Audi Q5 Sportback touches down in Europe

The new Audi Q5 generation unveiled this fall has now been complemented with a coupe-like Sportback version. It is slated to go on sale in December priced from €54,800, a premium of roughly €2,500 over the regular Q5.

Buyers can choose from multiple exterior trim options and color accents. For example, a trim called S line aims for understatement with its black décor all around, while SQ5 goes for matte-silver accents. The Q5 Sportback has a maximum trunk size of 1,415 liters, while the SQ5 gets 1,388 liters. Both lag slightly behind the regular Q5 with its 1,473 liters (52 cubic feet) of luggage space with the seats folded.

There will be three powertrains to choose from, but all are mild hybrids. The electric motor supplies 24 PS (24 hp / 18 kW) and 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) of torque in all cases. It draws power from a small 1.7-kWh battery pack. The Q5 Sportback only supports limited driving in all-electric mode – it can help with precision parking, but that’s about it.

The base Q5 Sportback spec comes equipped with a 2.0-liter petrol engine rated at 204 PS (201 hp / 150 kW) and 340 Nm (251 lb-ft) of torque. You may opt for a same-sized diesel and get 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque with the same horsepower. The diesel version is all-wheel-drive only, while the gas version comes with a choice between FWD and AWD.

Last but not least, the SQ5 Sportback develops 367 PS (362 hp / 270 kW) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft). It runs on gas and will be available to preorder at launch date sometime in December.

Later on, Audi plans to expand the modern Q5 lineup to include full-fledged rechargeable hybrids (PHEVs).