In Audi speak, ‘Sportback’ used to be synonymous to ‘hatchback’. The moniker has been used on the A3 for years, and was expanded to include the sportier-looking versions of the Q3 and E-Tron last fall.
Now, the fourth model to adopt the nameplate will be the Q5, as the carmaker announced just a few days ago, and it has already been rendered into reality by Kolesa.
Using the second-generation Q5 as a starting point, the Q5 Sportback features a similar front end, with a new bumper and subtle changes. The roofline is more inclined behind the B-pillars, ending with a tailgate-mounted spoiler, while the taillights are joined together by a light strip.
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Visual modifications aside, the Q5 Sportback will use the same underpinnings as the regular variant of the premium compact SUV. The MLB Evo architecture is also shared with the more premium offering from Porsche, the Macan, as well as the larger Q7, and supports a number of different powertrains.
It’s very likely that it will feature most or the entire engine lineup of the latest Q5, including 2.0-liter TFSI and TDI petrol and diesel engines, and the PHEV derivative. The S versions are probably planned as we speak with 3.0-liter TFSI V6 gasoline and 3.0-liter TDI V6 mild-hybrid oil burners producing 349 and 342 HP, respectively.
Audi will premiere the Q5 Sportback in a few months as a rival for the BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.
