Do not panic. Audi has indeed been fiddling with the names again, but we’ll explain it all. Where the Sportback brand with the A3 and A7 used to indicate that it was the more practical variant with five doors, it now indicates that it is the sportier-looking version of the Q5. After all, the name Q4 had already been taken by the electric SUV.
The Audi Q5 Sportback follows the trend of SUV with a sloping coupé roofline that the Ssangyong Actyon started years ago. Although it is often the BMW X6 that takes off with that dubious honor. The advantage of the Q5 Sportback over the normal Q5? There isn’t, other than that it might look a bit sturdier. And we have to admit that we are quite pleased with the appearance of this Q5.
By the way, it’s also not the case that you give up a lot. The trunk is (under the parcel shelf) 10 liters smaller (40 with the bank flat) and in the back you can still sit reasonably as an adult. For a little less space and increased swagger you pay about 2,000 euros extra.
The inside of the Audi Q5 Sportback
In terms of interior design, the Audi Q5 Sportback is the same as the normal Q5. And that’s good news, because when it comes to interiors, the people at Audi know exactly what they’re doing. The materials are beautiful, there are physical buttons for the heating and behind the wheel is a nice big screen. The biggest drawback is the lack of the dial to zoom in on navigation. Audi decided to remove that button from the facelift last year and unfortunately it did not return to the Sportback.
The cabin is pleasantly insulated and the EV mode of this plug-in hybrid adds extra tranquility. Even when the 2.0-litre four-cylinder kicks in, it is pleasantly quiet in the Audi Q5. This ties in with the following observation, in which we are not yet sure whether it is a point of criticism.
Why the Audi Q5 Sportback TFSI e is a softie
The engine lacks some emotion. It’s a bit of a hugger rapper; looks tough, but is a softie. With the right bumpers, the Q5 Sportback looks like a quasi-RS and then you expect something of sound or involvement. Don’t get us wrong, with 299 horsepower, the Q5 Sportback is smooth, but it all goes so quietly and effortlessly. Perhaps the Sportback should have distinguished itself more from the normal Q5 there?
In terms of driving, the Q5 Sportback offers the well-known light and uncommunicative steering feel, which is comfortable. The chassis is also very comfortable and adds little tension.
A special feature of the motorization is the feedback in the accelerator pedal. The moment you approach a bend or roundabout, you will feel a small vibration in the right pedal similar to what you feel in the brake pedal when the ABS kicks in. At the same time, a green icon appears in the screen behind the wheel of a foot that goes off the gas.
The message helps to drive economically
According to the Q5 Sportback, this notification is the ideal time to let go of the gas and let the car roll out for maximum efficiency. Looking at how many people on the road leave the brakes for roundabouts (and therefore anticipate quite badly), it wouldn’t be a bad idea for many to experience this, to see how far in advance the gas can already be released. Although we have to say that as economical driving as the Audi indicates, the pace is reasonable from traffic.
There are also plenty of other safety systems, but they are particularly notable because of their inconspicuousness. And that is very nice.
Specifications Audi Q5 Sportback 50 TFSI e S edition (2022)
engine
1,984 cc
four-cylinder turbo hybrid
299 hp @ 5,250 rpm
450 Nm @ 1,600 rpm
Drive
four wheels
7v automatic
Performance
0-100 km/h in 6.1 sec
top 239 km/h
Consumption (average)
1.5 l/100 km
42 g/km CO2
Dimensions
4,689 x 1,893 x 1,658mm (LxWxH)
2,819mm (wheelbase)
2,150 kg
54 l (petrol)
455 / 1,365 l (luggage)
Prices
€ 73,375(NL)
€63,830 (B) – S Line
#Audi #Sportback #TFSI #sporty