There have been no tests and reviews of Audi cars for a long time, and the Audi Q5 crossover was last seen six years ago. However, a great opportunity appeared – the Audi Q5 Sportback car. It is interesting in itself, it can also tell about the update of the Audi Q5 line as a whole, and it is also equipped with a powerful 2-liter gasoline engine. So: we form five main questions for the Audi Q5 Sportback – and look for answers!
What about the Audi Q5 update anyway? And what about the Audi Q5 Sportback in particular?
In the time that has passed since the first presentation of the Audi Q5 car, this crossover managed to receive a scheduled update. As it usually happens: the shape of the radiator grille and front/rear bumper has changed, new headlights and lights have appeared (the latter are based on OLED technology), the color range has been updated, etc. It is interesting that the changes to the bumpers have led to an increase in the length of the Audi Q5 car : it was 4.66 meters – it became 4.68 meters.
However, the Audi company has gone beyond the traditional “restyling”: when updating the main model of the Audi Q5, its more “sporty” variant with the designation Sportback was also added. So what is the Audi Q5 Sportback? This is a crossover with a coupe-like silhouette of the body, which was achieved thanks to the heavily “overburdened” rear roof racks. In addition, the car received not only changed rear wings and trunk lid, but also its rear bumper. Thus, the length of the Audi Q5 Sportback has additionally increased (+7 mm) in relation to the already increased updated model of the Audi Q5.
To begin with, let’s get acquainted with the Audi Q5 Sportback car. This is a middle-class crossover with a dynamic design – like a Porsche Macan, but drawn in a typical Audi style: sharp corners and academically adjusted lines, large radiator grills. The length of the Audi Q5 Sportback is 4.69 meters – it is about a centimeter longer than the updated Audi Q5 crossover, which is 4.68 meters long. But the width (1.89 meters) and body height (1.66 meters), as well as the wheelbase (2.82 meters) are generally the same. The light design of OLED lights can be changed.
What’s new in the salon? Compared to the Audi Q5 of many years ago, the most important change concerns the appearance of a new MMI complex with an enlarged 10.1-inch display and a new digital instrument panel Audi virtual cockpit based on a 12.3-inch display. In short, the menu design has been changed in the style of the most modern Audi models; in detail, the new MIB3 multimedia complex with extended functionality and support for full touch control on the display is used. This made it possible to abandon the touch panel on the central console: now a niche for small things was added in front of the machine lever. These are all features of the interior update of the Audi Q5.
However, the Audi Q5 Sportback offers such a cabin right away, as it appeared only during the update! Therefore, in the case of the Audi Q5 Sportback, you can once again note the already characteristic features of Audi: excellent interior quality, large adjustment ranges of comfortable seats, as well as a feeling of modern “techno” thanks to polished aluminum and contour colored lighting. Good ergonomics should be especially noted – all controls are located where you expect to find them, you can reach the switches with your fingertips, the “climate” unit is clear at first glance, the large side mirrors guarantee a good view back.
A few words about the back of the cabin. And again with an emphasis on the Audi Q5 Sportback car as the main character of this material. The second row of seats has a good margin of legroom and interior width, and for the convenience of passengers, there is an armrest, heated seats, and a separate “climate” zone. However, headroom can be a sore spot for a car with this body type. Although in the case of the Audi Q5 Sportback, this issue is solved thanks to the curve in the ceiling, thanks to which it was possible to win an additional seat. Yes, the Audi Q5 Sportback crossover is inferior to the Audi Q5 model by only 16 mm in headroom, which is almost imperceptible. Nominally, it is also inferior to the trunk; However, it is barely noticeable again: there will still be enough space – 510 liters of volume.
The good and high-quality interior of the Audi Q5 Sportback in the case of this particular test car is also decorated with the S line package: sports seats, advanced lateral support, combined leather/fabric trim, steering wheel with perforated leather. Plus decor in the form of red stitching, polished aluminum, contour lighting. There is guaranteed enough space in front, questions may arise from the massive central tunnel and a reserve of space above the head – but still, in general, it is also enough. The luggage compartment offers a flat floor, side niches and a hook for packages, air suspension control buttons with the possibility of squatting the car. Here’s how interesting it turns out: the Audi Q5 Sportback crossover is created around the idea of style and design, but does not forget about practicality.
Well, with the appearance and interior, everything is clear. And what about the equipment?
The Audi Q5 Sportback crossover is built on the MLB evo platform. And this means a longitudinal installation of engines, the possibility of using 4-cylinder engines or V6, box options in the form of “robot” or “automatic”, four-wheel drive and even the possibility of getting air suspension. It is interesting that all of the above can be inside the Audi Q5 or Audi Q5 Sportback – depending on the selected version of the car.
The test car was presented with a gasoline 2-liter TFSI turbo engine of the EA888 series: four cylinders, a turbine and an intercooler, variable valve timing, combined fuel injection with a pair of nozzles per cylinder – one injects gasoline into the intake manifold, the other directly into the cylinder. A feature of the engine in the case of the Audi Q5 Sportback can be called a slight lateral tilt (it allows the engine to be placed lower under the hood) and a “mild hybrid” system powered by an additional battery. There were also interesting points in the transmission: quattro ultra all-wheel drive with connection clutches and a 7-speed S tronic box (in fact, it is a “robot” with a double clutch). At the same time, the Audi Q5 Sportback is also offered with a large 3-liter turbodiesel V6 TDI, and in this case it will have all-wheel drive based on a Torsen differential and a traditional 8-speed “automatic”.
The Audi Q5 Sportback offers a steel and aluminum (partially) load-bearing body built on the MLB evo platform and can be equipped with 4- or 6-cylinder engines. It was the test model that received a gasoline 4-cylinder turbo engine: it develops a power of 245-249-252 hp. depending on the specific performance and market. But the turning moment is always unchanged – it is 370 Nm; although the range of revolutions at which the maximum torque is reached may vary slightly. Plus, we add quattro ultra all-wheel drive and a 7-speed robot transmission. According to the technical characteristics, all this should provide acceleration from 0-100 km/h. in 6.4 seconds, the maximum speed is 237 km/h. and fuel consumption of 8.5 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle. And what really happened?
By the way, because the Audi Q5 Sportback is driving? How does it feel on the road?
Above, in the description of the design, I mentioned the Porsche Macan crossover: they say dynamic, stylish, medium size. However, now in the description of driving qualities I will mention, for example, the Volkswagen Touareg car: it is large and comfortable, gives a feeling of confidence and peace on the road in any conditions. The comparison is related not only to the general MLB evo platform, but also to a lot of weight – because the Audi Q5 Sportback even with a 4-cylinder TFSI engine weighs 1900 kg.
But it is not felt at all! On the contrary: the Audi Q5 Sportback crossover feels light and fast, it reacts quickly to turning the steering wheel. By the way, the latter is not overloaded with effort and makes more than 2.5 revolutions from stop to stop – there are no hints of sport here. But lightness and simplicity of control, clarity of behavior in turns and all-wheel drive on slippery snow – all this is there: typical behavior of Audi cars.
Interestingly, a similar statement applies to the behavior of the suspension and the power unit. The suspension almost always offers good comfort, and even in the high position of the Allroad. All pits, protrusions, irregularities are overcome gently and quietly. And in general, the car is very quiet: in terms of running gear, aerodynamics, engine. In most cases, the engine sounds barely noticeable somewhere in the depths, the “automatic” quickly engages the necessary gear – and here we are already rolling at the right speed. Only in the “dynamic” mode, the sporty features of the Audi Q5 Sportback are somewhat apparent: the body is lower and rolls less, the engine and gearbox are in tune, the steering wheel is heavier.
All this ends with the 0-100 km/h indicator. even better than the promised passport! In fact, the 4-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a 7-speed “automatic” drives very well: it is quite enough to justify the sporty hints of the Audi Q5 Sportback. However, only “hints”: after all, the main thing here is comfort and confidence on the road. Moreover, most of the settings modes are designed for comfortable movement; although if desired, you can choose a dynamic mode or even create your own. Changing driving modes affects the engine and transmission, steering feel, body height (with air suspension), even interior lighting. And the driving style affects fuel consumption: 11-12 liters are stable in the city, although with a careful driving style, you can get about 10 liters, but with a dynamic one, it will already be 13+ liters. On the track in the range of 80-120 km/h. fuel consumption is estimated at 6-8 liters per “hundred”.
How much does the Audi Q5 Sportback cost? And what is the surcharge for the Audi Q5?
The Audi Q5 Sportback crossover in Ukraine is offered with three engines: gasoline 2-liter 4-cylinder (as a test car) with the designation 45TFSI; turbodiesel 2-liter 4-cylinder (power 204 hp) with the designation 40TDI; turbodiesel 3-liter V6 (power 286 hp) with the designation 50 TDI. Plus, there will always be an “automatic” and four-wheel drive, but their design may differ. Plus there is a choice between two configurations and the option to order options individually.
The range is opened by the Audi Q5 Sportback in the advanced configuration: climate control, LED headlights, “aluminum” decor outside and inside, Audi drive select system, airbags, 18-inch alloy wheels, traditional instrument panel with a 7-inch display, MIB High multimedia system, etc. The price of the Audi Q5 Sportback advanced 45TFSI is from UAH 2.09 million. or $55.7 thousand; price of Audi Q5 Sportback advanced 40TDI – from UAH 2.11 million. or $56.3 thousand; price of Audi Q5 Sportback advanced 50TDI – from UAH 2.3 million. or $61.3 thousand
The next option is the Audi Q5 Sportback in the S line configurationwhere it is added: a changed radiator grille, front bumper treatment in the S line version, door sill plates with illumination, changed wheel rims, etc. The price of the Audi Q5 Sportback S line 45TFSI is from UAH 2.14 million. or $57 thousand; price of Audi Q5 Sportback S line 40TDI – from UAH 2.16 million. or $57.6 thousand; price of Audi Q5 Sportback S line 50TDI – from UAH 2.35 million. or $62.3 thousand
Now a few words about the cost of the Audi Q5 car in a traditional body. Everything starts with UAH 1.9 million. or $50.5 thousand – however, not only at the expense of the body, but also at the expense of the Business configuration: smaller 17-inch wheels, without an external glossy package, other interior decoration, etc. configurations (advanced or S line) and with the same engines, the difference will be about UAH 120,000. – the Audi Q5 Sportback variant will be more expensive.
Maksym Solovyov, founder of the company Drivovo: “Our subscription car service is built not only around offering the most logical and correct car options for customers, but also around offering emotions. One of the interesting examples of this could be a crossover Volvo XC60 Polestar: a combination of practicality, high power, unexpected technologies – all this gives emotions! The Audi Q5 Sportback crossover occupies a similar position. It seems to close two questions at once: here there is something to offer to fans of the academically correct car Audi Q5; at the same time, it has something to offer fans of original design and high style. However, the design and style requires a certain extra charge. Is she justified? This is where everyone has to give the answer personally.”
By the way, in search of emotions, you can go even further – in the direction of the Audi SQ5 and Audi SQ5 Sportback versions: a turbodiesel with a capacity of 341 hp. and 20-inch wheels, modified bumpers and sills, original exhaust system. And the starting price is about UAH 2.67-2.75 million. or $71-73 thousand
Or you can “walk around” on the Audi Q5 Sportback version, to which several options can be added. For example, this is how it is on the test car: a fully digital instrument panel Audi virtual cockpit plus (700 euros or almost $800); increased 19-inch wheels (1,400 euros or $1,500); separate 3-zone “climate” (about 800 euros or $900); the S line interior package with sports seats and leather/fabric trim (€900 or nearly $1,000); a package of “City and Parking” assistants with all-round cameras and parking pilot (about 2,860 euros or $3,100); panoramic glass sunroof (1,800 euros or $2,000); adaptive air suspension (1,970 euros or $2,100); heated front and rear seats (about 800 euros or $900); Audi pre sense city system with emergency braking (470 euros or $500); Audi Matrix headlights with adaptive high beam (1,500 euros or $1,620); background contour lighting of the cabin (460 euros or $500); continue?
The Audi Q5 Sportback test car has a very high level of equipment – almost everything offered for this model: matrix adaptive headlights; pneumatic suspension with the possibility of adjusting the clearance (standard about 19 cm, at least below 18 cm, maximum more than 23 cm); digital instrument panel with different design options (Classic, Dynamik, Sport), climate control and heated seats even for rear passengers, many safety systems and all-round vision. Cost? The test car, which is what you see in this article, with all options, costs about $85,000.
Conclusions: why and for whom was the Audi Q5 Sportback created?
Let’s start from the basics. The Audi Q5 Sportback crossover initially relies on the proven values of the well-known Audi Q5 car: quality interior and high level of equipment, comfort when driving and a sense of stability on the road, wide possibilities thanks to all-wheel drive and air suspension. And these advantages are superimposed on a more original design, which allows it to stand out among the usual and familiar Audi Q5 crossovers with a traditional body type.
Therefore, the Audi Q5 Sportback car will be a great option for those people who need all the advantages of the Audi Q5, but with a great sense of individuality and original style. So it turns out that the Audi Q5 Sportback crossover is sporty and dynamic on the outside for others – but as comfortable and cozy as possible for those inside.
