Just as we expected, Audi has presented a coupe/SUV variant of its Q5 model. Aside from the slanted roof, new radiator grille pattern, wheels, air intakes and rear clip, the Sportback looks no different from the crossover it is based upon.
At 4,689 mm (15.38 ft.) long, the Q5 Sportback is mere 7 millimeters (0.15 inches) longer than its predecessor, while being 1,893 mm (6.21 ft.) wide and 1,662 mm (5.45 ft.) tall. Rear seat passengers make do with less headroom, and trunk volume goes down from 550 to 510 liters (from 19.4 to 18 cubic feet, respectively). The front fascia and MMI infotainment system with its 10.1-inch touchscreen display stay the same.
The Q5 Sportback 40 TDI spec will ship first with two liters of displacement, 204 hp (152 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. A more affordable 35 TDI option will emerge later with 163 hp (121 kW) and 370 Nm (273 lb-ft). Gasoline powertrains include 40 TFSI (204 hp / 152 kW) and 45 TFSI (265 hp / 198 kW). The V6 3.0 diesel version (50 TDI) commands 286 hp (213 kW), and the range-topping SQ5 burns heavy fuel for 341 hp (254 kW). All powertrains are electrified: the four-cylinder engines mentioned above make use of 12V motors, whereas V6s take advantage of 48V ones.
Two full-fledged hybrid specs round off the lineup: 50 TFSI e (299 hp / 223 kW) and 55 TFSI e (367 hp / 274 kW). Both revolve around four-cylinder gasoline engines.
The four-cylinders ship with the S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the V6 range relies on eight-speed automatic. The 163hp diesel spec only supports front-wheel drive, while all the rest can go AWD (part-time quattro ultra for the 4-cyl., permanent quattro for the 6-cyl.).
Sales in the USA should start in the next few months. The production will take place in the same Mexico factory where the regular Audi Q5 is being produced.