The Audi Q5 Sportback has arrived in SA as part of the Ingolstadt-based brand’s facelifted executive SUV range. The new variant adds some panache to one of the more buttoned-up models in the segment, but can it justify its price premium? We review the 40TDI quattro S line.
We like: Easy on the eye, fabulous powertrain, plush cabin
We don’t like: Substantial premium over its standard Q5 counterpart
Fast Facts
- Model tested: Audi Q5 Sportback 40TDI quattro S line
- Price: R1 000 000 (December 2021)
- Engine: 2.0-litre turbodiesel
- Power/Torque: 140 kW / 400 Nm
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Fuel economy: 6.2 L/100 km (claimed)
- Luggage capacity: 510–1480 litres
What is it?
The Q5 Sportback certainly cuts a finer figure than its sibling. You may not have thought that the Q5 needed a variant, but here it is!
By now you should know the recipe… The car-making giants of the world were hell-bent on offering SUVs in all sizes and now they’re determined to fill the niches in between those models. Everyone did a double-take when BMW announced it would make a coupe-styled, sportier version of its X5, called the X6. Many thought this would be a bridge too far, but pretty soon all 3 of the German premium marques had produced sportier versions of their premium SUV offerings. It’s not just variants of the flagships either (X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and the Audi Q8) – this formula is trickling down…
In the Executive SUV segment, BMW offers the X4 alongside its X3, Mercedes-Benz has a GLC Coupe to complement the GLC and now, finally, the Q5 Sportback joins the Q5 family. The premise is simple: as a manufacturer’s standard offering becomes widely accepted, it rolls out a more visually appealing and sportier variant of that model, replete with a tapered roofline and slanted tailgate Does it work? Well, we’d happily argue that these coupe-inspired versions are easier on the eye than their standard counterparts. Whether they’ll sell in greater numbers than their progenitors is up for debate, however.
The key differences between the standard Audi Q5 and the Audi Q5 Sportback are their shapes and dimensions. The Audi Q5 Sportback is fractionally longer (7mm) than the standard model, but has the same height and width. Audi is offering its new Q5 Sportback in 4 derivatives. There are turbopetrol and -diesel offerings, as well as a flagship SQ5, which adds some impressive performance to the mix.
As far as alternatives go, Audi’s German compatriots serve up the aforementioned X4 and GLC Coupe and the Italian brand’s Alfa Romeo Stelvio is pretty sporty as it is. You could also consider a Range Rover Evoque or the Volvo XC60 if you’re looking for something different. If you’re after the sportiest offering of the lot, however, then head on over to Porsche, whose Macan may tickle your fancy.
How it performs in terms of…
Engine performance and economy
Under the bonnet of the Q5 Sportback 40TDI quattro S line is Audi’s tried-and-trusted 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine. We’ve had considerable experience with this engine over the years (in a variety of different vehicles), but in this application and state of tune, we think it’s achieved a new level of excellence.
The peak outputs of 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque are credible on paper, but, in reality, are you getting more than a refined diesel engine that’s particularly quiet – it also beautifully balances efficiency and performance. The secret sauce that makes the package so compelling is the automatic transmission. It’s a 7-speed dual-clutch unit and it does a sterling job of providing fuss-free and near-seamless shifts.
The tried-and-trusted turbodiesel offers a great balance of performance and economy in combination with the slick automatic dual-clutch transmission.
When you start the Audi for the first time (from cold), its motor emits a bit of a rough diesel clatter (as expected), but that quickly disappears as the powerplant warms up to operating temperature. The Q5 Sportback comes equipped with an assortment of drive modes and it’s quite impressive to see how they can transform the vehicle’s character and behaviour. The overwhelming majority of customers will probably leave the vehicle in its default Auto drive mode – and that’s perfectly acceptable, because the car’s electronic management system will ably adapt its various settings to suit your driving style.
Comfort mode is really ideal in a vehicle of this kind; the Audi will be required to cosset its occupants more often than it needs to enthral them, so the setting effectively provides the smoothest possible ride and drive. In Eco mode, the car dials things back a bit in order to maximise efficiency. Individual mode lets you tailor your settings, so if you want a comfortable ride with a responsive engine, select this.
The Q5 Sportback has a distinctive profile, thanks to its rearward-tapering roofline and slanted tailgate.
If you’re in a hurry, Dynamic mode is especially handy. When it’s been activated, you’ll feel the Q5 Sportback becomes much more responsive… and its performance progressively more urgent. The transmission also delivers quicker shifts and the best part is you don’t even need to fully depress the accelerator pedal or rev the engine to its redline to get the best performance out of it.
While Audi claims a 0-100-kph time of 8.1 seconds (which is reasonably brisk, we might add), the real goodness comes from the 40TDI quattro S line’s abundant in-gear acceleration. The ability to execute an 80-120 kph overtaking manoeuvre briskly is more important than you’d think. How many times have you been stuck behind a slow-moving vehicle and needed to execute a quick overtake? In a less-than-powerful vehicle, you have to plan well ahead before you perform a safe overtaking manoeuvre. In the Q5, though, those 400 Newtons come in very handy – it can dispatch slower traffic with ease.
Finally, the ace up the Audi Q5 Sportback’s sleeve is its admirable fuel economy. Audi claims an average consumption of 6.2 L/100 km and, by using the Eco drive mode, we saw an indicated return of 6.9 L/100 km. After a few days of living with the vehicle in all manner of traffic and road conditions, the figure averaged out at 7.5 L/100 km, which was more than respectable.
Ride and handling
The handsome 20-inch alloys are shod with skinny tyres, but they didn’t ruin the ride quality; the test unit’s adaptive air suspension (optional) smoothed out the ride.
One of the main reasons these sportily-styled SUVs exist is to offer a bit more in the way of driving involvement over their standard counterparts. In truth, we couldn’t feel a major difference between the driving experience delivered by the Q5 Sportback compared with that of its standard sibling, but that’s all right, as we feel the standard model offers more than enough dynamism. There’s an overwhelming sense of cosseting comfort, but when you task the Audi to tackle some mountain passes, it will showcase its excellent chassis and suspension setup. Why change what’s clearly a successful recipe?
Our test unit came fitted with 20-inch alloy wheels (a no-cost option), as well as adaptive air suspension (a R38 000 option). The latter offers a few height settings, one of which raises the Q5 Sportback by 45 mm, which is certainly a bonus when the vehicle needs to traverse gravel roads of questionable quality. When you’re cruising on the open road, the system will automatically lower the car to improve its efficiency and centre of gravity, the latter of which, of course, enhances the handling stability. You should strongly consider the air-suspension option – the superb overall ride comfort justifies the premium.
Whereas the Audi’s steering ‘wheel does not offer much in the way of feel or feedback, it responds to inputs impressively quickly and accurately.
Speaking of handling, we’ve already mentioned the competence of the Q5 range and, while we struggled to differentiate between the Q5 and its Sportback variant from behind the ‘wheel, the latter is one of the nicer executive SUVs to drive quickly. It’s not quite as hands-on as the X4 and the Macan, but it’s way ahead of the GLC. The steering doesn’t offer too much feedback, but it’s pleasingly light in town.
The 40TDI quattro S line comes with all-wheel drive, which, in combination with the car’s off-road mode, makes the Q5 Sportback a competent “gravel-travel companion”. The system is primarily rear-wheel-driven (to conserve fuel by reducing frictional losses in the drivetrain), but when it detects a loss of traction, such as when you’re driving on a wet road, the front wheels will be brought into play.
The Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster is now ubiquitous, but it’s still a feast for the eyes.
Like in most modern Audis, the Q5 Sportback’s cabin is a wonderful space to occupy. Not only is the interior’s visual appeal off the charts, but, on closer inspection, there’s an abundance of luxuriorious surfaces and touchpoints. While we miss the infotainment system’s selector dial (it’s obsolete, now that the Ingolstadt-based brand has adopted a more digital interface), we’re glad there are still a few buttons to press. The centre screen has a high resolution, but it still attracts fingerprints like a magnet. Keep a microfibre cloth in the car, otherwise, the dulled screen may drive you crazy after a while!
The digital instrument cluster, expanded infotainment system and connectivity services form part of the Audi technology package – it’s a R33 000 option, but, in our opinion, well worth considering. Should you have a bit of extra cash in your pocket, perhaps you could splurge on the lovely Bang & Olufsen audio system (that’ll be another R15 500, thank you very much). The Audi Virtual Cockpit is available on most models these days, but it remains a visual delight – and it’s perfectly useful… You can choose from multiple viewing modes and can incorporate the navigation map into the display.
The infotainment system has smartphone-mirroring technology – in this case, it’s utilising Android Auto.
As far as spaciousness is concerned, the Audi Q5 Sportback is not radically different to its standard sibling. The rearward-tapering roof does mean that taller rear occupants may find their heads brushing the roof lining, but this author did not experience this. Rear legroom, which is more important, is generous. You can spec rear USB charging ports – they’re useful for keeping kids’ electronic devices topped up.
The cosmetic change from the Q5 to its Sportback variant has resulted in a slight loss in load-bay capacity with official numbers showing 550 litres versus 510 litres. The latter number is still respectable, however… the Q5 Sportback’s “boot” is more capacious than that of the GLC Coupe (500 litres), but less so than the X4’s (525 litres). Interestingly, the Macan and Evoque have smaller load bays too.
As in its Q5 sibling, rear legroom is ample and the loss of rear headroom (as a result of the tapering roofline) is barely noticeable.
The Q5 Sportback test unit came specified with R225 000 worth of options. Your usual suspects are here, such as a panoramic sunroof (R25 100), S line interior (R17 000) and a tow bar (R3 950). We couldn’t quite figure out why one would fit running boards for an extra R19 000, but it’s a matter of taste, we guess. Also worth considering is the Audi phone box (a wireless charging pad) for R6 500.
The City Assistance package (R23 900) is a combination of assistance systems including lane change and -exit warning, rear cross-traffic alert and a reverse-view camera.
The Q5 Sportback’s claimed luggage capacity is bested by that of BMW X4, but it’s better than the stated figures for the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, Porsche Macan and Range Rover Evoque.
Price and after-sales support
The Audi Q5 Sportback range kicks off from R960 000 and goes up all the way to R1 355 000, for the flagship SQ5 derivate. The Q5 Sportback 40 TDI quattro S Line retails for exactly R1 000 000 and comes standard with a five-year/100 000 km Audi Freeway Plan.
Buy a used Audi Q5 on Cars.co.za
Verdict
The Audi Q5 Sportback offers oodles of kerb presence and boutique appeal, but enough to justify its price tag?
The Audi Q5 Sportback undoubtedly adds some visual appeal to the Q5 range and if you put the newcomer and standard model side-by-side, the Sportback steals the limelight. The good news is none of the traditional Audi Q5’s pillars of comfort, luxury and refinement have been lost in the creation of this variant; the bad news is that this means the Q5 Sportback is not different enough in execution.
So, should you buy one? Given that the standard Audi Q5 is an already accomplished offering, we feel the Q5 Sportback doesn’t offer enough other than its good looks to justify its price premium. Yes, the Sportback variant is the prettier and more interesting offering of the two – you’ll hear no argument from us, but vehicles aren’t just there to be looked at.
Logically, you should use the price difference between the two to configure a very nicely appointed Q5 with the same powertrain as our Sportback test unit, but, then again, the heart wants what it wants.
