Audi Q5 Sportback range here by end of 2025

GENERATION two of Audi’s popular Q5 and SQ5 wagon and coupe-style Sportback Medium segment SUVs have surfaced in Europe starting from €54,800 ($A88,937) plus on-road costs.

 

The athletically stanced vehicles are available to order from next month in Europe with delivers expected Down Under in Q4 of 2025 at a yet to be disclosed price or model line-up.

 

But an Audi Australia spokesperson said first cab off the rank here will be the wagon SUV with the coupe-style Sportback soon after.

 

The new gen’ is differentiated from its predecessor through a more dynamic exterior appearance followed through inside with a clear and focused design that is “the foundation for user-centric technical solutions and a premium feel-good atmosphere,” says Audi.

 

It will compete here against BMW’s X3 and X4, the Genesis GV70, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Evoque, Lexus NX and Mercedes-Benz GLB and GLC.

 

The handsome newcomer features exterior and interior family styling cues that speak “advanced dynamic design” in this case available from an expanded model line-up.

 

Audi is placing great emphasis on the Sportback variant, derivatives of which have a dynamic silhouette and target what Audi terms “design-savvy” customers who also desire the benefits of an SUV, the model combining characteristics typical of an SUV, such as versatility and a spacious interior, with a more dramatic silhouette.

 

The squared-off wagon models are designed essentially as family-oriented carryalls.

 

Despite the sloping roofline, the attention grabbing Sportback has a luggage capacity of up to 515 litres, or 470 litres in the Q5 variant. With the rear row folded storage space in the Q5 Sportback increases to up to 1415 litres, or 1388 litres in the performance oriented SQ5 version.

 

Obviously, the wagon has more capacity due to its practical design and the new generation five seat Q5 can tow up to 2400kg.

 

Distinctive styling separates the Sportback from the wagon with elements like the broad Singleframe grille flanked by vertical, functional air curtains while “razor-sharp” sculptural headlights lend the car a honed look.

 

A large air intake below the Singleframe houses many sensors while a dynamic rising line runs from above the rocker panel across the wheel arches to the rear bumper, giving the vehicle a dynamic appearance even when stationary.

 

In Europe, the Q5 Sportback and wagon kick off with what’s called the “Exterior advanced” in addition to a sportier S line.

 

This is possibly the same grade walk including the wagon that will be used Down Under when the model lobs here.

 

Audi says the interior of the new Q5 Sportback is “systematically tailored to the needs of the occupants and epitomizes the new Audi design philosophy.”

 

In press material, the four rings company spruiks material properties that were considered at a very early stage in the design, together with the Audi MMI panoramic display and the MMI passenger display that form a visually distinct digital stage.

 

“The high-contrast interior design purposefully places elements in the foreground or background, creating a three-dimensional spatial architecture that blends aesthetics with ergonomics,” it stated.

 

“The interior has a markedly cosy ambiance. The Softwrap extends from the doors through the entire cockpit to the centre console, creating a homogeneous and welcoming sense of space.

 

“In addition to being user-focused, the interior is sustainable with materials such as Cascade upholstery and Dinamica microfibre primarily made from recycled polyester.”

 

We can look forward to state-of-the-art combustion engines with 48-volt MHEV plus drives as the new Q5 is based on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), an architecture for conventionally powered vehicles with longitudinal combustion engines.

 

Following convention, the MHEV plus electrical system supports the combustion engine and reduces carbon emissions while increasing performance and driving comfort. The vehicle is also capable of limited all-electric manoeuvring and parking.

 

The new powertrain generator (PTG) provides additional torque of up to 230Nm and 18 additional kilowatts, while the 48-volt system enables the use of an electric air conditioning compressor ensuring the AC continues operating at full power even when the engine is switched off, such as when coasting or at a red light.

 

The model uses a 1.7kWh lithium-ion battery to drive the belt alternator starter (BAS) and supply electrical power to the battery.

 

Audi says the BAS enables stretches of electric driving and “relieves” the combustion engine helping reduce fuel consumption. The system has a brake recuperation function further enhancing efficiency.

 

A PHEV version of the Q5 range will be available at a later date with a large battery and external charger.

 

European spec’ Audi Q5 Sportback and wagon will be available with three engines at launch, with further drive variants to follow. Initially, all versions come equipped with MHEV plus technology with all models in the series using the S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

 

The entry-level engine is a 2.0 TFSI with 150kW and 340Nm and front-wheel drive. Optionally, quattro all-wheel drive is available

 

With the 2.0 TDI, (unlikely for Australia) the Audi Q5 Sportback is available as generation EA288 evo. It has an output of 150kW and 400Nm and is only available with quattro drive.

 

The top-of-the-line model SQ5 runs a 3.0-litre V6 TFSI with an output of 270kW and 550Nm.