inductive phone charger that includes adaptive cooling. USB interfaces feature higher charging capacities to make them capable of charging larger items like laptops, and the 16-speaker, Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System is superb.

Safety system are likewise state-of-the-art, quietly monitoring the road and other road users, ready to instantly spring into action as required. But, like all good safety and driver assistance systems, they remain quietly in the background until required, which of course you hope is never. 

For those systems that do make themselves known – lane assist is one which springs to mind – which can be turned off if you happen to find it intrusive. Some others can be set to sensitivity that best suits your driving style or indeed your environment.

As a luxury vehicle, the SQ5 Sportback hits all of the markers, but it is the many faceted ability of the SQ5 Sportback that really impresses. Over and above its luxury finish and feel, it turns on the power with a flex of the right foot and becomes a different animal entirely, matching straight-line speed with a planted feel even with sharp changes of direction. It provides a firm ride when called for but reverts to a more plush feel as speeds come down and the need for occupant comfort overrides sure-footedness.

Sitting comfortably atop the Q5 range, the SQ5 Sportback is a vehicle that realistically delivers on all daily driving duties whether the destination be exciting or just a run to the shops, but still pile on tremendous levels of performance and reward when the circumstances allow. The fact that the package now comes with the Sportback styling just adds another dimension to the equation and one that obviously has far reaching appeal with customers.

With the pending arrival of the new Q5 TFSI quattro and the e-hybrid quattro variants in the new year, Audi Q5 customers are now very much spoilt for choice in the mid-sized luxury ranks.

Visit the official Audi Australia website to learn more about the entire Audi Q5 range or arrange a test drive.

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

Audi SQ5 Sportback pictured.