Audi has expanded its crossover range by introducing the coupe-like Q5 Sportback and its "charged" modification SQ5 Sportback. The new models received an updated design that sacrificed some of the practicality in favour of style and improved aerodynamics.

The main exterior difference between the Q5 Sportback and the standard Q5 is the gently sloping roof line and redesigned rear end. Slim OLED lights, unique side windows and a sloping rear window have been added. The S Line and SQ5 Sportback can be recognised by their decorative accents: matt anthracite on the former and silver on the latter. The SQ5 also has four round exhaust tips, as opposed to the S Line's two trapezoidal ones.

Audi surprised by offering roof rails even for a coupe-like crossover. The boot volume is slightly inferior to the standard Q5: 515 litres versus 580 litres. If you fold down the seats, you get 1,415 litres instead of 1,505 litres.

The interior remains the same as the base Q5. It's a digital dashboard (11.9 inches), a multimedia screen (14.5 inches) and a separate display for the passenger (10.9 inches). The trim materials are eco-friendly: recycled Cascade and Dinamica polyester are used.

The Q5 Sportback is built on the PPC platform shared with the Audi Q5 and A5. So far, only mild hybrids (MHEVs) with 204 hp petrol and diesel engines (2.0 TFSI and 2.0 TDI) are available. The difference is torque: 340 Nm in the petrol and 400 Nm in the diesel. Both are equipped with a 48-volt system and a seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission. The quattro all-wheel drive is optional. Later, Audi will offer plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) with plug-in charging.

The most powerful version of the SQ5 Sportback is equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 TFSI with 367 hp and maximum torque of 550 Nm. All-wheel drive is standard for this modification.

In Germany, prices start at €54,800 (about $57,500) for the Q5 Sportback and €85,400 (about $89,620) for the SQ5 Sportback. That's €2,500 more expensive than the standard Q5 and SQ5.

Source: Audi

Tags: Audi
Евгений Ушаков
Evgenii Ushakov
15 years driving