Used Audi Q5 Sportback for sale: everything you need to know

Sportback is Audi-speak for a sloping, coupe-style roof, and that’s exactly what you get with the Audi Q5 Sportback when compared to the regular Audi Q5 SUV. In most respects you’re getting the same car, just with, to some eyes, a little more style.

Introduced in 2021, the Q5 Sportback has a range of petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, while all models come with all-wheel drive and a generous standard equipment list. It’s not the most entertaining car in its class to drive, but like most modern Audis it’s a strong all-round performer.

Alternatives to the Q5 Sportback include the BMW X4, Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, Range Rover Velar, and less coupe-styled but sportier models like the Porsche Macan and Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Audi also offers a similar, albeit smaller Q4 Sportback e-tron, which is all-electric.

Should you buy an Audi Q5 Sportback?

The rise of coupe-styled SUVs shows that not everyone needs maximum practicality from these vehicles, so while the Q5 Sportback lags the regular Q5 by 40 litres of boot space, that may be worth it for its sleeker looks. And truth be told, it’s really not that compromised by its roofline anyway - for passenger space, and in every other respect, it’s a match for the regular car.

That means no real compromise on rear headroom, and you still get split folding seats, a power tailgate, and the same quality feel that Audi buyers have come to expect. The same levels of equipment too, and one of the better infotainment systems in this class for usability.

Audi offers petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid models in the Q5 Sportback range, and the performance-focused SQ5 TDI makes an appearance here too, so used buyers have a broad range of performance and economy options. Plug-in models will still have the bulk of their eight-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty left too, even if you’re looking at earlier cars, since the Sportback was launched in 2021.

The Q5 Sportback drives well, but don’t be fooled into thinking Sportback means sports car. The firm ride might trick you but refinement and confidence are the order of the day, particularly since all models come with all-wheel drive as standard. The SQ5’s performance can raise a smile, though.

Key rivals for the Q5 Sportback include the BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. The Porsche Macan is also well worth a look though - it’s not strictly a ‘coupe SUV’ but is the best to drive in this class, while the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is similarly entertaining but less coupe-like. For style, the Range Rover Velar is also hard to beat.

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What’s the best used Audi Q5 Sportback model to buy?

Diesel tends to make sense in SUVs like the Q5 Sportback, and putting the high-performance SQ5 to the side for a second, that means the 40 TDI is our pick of the range. It’s quick off the mark but mid-40s economy isn’t to be sniffed at either - less than the TFSI e plug-in hybrids on paper, but the plug-ins are at their best only if you make regular use of their EV range.

We don’t deny the styling benefits of S Line trim, but as is so often the case, we’d steer you towards simple Sport trim with its already healthy equipment levels (you sill get leather trim, LED headlights, and a reversing camera), and less stylish but better-riding 18-inch wheels.

Used Audi Q5 Sportback fuel economy and performance

• Audi Q5 Sportback 40 TDI quattro: The 40 TDI’s 2-litre turbocharged diesel engine develops 204PS through a seven-speed dual-clutch auto, and standard all-wheel drive. 0-62mph takes 7.6 seconds and it’s claimed to do 44.8mpg combined.
• Audi Q5 Sportback 45 TFSI quattro: With a 2-litre petrol turbo the 45 TFSI makes 265PS, with a 6.1-second 0-62mph time to show for it. Combined economy is quoted at 33.6mpg.
• Audi Q5 Sportback 50 TFSI e quattro: TFSI e models use a plug-in hybrid petrol setup, with a 2-litre engine and 299PS combined output. Performance matches the 45 TFSI, while 35-38 miles of EV range contributes to 188.3mpg combined economy.
• Audi Q5 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro: The 55 TFSI e is also a 2-litre plug-in hybrid, and makes a hefty 367PS. 0-62mph drops to 5.3 seconds, and with 35-36 miles of electric range, combined economy is 166.2mpg.
• Audi SQ5 Sportback TDI: The SQ5 is the only Q5 Sportback with six cylinders, a 3-litre V6 turbodiesel making 341PS. It gets an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and is the quickest Q5 with a 5.1-second 0-62mph time. It should do 34mpg combined.

What used Audi Q5 Sportback trim levels are available?

The Q5 Sportback’s trim lines echo those of several modern Audi models, beginning with a well-equipped Sport model and extending all the way up to Vorsprung trim, which offers most of Audi’s high-end features, from air suspension to Bang & Olufsen audio.

• The Audi Q5 Sportback Sport gets 18-inch alloy wheels, Dynamic suspension, LED headlights, leather seats, three-zone climate control, a 10.1-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit driver display, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, cruise control, and a power tailgate.
• The Audi Q5 Sportback S Line upgrades to 19-inch alloys, S Line sports suspension, S Line body styling, matrix LED headlights, Alcantara and leather sports seats, and stainless steel pedals.
• The Audi Q5 Sportback Edition 1 gets 20-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers, a black styling pack, a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, and Nappa leather trim.
• The Audi Q5 Sportback Vorsprung steps up to even larger 21-inch alloys, OLED rear lights, adaptive air suspension, a panoramic roof, side running boards, a memory driver’s seat, massaging front seats, heated front and outer rear seats, Bang & Olufsen audio, and a head-up display.

Used Audi Q5 Sportback dimensions and boot size

The Audi Q5 Sportback’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4689mm
• Width: 1893mm (mirrors folded), 2140mm (with mirrors)
• Height: 1660mm

The Audi Q5 Sportback’s boot size is:

• 510 litres
• 1480 litres with the rear seats folded (to roof)

Used Audi Q5 Sportback road tax

All Q5 Sportback models started life with a list price of more than £40,000, which means all are subject to the government’s VED surcharge. This means tax in years two to six costs £570 at current rates, or £10 less for the plug-in hybrid variants.

How much is it to insure an Audi Q5 Sportback?

Insurance rates for the Q5 Sportback are a little higher than that of regular Q5s, starting in group 35 for a Sportback 40 TDI in Sport trim, compared to group 31 for the equivalent standard Q5. Plug-in hybrids start in group 41, and higher trim levels like Vorsprung raise groupings further. The sporty SQ5 begins in group 45.

Read our full Audi Q5 Sportback review