- The new Audi Q5 Sportback debuts in Europe, joined by the sportier SQ5 model.
- The coupe-SUV brings styling, tech, and mechanical upgrades over its predecessor.
- At launch, the powertrain lineup includes mild-hybrid gasoline and diesel options.
Audi has unveiled the coupe-SUV variant of its popular Q5 with the Sportback moniker. Now in its second generation, the Q5 Sportback trades some of the practicality of the standard Q5 for a sharper, more dynamic design and improved aerodynamics for those who value aesthetics and driving flair over outright utility.
More: 2025 Audi Q5 Is A Tech-Forward ICE SUV That Looks Great
The most notable design departure from the regular Q5 is the Sportback’s sloping roofline, which flows smoothly into a redesigned rear end. This coupe-like silhouette introduces a steeper incline to the rear glass and a slightly more tapered greenhouse. Audi has, however, retained the Q5’s signature full-width taillights, which can now be upgraded with digital OLED technology for added visual drama.
Sporty Upgrades and Distinctive Details
Both the S Line and the performance-focused SQ5 Sportback trims receive sportier design cues, with larger bumper intakes and prominent rear diffusers. The S Line version gets matte Anthracite accents, while the SQ5 stands out with matte Silver finishes. If you’re wondering how to tell the SQ5 apart at a glance, look no further than its quad round exhaust pipes.
Interestingly, Audi offers optional roof rails for the coupe SUV, for those who want to expand its cargo-carrying capabilities. While the cargo space is slightly compromised compared to the regular Q5, the Sportback still offers a respectable 515 liters (18.2 cubic feet), expanding to 1,415 liters (50 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded. That’s just 58 liters (2 cubic feet) shy of its more upright sibling.
Inside, the Q5 Sportback mirrors the standard Q5’s tech-laden cabin. Highlights include an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, and an optional 10.9-inch passenger display. Audi hasn’t overlooked sustainability either, incorporating recycled materials like Cascade fabric and Dinamica microfiber into the upholstery.
Mild-Hybrid Lineup
The Q5 Sportback shares its Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture with the latest Q5 and the A5. In Europe, it is exclusively available with mild-hybrid gasoline and diesel powertrains at launch, although the lineup will eventually expand with more options, including a PHEV.
The entry-level 2.0 TFSI and 2.0 TDI engines both produce 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS), but the diesel delivers a torque advantage at 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) versus the gasoline engine’s 340 Nm (251 lb-ft). Both benefit from a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which provides a modest 24 hp (18 kW / 24 PS) boost via a 1.7 kWh battery.
No More Diesel SQ5
At the top of the range, the SQ5 Sportback swaps its predecessor’s diesel engine for a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine across Europe, aligning it with the U.S. model. The mild-hybrid setup here produces a healthy 362 hp (270 kW / 367 PS) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque, distributed to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Pricing, Availability, and Rivals
Audi plans to begin deliveries of the new Q5 Sportback in Europe by December 2024. In Germany, pricing starts at €54,800 ($57,500) for the base model, while the SQ5 Sportback commands a heftier €85,400 ($89,620). Both trims carry a €2,500 ($2,600) premium over their regular Q5 counterparts.
For the U.S., Audi has confirmed that the Q5 Sportback will join the lineup as a 2026 model year vehicle, with pricing details yet to be announced. It will face stiff competition from the BMW X4, Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and the Range Rover Velar.
2025 Audi Q5 Sportback
2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback
