2026 Audi Q5 Sportback review: Quick drive

The Audi Q5 is once again bringing Sportback.

Forget the earworm! The third-generation SUV lineup welcomes the sleek second-generation Q5 Sportback, building on the runaway success of its genre-bending mid-size SUV ‘coupe’ predecessor.

The 2026 Audi Q5 Sportback: paying $3,500 for sleek lines? That’s the question Audi poses this year, as the Sportback range now mirrors the SUV lineup in every other aspect. Same specs, more style, a steeper price tag. Is the head-turning silhouette worth the extra cash?

Audi’s "Sportback" design isn’t new. While the A5 Sportback kicked things off in the late 2000s, this sleek silhouette echoes back to the elegant 1969 Audi 100 Coupe S.

Forget the typical SUV silhouette. Audi’s Q3 Sportback, the pioneering Sportback SUV, redefined cool. Australians embraced it, with a staggering half of all Q3 sales opting for the sleek Sportback design. It’s a clear signal: Audi’s SUV future is leaning towards the dynamic lines of a Sportback.

Sydney streets became our proving ground as we sought to uncover if the Q5 Sportback’s sequel could capture the magic of its predecessor. A brief encounter behind the wheel would determine if this new model deserves to inherit the throne.

Forget BMW and Mercedes? An Audi Centre might be youronlystop. Intrigued?

How much does the Audi Q5 Sportback cost?

The Q5 Sportback range kicks of at $84,500, which as mentioned earlier is $3500 more than the equivalent Q5 SUV.

|Model|Price before on-road costs| | — | — | | 2026 Audi Q5 TFSI | $81,000 | | 2026 Audi Q5 TDI quattro | $87,600 | | 2026 Audi Q5 TDI quattro sport | $94,100 | | 2026 Audi Q5 TFSI quattro sport | $96,900 | | 2026 Audi Q5 e-hybrid quattro | $96,900 | | 2026 Audi SQ5 edition one | $106,400 | | 2026 Audi SQ5 | $122,400 | | 2026 Audi Q5 Sportback TFSI | $84,500 | | 2026 Audi Q5 Sportback TDI quattro | $91,100 | | 2026 Audi Q5 Sportback TDI quattro sport | $97,600 | | 2026 Audi Q5 Sportback TFSI quattro sport | $100,400 | | 2026 Audi Q5 Sportback e-hybrid quattro | $100,400 | | 2026 Audi SQ5 Sportback edition one | $109,900 | | 2026 Audi SQ5 Sportback | $125,900 |

Next year, the Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback families surge forward with the arrival of the MY26 range. Prepare for exhilarating performance: experience the surefooted grip of the 200kW TFSI quattro or embrace electrified power with the 270kW e-hybrid quattro. Both captivating variants will be available across wagon and Sportback models, promising a thrilling start to the new year.

The SQ5 Sportback debuts with a ‘purist’ edition – a lean, mean performance machine that shaves over $15,000 off the fully loaded SQ5. Think of it as the SQ5, unburdened: thrilling performance, minus the frills, and a significantly lighter price tag.

To see how the Audi Q5 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

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What is the Audi Q5 Sportback like on the inside?

Just like the standard Q5, really.

Audi’s "Digital Stage" isn’t just a dashboard; it’s the star of the show. Gleaming within obsidian bezels, this tech redefines user interface, placing you at the helm of a premium German driving experience.

Ahead, the driver grips a newly designed four-spoke steering wheel, their gaze drawn to the vibrant 11.9-inch "virtual cockpit" digital instrument cluster. This cutting-edge display seamlessly merges with the central 14.5-inch MMI touchscreen, both elegantly housed within a single, free-standing panoramic display, creating a cockpit that’s as immersive as it is intuitive.

Ditching the old, Audi’s cockpit now explodes with vibrant OLED displays. Think deeper blacks, retina-searing brightness, and crystal clarity. Even if you’re an Audi traditionalist clinging to the simpler dials of yesteryear, these screens are surprisingly intuitive and undeniably gorgeous. Prepare to be captivated.

Gone are the classic, comforting gauges of yesterday. Instead, a hyper-modern, video game-inspired cockpit confronts you. A central, adaptive display dominates, showcasing a live-assist tech view that feels more like piloting a starship than driving a car. While the traditional speedometer and tachometer are casualties of this digital revolution, a sliver of redemption exists: integrated smartphone maps now reside within handy sidebar widgets, a welcome touch in this brave new world of automotive interfaces.

The new interface, echoing the A5 and Q6 Sportback e-tron, boasts eye-catching graphics and fluid animations. While climate controls have migrated to the digital realm, they remain conveniently anchored at the display’s base, ever-present and easily accessible.

Okay, here’s that improvement:

Audi’s succumbed to the touchscreen climate control craze, and while a part of me mourns the loss of physical knobs, I must admit, they’ve done it relatively well. The screen’s lower ledge acts as a steadying handrest a lifesaver when jabbing at virtual buttons on bumpy roads and each tap delivers a reassuring haptic pulse. It’s notperfect, but it’s a far cry from a total disaster.

The steering wheel controls are a clever deception. They appear to be those dreaded glossy, touch-capacitive pads, but a surprising jolt of haptic feedback tricks your fingers into believing they’re pressing actual buttons. Yet, nostalgia tugs. I can’t help but yearn for the satisfyingclickof Audi’s old-school buttons a small price to pay for progress, perhaps.

Alternatively, splash out on the Tech pro package ($5700) and unlock the Q5 Sportback’s secret weapon: the MMI passenger-side display. Think of it as your co-pilot’s personal entertainment hub. They can stream movies, explore apps, and generally be enthralled, all on a vibrant 10.9-inch screen. Don’t worry, a clever privacy filter keeps the driver focused on the road, even if the extra screen does feel a tad… frivolous.

The cabin’s quality leaps forward, a welcome departure from the previous Q5’s occasionally unforgiving interior. It doesn’t quite reach the lavish heights of its Q8 sibling, but it confidently surpasses the likes of the X3 and GLC in tactile satisfaction.

Audi says the Sportback’s sloping roofline hasn’t impacted practicality, but the standard Q5 already wasn’t standout despite its increased size.

Taller drivers, like yours truly at 6’1", will find rear seating passable for similarly sized adults, but let’s not pretend it’s a limousine back there. Legroom and foot space are adequate, though your knees might become intimately acquainted with the seat ahead – even the scalloped kind. Thankfully, headroom remains generous, a blessing courtesy of the cleverly sculpted headliner behind that optional panoramic sunroof.

Backseat passengers, rejoice! Even in the rear, comfort reigns supreme. A dedicated third climate zone and adjustable vents ensure personalized temperature control. Standard USB-C ports keep devices powered, but for serious laptop users, the optional Premium package unleashes a blazing-fast 100W charging capability.

Beyond performance, practicality reigns supreme. Cleverly integrated net-type map pockets swallow road trip essentials, while generously sized door bins offer refuge for water bottles and more. Rear passengers enjoy a fold-down centre armrest, complete with convenient cupholders for spill-free cruising. And for precious cargo, rest assured with easily accessible ISOFIX and top-tether anchor points, ensuring secure child seat installation.

The Q5 Sportback asks a small price for its sloping roofline: a slight reduction in cargo space compared to its more upright Q5 sibling. With the rear seats up, you’ll have 515 liters to play with; fold them down, and that expands to a generous 1415 liters, ready for weekend adventures or hauling home that impulse furniture buy.

Compared to the Q5 SUV’s cargo capacity (520-1473L), space is at a premium. But down under, Aussie models sweeten the deal with a "Storage and compartment package" think nets and straps, ready to tame unruly cargo. Speaking of what’snotthere, forget about a spare tire in the Q5’s boot; you’ll only find a repair kit.

| Dimensions | Audi Q5 Sportback | | — | — | | Length | 4717mm | | Width | 1900mm | | Height | 1647mm | | Wheelbase | 2823mm | | Cargo capacity | 515-1415L |

To see how the Audi Q5 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

The Audi Q5 Sportback is available with a range of electrified powertrains, ranging from 48V ‘mild-hybrid plus’ to ‘e-hybrid’ PHEV.

| Specifications | Q5 Sportback TDI quattro 150kW | | — | — | |Engine| 2.0L 4cyl turbo-diesel 48V MHEV | |Engine outputs| 150kW at 3800rpm 400Nm at 1750-3250rpm | |Electric motor outputs| 18kW + 230Nm | |Battery| 1.7kWh LFP | |Transmission| 7-speed dual-clutch | |Drive type| All-wheel drive | |Weight| 2030kg | |0-100km/h (claimed)| 7.4 seconds | |Fuel economy (claimed) | 5.4L/100km | |Fuel economy (as tested)| 7.7L/100km | |Fuel tank capacity| 65L | |Fuel requirement| Diesel | |CO2 emissions| 141g/km | |Emissions standard| Euro 6 | |Braked tow capacity| 2000kg |

Here, we’re focusing on the TDI quattro turbo-diesel as that’s the only version we drove on the launch.

To see how the Audi Q5 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How does the Audi Q5 Sportback drive?

Forget sun-drenched sails and bushland trails for a moment. My encounter with the Audi Q5 Sportback? A fleeting 30-minute affair, snatched between the St George Sailing Club’s bobbing masts and the Royal National Park’s emerald embrace near Sydney. A tantalizing taste, leaving me craving more than just harbor views.

The 36km stretch wasn’t just a drive; it was a microcosm of the motoring world. We wrung it out on serpentine backroads carving through the "nasho," devoured miles of highway, and even navigated the stop-start rhythm of suburbia. It was a sampler platter of driving experiences, a condensed taste of everything the road could throw at us.

The 2.0-litre diesel engine, an old flame from across the Volkswagen Group family, once again stole the show. Its familiar charm, noted in countless test drives, is undeniably endearing.

Imagine a diesel heart beating with a muted thrum, unleashing a tidal wave of low-end torque that makes light work of any challenge. Effortless power defines this engine, while Audi’s cutting-edge ‘MHEV plus’ tech transforms the seven-speed ‘S tronic’ dual-clutch into a silken dance partner at low speeds.

The transition isn’t seamless perfection. A subtle rubber band effect surfaces as the electric motor yields to the diesel’s rumble, a momentary hesitation as the transmission’s clutches lock. But with a gentle touch on the accelerator and an appreciation for its comfort-biased nature, it transforms into a haven of serene and effortless driving.

Hammer the accelerator and the diesel’s familiar grumble emerges, a fleeting reminder of its oil-burning heart. But most of the time, you’d swear it’s something else entirely. The mild-hybrid system is a master of disguise, silencing the engine as you coast to a stop around 20km/h. Even better, the "plus" element gives you stealthy, electric starts, the TDI engine seamlessly awakening only when you need that extra push.

The Q5 Sportback? Think Q5, but with a dash more swagger. Underneath that sloping roofline, it’s business as usual. Expect the same sure-footed ride and predictable handling – a carbon copy of its more boxy brother, good and bad bits included.

Steering offers featherlight precision, almost detached in its standard modes. Yet, the taut suspension, coupled with frequency-selective dampers, transforms corners into opportunities, minimizing body roll and maximizing control.

The open road is where this machine truly sings. Once it hits seventh gear, the diesel settles into a near-silent hum, barely ticking over 1500rpm as the world glides past. Suddenly, the miles melt away; this European SUV devours them at 100km/h, a testament to its unwavering long-distance prowess.

The Q5 Sportback, mirroring its SUV twin, boasts a tech arsenal rivaling a Bond villain’s lair – almost. Short of a self-steering highway pilot, it’s packed with every digital convenience imaginable, putting even rivals (and some pricier rides) to shame.

Audi’s cooking up a software surprise for its PPC and PPE rides! Think over-the-air updates bringing overseas features stateside, possibly with a model-year refresh. Retrofit potential exists, hardware permitting, although local teams are tight-lipped on specifics. Get ready to unlock hidden potential in your Audi!

Audi’s eagerness to get the new Q5 onto Australian roads comes at a cost: sacrificing features. It’s a frustrating trade-off, particularly given how impressive their adaptive cruise assist usually is.

The Q5 doesn’t just offer assistance; it anticipates. Imagine a co-pilot that smooths out your commute with adaptive cruise control, expertly navigating stop-and-go traffic. Feel the gentle nudge of lane-keep assist, a subtle guardian guiding you within the lines. And breathe easier knowing blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic assist act as extra eyes, turning potential hazards into confident maneuvers.

Forget scraping bumpers! This family SUV, stretching almost 5 meters and boasting a near 2-meter girth, suddenly shrinks in the face of daunting parking lots thanks to the all-seeing surround cameras and pinpoint-accurate parking sensors. Kiss goodbye to carpool lane anxiety – navigating tight spots is now a breeze.

To see how the Audi Q5 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What do you get?

2026 Audi Q5 TFSI 150kW + TDI quattro 150kW equipment highlights:

• S line exterior
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Matrix LED headlights

• incl. selectable light signatures

• LED tail-lights with rear projection light
• 11.9-inch ‘virtual cockpit’ OLED digital instrument cluster
• 14.5-inch OLED touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless and wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Satellite navigation
• Audi sound system with subwoofer

• 8 speakers
• 180W output

• Colour interior ambient lighting
• Wireless phone charger incl. cooling
• Auto-dimming mirrors with memory
• Extended upholstery package incl. contrast stitching
• Inlays in matte brushed aluminium
• Rear seat bench – sliding, reclining
• 4-way adjustable headrests

Q5 sport adds:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Panoramic sunroof

• Electrically opening
• Electric sunshade

• Sport front seats with integrated headrests
• S line interior

• S embossing on front seats
• 3-spoke sport steering wheel – flat top, bottom
• Inlays in matte brushed aluminium with linear embossing
• Pedals in stainless steel
• Black headlining

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SQ5 edition one adds:

• 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels – black metallic
• S sport suspension
• Red brake calipers
• Privacy glass
• Black exterior package

• Singleframe grille
• Front and rear bumper trims
• Window trims
• Lower door trims
• Roof rails
• Exterior mirror housings
• Dark tailpipe trims
• Audi rings in anthracite

SQ5 adds:

• Metallic paint
• 21-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels
• S exterior aluminium styling
• Acoustic glazing – front-side windows
• Premium leather upholstery incl. diamond stitch
• Interior elements in Dinamica suede
• Ventilated front seats
• Massaging front seats
• Interior dynamic interaction light
• Head-up display
• 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system
• Higher charging capacity for USB-C interfaces

• 60W front
• 100W rear

To see how the Audi Q5 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

Is the Audi Q5 Sportback safe?

The verdict is still out on the new Audi Q5’s ANCAP safety score. However, its Euro NCAP sibling has already awarded it a gleaming five-star rating, suggesting robust safety is in its DNA.

| Category | Audi Q5* | | — | — | | Adult occupant protection | 85 per cent | | Child occupant protection | 86 per cent | | Vulnerable road user protection | 79 per cent | | Safety assist | 77 per cent |

*Euro NCAP scores

Standard safety features include:

• 9 airbags incl. front-centre
• Active front assist – AEB

• Autonomous emergency braking – forward
• Front cross-traffic assist
• Front turn assist
• Swerve assist

• Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
• Driver attention and fatigue monitor
• Emergency lane-keep assist
• Lane departure warning
• Side assist

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Safe exit warning
• Rear cross-traffic assist
• Rear turn assist

• 360-degree cameras incl. kerb view
• Park assist plus

• Parking sensors – front, rear
• Semi-autonomous parking

• Speed sign recognition
• Tyre pressure loss indicator

Audi anticipates your needs, offering a customizable "Favorites" menu. Instantly toggle up to five of your most-used driver-assistance features, putting personalized control at your fingertips.

Audi fine-tuned the Q5’s driver-assistance tech on local roads before launch, a meticulous process they repeat for nearly every new model to ensure seamless integration with real-world conditions.

To see how the Audi Q5 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

Options

Numerous packages and single-item options are available depending on the variant.

Premium package: $5400 – Q5 + Q5 sport

• Head-up display
• Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system
• Colour interior ambient lighting

• incl. dynamic intersection light

• USB interfaces with higher charging capacity
• Acoustic glazing for front door windows

Style package: $3400 (Q5 sport) $4900 (Q5)

• 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels
• Black exterior package
• Privacy glass

Tech pro package: $5700 – Q5 sport + SQ5

• Heated steering wheel
• MMI front passenger display
• Electric steering column
• Heated outboard rear seats
• Digital OLED tail-lights

Carbon style package: $9200 – SQ5 + SQ5 edition one

• Carbon exterior mirrors
• Carbon door inlays
• Carbon roof spoiler

Spice things up! Depending on the model, you can also choose from a menu of standalone extras. Think eye-catching premium paints that scream personality, alloy wheels that turn heads, luxurious interior finishes with bespoke upholstery and trim, or even privacy-boosting rear sunblinds for those who like to travel incognito.

To see how the Audi Q5 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How much does the Audi Q5 Sportback cost to run?

Enjoy peace of mind knowing your Q5 Sportback is protected by Audi’s comprehensive five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, complete with round-the-clock roadside assistance for five years.

| Servicing and Warranty | Audi Q5 Sportback | | — | — | | Warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres | | Roadside assistance | 5 years | | Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000 kilometres | | Capped-price servicing | 5 year Service Plan | | Total capped-price service cost | $3520 |

To see how the Audi Q5 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Audi Q5 Sportback

Let’s face it: The real question when choosing between the Q5 Sportback and its wagon sibling isn’t about practicality – it’s about passion. Are you willing to pay a premium for head-turning style?

The Sportback offers the same driving experience as its traditionally designed counterpart, making the decision purely an aesthetic one. Are you drawn to its sleek lines or prefer the classic silhouette? The choice is yours.

Forget the BMW X4 and Mercedes GLC Coupe. The Audi Q5 Sportback isn’t just a contender; it’s a value champion. Ditching the premium price tag found elsewhere, the Q5 Sportback opens the door at a price that’ll make rivals blush. Plus, with a broader range of configurations than its German counterparts dare to offer in Australia, you can tailor your ride to perfection.

The Q5 Sportback might not ignite your soul like a BMW or cocoon you in the lap of luxury like a Mercedes, but it deftly walks the tightrope between exhilarating performance and opulent comfort. The best part? It achieves this balancing act without emptying your wallet like its German counterparts.

For the best bang for your buck, the TDI quattro drivetrain reigns supreme – a true all-rounder that delivers on all fronts. Craving thrills? The SQ5 Sportback is a performance SUV steal, offering exhilarating power without breaking the bank.

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