Dynamic and versatile: The second-generation Audi Q5 Sportback [Photo Gallery]

Audi is expanding its model range with a sporty coupé, the Q5 Sportback. With its progressive and dynamic silhouette, this derivative appeals to design-savvy customers who also desire the benefits of an SUV. On sale in the UK from January 14, 2025 priced from £52,450 (OTR), first customer deliveries are due in May 2025.

The Audi Q5 Sportback combines characteristics typical of an SUV, such as versatility and a spacious interior, with an even more dynamic silhouette. The unmistakable design exudes sportiness with its characteristic, sloping rear and elegant lines. The second generation of the Q5 Sportback boasts a luggage capacity of up to 515 litres or up to 470 litres in the SQ5 Sportback. When the second row of seats is folded down, the storage space increases to up to 1,415 litres or 1,388 litres, respectively. Towing capacity is up to 2,400kg.

Sporty design thanks to dynamic, sloping roofline
The design of the new Audi Q5 Sportback is sleeker compared to its predecessor. The broad Singleframe is high and flanked by vertical, functional air curtains. The razor-sharp, sculptural headlights lend the car a honed look. A large air intake below the Singleframe houses the sensors. A dynamic rising line runs from above the rocker panel across the wheel arches to the rear bumper, giving the vehicle a dynamic appearance even when stationary. The horizontal shoulder line connecting the front and rear lights rises slightly above the rear lights to visually support the roof arch with its flat rear window. The rear of the Q5 Sportback is visually stretched as far as possible, creating a roofline that slopes from the B-pillar.

This enhances the classic proportions of an SUV, creating an even more dynamic profile in the stylish Sportback form. The elegant rear window graphics also help to visually stretch the cabin.

With minimal lines, the rear has a crisp design. The smooth surface that flows from the rear window to the lower edge of the sculptural light strip is bordered by a sharp cut across the entire width of the vehicle. Below is an uncluttered, broad surface. A sporty, distinctive breakaway edge at the boot lid completes the progressive design. The diffuser is integrated into the raised bumpers, creating an island effect. Below are the tailpipes, while the S model features the iconic twin round tailpipes in a new, sharpened design.

Exterior advanced comes as standard in the Q5 Sportback
The Q5 Sportback is available in Sport, S line and Edition 1 specifications, while the SQ5 Sportback has its own distinctive exterior. The exterior of the Sport features dynamic elements with stylish accents seen in the radiator grille and the inlays in the front air intake in Scandium Grey, with contrast bumpers in Volcano Grey. The diffuser is finished in a grained matte black, and the rear inlays are in Selenite Silver. As standard, Sport models come with 19-inch 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels.

The S line, Edition 1 and S model have larger front air intakes and a sportier rear diffuser. The Singleframe is surrounded by a chrome-look frame in matte Anthracite (S line) and black (Edition 1 and SQ5 Edition 1). Large L-wing-shaped side aero tubes accentuate the sporty ambitions of the Q5. On the S model, the Singleframe is further emphasized by vertical chrome-look L-wing ornaments. The chrome-look rocker panel trim in matte Anthracite on the S line exterior and black on the Edition 1 and S model further contribute to the dynamic character. The window trim comes in an aluminium look as standard and is finished in black on Edition 1 and SQ5 Edition 1. The second-generation digital OLED rear lights (standard on SQ5 Edition 1) and the new projection light in the spoiler above the rear window (standard from S line upwards) enhance safety. The latter projects a graphic onto the top of the rear window, increasing the size of the brake light area.

Complementing the exterior: the interior design philosophy
The interior of the new Q5 Sportback is tailored to the needs of the occupants and epitomizes the new Audi design philosophy. Material properties were considered at a very early stage in the design, and together with the Audi MMI panoramic display and the MMI passenger display (Edition 1), form a visually distinct digital stage. The high-contrast interior design purposefully places elements in the foreground or background, creating a three-dimensional spatial architecture that blends aesthetics with ergonomics. The interior has a markedly cozy ambiance. The “Softwrap” extends from the doors through the entire cockpit to the centre console, creating a homogeneous and welcoming sense of space. In addition to being user-focused, the interior is sustainable. Materials such as Cascade upholstery (option on S line) and Dinamica microfiber (Edition 1) are primarily made from recycled polyester, demonstrating Audi is also committed to using resources sustainably and efficiently in the Q5 Sportback.

State-of-the-art combustion model with MHEV plus
The new Audi Q5 Sportback is based on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), a platform architecture for conventionally powered vehicles with longitudinal combustion engines. It comes equipped at market launch with highly efficient MHEV plus technology. The new 48-volt MHEV plus electrical system supports the combustion engine and reduces carbon emissions while increasing performance and driving comfort. The vehicle is also capable of limited all-electric manoeuvring and parking.

The new powertrain generator (PTG) generates additional torque of up to 230Nm and 24PS (18kW). What’s more, the 48-volt electrical system enables the use of an electric air conditioning compressor. This ensures the AC continues operating at full power, maintaining a comfortable interior temperature even when the engine is switched off, such as when coasting or at a red light.

The lithium-ion battery for vehicles with MHEV plus is based on lithium ferro-phosphate chemistry and boasts a storage capacity of 1.7kWh. The primary function of the belt alternator starter (BAS) is to start the engine and supply electrical power to the battery. The BAS enables stretches of electric driving, relieves the combustion engine, and helps reduce consumption. During braking, the BAS returns energy to the battery (recuperation) with up to 25kW of power. In this way, the Premium Platform Combustion enables partial electrification in the form of mild hybrids. Later in the Audi Q5 Sportback lifecycle, plug-in hybrids will be available with a large battery and external charger.

In the UK, the Audi Q5 Sportback will be available with three engines at market launch with further drive variants to follow. All versions come equipped with MHEV plus technology, which briefly generates up to 24PS (18kW) of additional power. All models in the series also use the S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.

• Q5 Sportback TFSI: 2.0 TFSI with 204PS and 340Nm of torque.
• Q5 Sportback TDI: 2.0 TDI with 204PS and 400Nm of torque.
• SQ5 Sportback: 3.0 V6 TFSI with 367PS and 550Nm of torque.

UK pricing and model lineup (OTR)
The Q5 Sportback is priced at £2,500 above the equivalent Q5 SUV. The powertrain lineup is consistent across both body styles, as are the specification options: Sport, S line, and Edition 1. The only exception is that roof rails are not available on the Q5 Sportback. An in-depth list of the standard equipment can be viewed via this link.

Q5 Sportback Sport TFSI quattro 204 PS S tronic		£52,450
Q5 Sportback S line TFSI quattro 204 PS S tronic		£55,050
Q5 Sportback Edition 1 TFSI quattro 204 PS S tronic		£59,250
Q5 Sportback Sport TDI quattro 204 PS S tronic		£54,100
Q5 Sportback S line TDI quattro 204 PS S tronic		£56,700
Q5 Sportback Edition 1 TDI quattro 204 PS S tronic		£60,900
SQ5 Sportback Edition 1 TFSI quattro 367 PS S tronic		£76,900