Audi currently offers its first-ever Q5 Sportback, the third crossover utility vehicle (CUV), after the Q3 Sportback and the e-tron Sportback. Customers who value not only an expressive design and technical innovation but also a sporting character and a high degree of everyday usage are the target market for this coupé with dynamic lines. The SQ5 Sportback TFSI is the top-tier model. 500 Nm of torque and 260 kW of concentrated power are available from its three-liter TFSI engine.
The Audi Q5 Sportback radiates a commanding presence, as is customary for Audi Q vehicles. The octagonal Single frame is flanked by broad air inlets. The headlights are standard with LED or with Matrix LED technology as an option, and they have a striking daytime running light profile. The wheels and the quattro all-wheel drive are highlighted by the smooth, continuous shoulder line. The CUV is given stability and toughness by the side sill trim on the doors. The third side window tapers rapidly to the rear due to the greenhouse’s modest extension over the body and early start to its downward slope. The Q5 Sportback has an aggressively sloping rear window and a rear bumper that appears to be placed high.
Rear lights with digital OLED technology are novel.
On request, Audi provides the unique digital OLED technology-based rear lights. Three organic light-emitting diodes, one in each lamp, produce a particularly uniform red light. Six segments, one for each LED, can be separately controlled. The animated rear light signature of the Q5 Sportback has a dynamic coming-and-going lighting scenario, an Audi characteristic. When “dynamic” mode is selected in the Audi drive choose system, an additional sporty graphic is shown in the rear light cluster. All OLED segments glow to provide proximity detection if another vehicle approaches the stationary Q5 Sportback from the rear to within less than two meters.
Lots of options for colors and materials
The new crossover utility vehicle from Audi is available in “Advanced” and “S line” exterior trim levels. The Singleframe, side air inlets, and particularly the rear bumper, as well as the size and style of the wheels, are where the differences lie. The add-on parts are available in 11 paint choices, including full and contrasting paint finishes, as well as a number of trim options. The Q5 Sportback is seven millimeters longer than its sibling model, the Q5, at 4.69 meters. It is the same width (1.89 meters) and height (1.66 meters), but its drag is lower at 0.30.
There is plenty of space on board thanks to the big 2.82 meter wheelbase. The interior is neat and spacious because to its horizontal lines. It looks even more opulent or athletic when equipped with the “S line” interior kit. It comes in a variety of colors and upholstery materials, with options for sports seats and beautiful Nappa leather of the highest quality. The interior of the car is improved by the standard contour and ambient lighting package, maintaining the interior identity of an Audi model.
The volume of the trunk is 510 liters, but when the back seats are folded down and the trunk is loaded to the ceiling, that volume rises to 1480 liters. Additionally, Audi provides the newest member of the family with the standard on the SQ5 lateral shiftable and adjustable seat back angle rear seat bench plus as an option. When the seat back and seating surface are fully reclined, this increases the volume of the luggage compartment in the standard configuration by up to 60 liters while also improving comfort for the passengers in the back seats. Power tailgates are a given. It may be opened with a straightforward foot motion when used with the optional convenience key.
The SUV disguised as a coupé stands out thanks to a variety of additional useful features. It can pull trailers with a combined weight of up to 2.4 metric tons when equipped with the 40 TDI (140 kW, 2.0 TDI) engine (braked, 12 percent gradient). As a standard feature, roof rails are provided, and hill descent control improves driver safety when descending steep grades.
Off-road, the adjustable air suspension provides more ground clearance
The standard sport suspension provides direct contact with the road due to its compact setup. Alternative suspension options from Audi include the adaptable and pleasant adaptive air suspension as well as regulated dampers. It has a large range of adjustment for the ride height of 60 mm. When traveling on unpaved roads, the ground clearance can be raised by as much as 45 mm, while when traveling quickly, the body is reduced by 15 mm. By doing this, drag is decreased while efficiency is simultaneously increased.
The vehicle’s low center of gravity also contributes to its stability. When the vehicle is stopped, the rear body can be lowered 55 mm for easy loading.
Depending on the vehicle’s speed, the optional dynamic steering modifies the steering ratio and power assist. When moving slowly, the car has a direct ratio and more power assistance, but at higher speeds, the more indirect ratio improves straight-line stability. Wheel sizes range from 19 to 20 inches in diameter.
One TFSI and one TDI engine were available at launch.
In South Africa, there will be two engine options available when the Audi Q5 Sportback goes on sale. They produce 140 kW to 183 kW of power.
The Q5 Sportback 40 TDI quattro is powered by a 2.0 TDI engine. The huge CUV sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 220 km/h thanks to its 140 kW output and 400 Nm of torque.
The four-cylinder diesel engine is driven by an effective quattro drive with ultra technology and a seven-speed S tronic transmission. Under typical driving circumstances, it only sends torque to the front wheels. Two clutches instantaneously engage the rear axle when all-wheel drive is necessary, often even anticipatorily.
The Audi Q5 Sportback 45 TFSI quattro accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and has a top speed of 237 km/h thanks to its four-cylinder gasoline 2.0 TFSI engine. A torque of 370 Nm and 183 kW are produced by the gasoline engine. It utilizes the same quattro drive with ultra-technology and seven-speed S tronic transmission as the two-liter TDI. The efficiency is increased by a 12 V mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV). When slowing down, its belt-driven starter-alternator may collect energy and store it in a small lithium-ion battery. Furthermore, the start-stop range of the MHEV system already starts at a speed of 22 km/h, while coasting with the engine off is permitted.
Controls and connectivity are digital and user-friendly.
With its third-generation modular infotainment system, or MIB 3, the Q5 Sportback replaces the Q5 in terms of controls, displays, and entertainment. The 12.3-inch digital Audi virtual cockpit plus, 10.1-inch touch display-equipped MMI navigation plus, and Audi connect infotainment services provide integrated connectivity and convenience to the driving experience when used in conjunction with the optional Technology Package.
The myAudi app securely connects the vehicle to the user’s smartphone and enables remote access to several important convenience, security, and safety functions. The infotainment system is supplemented by add-on hardware components like the Audi phone box or the Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System.
The driver assistance systems are effective and helpful.
Numerous driver assistance technologies are available for the Audi Q5 Sportback. When used in conjunction with active lane aid, adaptive cruise control can often replace the driver’s ability to accelerate, decelerate, and maintain lane position. To maintain lateral direction, the driver merely needs to touch the capacitive steering wheel. Additionally, there are two systems that make parking and city driving simpler for drivers. The City Assistance package is an enticing combination of assistance technologies that includes a rearview camera, cross traffic assist, lane change warning, and exit warning. The City Assistance plus package, which includes the park assist technology and a 360-degree camera to facilitate quick and pleasant parking, is also a system upgrade option.
Top-of-the-line, sporty Audi SQ5 Sportback TFSI model
The Audi SQ5 Sportback TFSI is the model at the top of the line. Its developed three-liter petrol engine generates 500 Nm of torque and 260 kW of output. In the exhaust system, an actuator gives the sound richness and tone. It claims to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). In the S model, the torque is distributed to the front and rear axles as needed by the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, which shifts gears quickly and smoothly.
Absolute accuracy: the suspension
The Audi SQ5 Sportback TFSI’s suspension is incredibly adept at managing the performance of the potent gasoline engine. The standard adaptive air suspension’s perfect spring and damper coordination blends comfort and dynamism. This system improves driving dynamics and comfort for lengthy trips while automatically adjusting damping and vehicle level based on the load.
Interior and exterior design are recent highlights.
The Audi SQ5 Sportback TFSI makes a strong impression thanks to distinctive characteristics. The substantial side air inlets on the front bumper are supported by vertical brackets. The octagonal Singleframe grille is made of enormous octagonal honeycombs that are connected by intricate bars. While Matrix LED headlights with automatic high beam and dynamic turn signals are an option, Audi LED headlights are installed as standard. The diffuser insert and four oval tailpipe trims with chrome plating are hidden beneath a matte aluminum bracket that is integrated into the rear bumper. The new digital OLED technology is an option for the rear lights, much like with the Q5 Sportback.
The Audi SQ5 Sportback TFSI’s interior is finished in black or dark grey, and S emblems are embossed on the illuminated aluminum door sill trim. The electrically adjustable sport seats with embossed S emblems come in a choice of three fabric colors. The seats and steering wheel are decorated with contrast stitching, and on request, a massage function and seat ventilation are both offered. The inlays come standard in brushed aluminum, but there are also two carbon designs and a piano finish available as choices.
Pricing and availability at debut
At the San José Chiapa facility in Mexico, the Q5 Sportback and SQ5 Sportback TFSI leave the assembly line. Now, they can be purchased in South Africa. Pricing is as follows (including of all taxes), and a five-year Audi Freeway Plan is included as standard:
Advanced R960,000 Audi Q5 Sportback 40 TDI quattro
R1,000,000 Audi Q5 Sportback 40 TDI quattro
R1,050,000 for an Audi Q5 Sportback 45 TFSI quattro
R1,355,000 for an Audi SQ5 Sportback TFSI quattro
