Following the Q3 Sportback and the e-tron Sportback, Audi has now introduced its third crossover utility vehicle, or CUV: the first-ever Q5 Sportback.
Topping the model line-up is the SQ5 Sportback TFSI. Its three-litre TFSI offers concentrated power of 260 kW and 500 Nm of torque, along with a striking design, which features large air inlets, LED headlights, and a high-mounted rear bumper.
Audi offers the new crossover utility vehicle in the “Advanced” and “S line” exterior trim lines. Differences lie in the Singleframe, the side air inlets and in particular the rear bumper as well as the wheel size and design. There are 11 paint finishes and a variety of trims for the add-on parts to choose from, including the black styling package and both full and contrasting paint finishes.
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The long wheelbase of 2.82 metres provides ample room on board. With its horizontal lines, the interior is clean and airy, with various interior packages offering an even more elegant or sporty appearance. The packages offer a wide selection of colours and upholstery materials, including the option of sports seats and top-quality fine Nappa leather.
The SUV in the guise of a coupé shines with a number of additional practical qualities. With the 40 TDI (140 kW, 2.0 TDI) engine, it can tow trailers with a total weight of up to 2.4 metric tons (braked, 12 percent gradient). Roof rails are available as standard and hill descent control ensures safety when driving on steep slopes.
The Audi Q5 Sportback will be launched on the market in South Africa with two engine versions: the 2.0 litre TDI and 2.0 Litre TFSI.
A 2.0 TDI engine is responsible for propulsion in the Q5 Sportback 40 TDI quattro. It produces 140 kW) and 400 Nm of torque, and accelerates the large CUV from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 220 km/h.
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A seven-speed S tronic and the efficient quattro drive with ultra-technology provide the power transmission for the four-cylinder diesel engine. In normal driving conditions, it directs the torque exclusively to the front wheels. The moment all-wheel drive is required, two clutches instantly activate the rear axle, even predictively in many situations.
With the 2.0 TFSI, a four-cylinder gasoline engine, the Audi Q5 Sportback 45 TFSI quattro sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and takes it to a top speed of 237 km/h. The petrol engine produces 183 kW and 370 Nm of torque. Like the two-litre TDI, it uses a seven-speed S tronic transmission and the quattro drive with ultra-technology. A 12 V mild hybrid system (MHEV) increases the efficiency. Its belt-driven starter-alternator can recover energy when decelerating and store it in a compact lithium-ion battery. What’s more, the MHEV system allows coasting with the engine off, while the start-stop range already begins at a speed of 22 km/h.
INTERIOR COMFORTS
For the controls, displays and infotainment, the Q5 Sportback takes over from the Q5 with the third-generation modular infotainment system or MIB 3. When fully equipped with the optional Technology Package, the digital Audi virtual cockpit plus (with 12.3-inch display), the MMI navigation plus infotainment system (paired with a 10.1-inch touch display) and Audi connect infotainment services, offer integrated convenience and connectivity to the driving experience.
The myAudi app tightly connects the car with the customer’s smartphone and allows for remote functionality to key safety, convenience and security features. Optional hardware modules such as the Audi phone box or the Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System supplement the infotainment system.
SPORTY TOP-OF-THE-RANGE MODEL: THE AUDI SQ5 SPORTBACK TFSI
At the forefront of the range is the Audi SQ5 Sportback TFSI. Its cultivated three-litre petrol engine produces an output of 260 kW and 500 Nm of torque. An actuator in the exhaust system lends the sound tone and richness. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is claimed at 4.9 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). A fast and smooth-shifting eight-speed tiptronic handles the power transmission in the S model, while the quattro permanent all-wheel drive transfers the torque variably as needed to the front and rear axles.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
The Q5 Sportback and the SQ5 Sportback TFSI roll off the assembly line at the San José Chiapa plant in Mexico. They are now available for sale in South Africa. Pricing is as follows (inclusive of all taxes) and comes standard with a five year Audi Freeway Plan:
Audi Q5 Sportback 40 TDI quattro Advanced — R960,000
Audi Q5 Sportback 40 TDI quattro S line — R1,000,000
Audi Q5 Sportback 45 TFSI quattro S line — R1,050,000
Audi SQ5 Sportback TFSI quattro — R1,355,000
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