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26/11/2024

Audi unveils all-new Q5 Sportback

Written By Phill Tromans

2025 Audi Q5 Sportback

Audi has drawn back the covers on the second-generation Q5 Sportback, its sleek mid-size SUV.

Following on from the reveal of the third-generation Q5 SUV earlier this year, the Q5 Sportback offers customers a more rakish option with a more streamlined silhouette for extra style, at a price premium of £2500 than the equivalent standard Q5.

Compared to that standard car, the Q5 Sportback has a lower, more sloping roof for a sportier look. That extra style comes at a practicality cost, with slightly boot space, although it's still a decent, practical size. Several trim levels are available and there's a choice between petrol and diesel engines, as well as the potent SQ5 Sportback.

The new Audi Q5 Sportback's rivals include the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and the Range Rover Velar.

New 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback: price and release date

The new Audi Q5 Sportback goes on sale in January, with deliveries due from May 2025. Prices start at £52,650. That's for the TFSI petrol model in entry-level Sport trim, and prices rise to £55,05 for the S line model and £59,250 for the Edition 1. If you're after a diesel model, prices start at £54,100 for the Sport, £56,700 for the S line and £60,900 for the Edition 1, while the sporty, petrol-powered SQ5 Sportback starts at £76,900.

The new Audi Q5 Sportback follows the reveal of the standard Q5 earlier this year.
2025 Audi Q5 Sportback
Audi has long been noted for its top-quality interiors, and the new Q5 Sportback looks set to continue that.

New 2025 Audi Q5: exterior and interior

The new Audi Q5 Sportback looks much like the standard Q5, save for its more aero-looking shape at the back. The front end is dominated by a big grille that Audi calls the Singleframe, with slim LED headlights and wide air intakes at either end of the front bumper. At the back the LED taillights are joined to create a light bar across the whole width of the car. The performance SQ5 Sportback model gets upgraded OLED rear lights.

Inside, the Audi Q5 Sportback has up to three front screens, with an 11.9-inch digital driver display (which Audi calls the Virtual Cockpit) and a wide 14.5-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dash. The third screen is a 10.9-inch unit for the passenger, available on the top-spec Q5 and the sporty SQ5. There's also a head-up display available. 

Other features available include a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, which works with a vehicle noise compensation system – rather like noise reducing headphones, but designed to reduce road noise.

The boot measures 515 litres (five down on the standard Q5) and with the rear seats folded down, the capacity expands up to 1415 litres. The SQ5 Sportback boot is slightly smaller at 470 litres, due to extra mechanical components.

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback
The boot space in the new SQ5 Sportback is slightly smaller than the standard car due to extra mechanical components.

New 2025 Audi Q5: engines and gearboxes

Three engines have so far been announced for the Q5 Sportback range. All use mild-hybrid technology to capture and redeploy energy otherwise lost during braking and cruising, in a bid to improve fuel economy.

The entry-level engine is the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol unit, making 204PS and 340Nm sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. There's also a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine, also with 204PS but with extra torque at 400Nm.

The top-spec Audi SQ5 performance model has a 3.0-litre V6 engine developing 367PS with 550Nm and should give a more exhilirating driving experience.

2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback
The Audi SQ5 Sportback gets even sportier looks.

New 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback: trim levels

Sporty SQ5 Sportback aside, there are three trim levels to choose from and they mirror those found in the standard Q5.

The range starts with the Sport model, which will have 19-inch alloys, LED headlights and heated front sports seats as well as three-zone climate control. The 14.5-inch OLED infotainment system is inclulded, as is the 11.9-inch driver display screen. There's a reversing camera included and adaptive cruise control is standard.

The S line model gets stiffer sports suspension and a fully adjustable rear seat that can be moved lengthways and tilted, too. It'll also get a sportier exterior look, with 20-inch alloy wheels, larger air intakes and black styling elements, while inside there's sustainable upholstery in the form of Cascade – made to look like wool from recycled materials and polyester – and Dinamica, which is synthetic suede. 

The top-spec Edition 1 model will have black exterior elements for a stealthier look and Matrix LED headlights that let you keep high beam on without dazzling oncoming traffic. The SQ5 Edition 1 will be loaded with standard equipment that's otherwise optional, including features like the head-up display, the 16-speaker B&O sound system and acoustic glazing for reduced road noise. It also gets the passenger screen in the dashboard.

The sporty SQ5 Sportback model, as well as the extra power, gets its own Edition 1 trim, which adds special OLED taillights and 21-inch wheels to the outside, as well as adaptive air suspension. Inside there's a panoramic sunroof, nappa leather upholstery and heater outer rear seats, as well as the B&O upgraded sound system.

Audi Q5 Review 2024: static parked

Find a used Audi Q5 for sale

The outgoing Audi Q5 has been sold new since 2017 and is available in both SUV and sleeker Q5 Sportback forms. It's been very popular, which means there are loads of used models available. Three-year-old Q5s start from around £22,000.

No full hybrid version of the Audi Q5 has been announced, but all the models revealed so far will be fitted with mild-hybrid technology to improve fuel economy.

While the new 2025 Audi Q5 won't be a luxury car on par with the likes of Rolls-Royce, it will be a thoroughly premium vehicle, competing against cars like the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC.

While many manufacturers are dropping diesel from their line-ups, Audi has said that there will be a 2.0-litre TDI diesel version of the 2025 Q5. More diesel options could follow in the future, too.

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