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By Charl Bosch

Motoring Journalist


Bustled-backed Audi Q5 Sportback revealed

Newcomer joins the Q3 Sportback, all-electric Q4 Sportback e-tron and flagship Q8 as Ingolstadt's fourth coupe-SUV.


Unveiled exactly almost three months ago, Audi has expanded the updated second generation Q5 line-up by adding a Sportback model in a move similar to the Q3.

Set to compete with the BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, the Q5 Sportback’s main difference is of course its fastback, coupe-styled rear facia complete that sports a wraparound window, new tailgate, OLED taillights with dynamic indicators, an integrated bootlid spoiler and a seven millimetre gain in overall length.

Compared to its sibling, the swoopy design has also had an effect on practicality with boot space falling by 40-litres to 510-litres and by 70-litres to 1 480-litres with the rears folded flat. The rest of the interior is unchanged and depending on the spec and trim level, includes the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit Display instrument, the 10.1-inch MMI Plus infotainment system with MIB 3 software, an optional 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system as well as the same assortment of safety and driver assistance systems.

Up front, the Sportback, in Europe, will initially be powered by a single mild-hybrid TDI or TFSI engine of 2.0-litres, rated at 120 kW in the 35 TDI and 150 kW in the 45 TFSI. A 45 TFSI pumping out 195 kW as well as a 150 kW 40 TDI will be added at a later stage, along with a 210 kW 3.0 TDI V6 in the 50 TDI.

The 55 TFSI e, which combines the four-cylinder petrol with an electric motor, will join the line-up towards the end of this year or in 2021, together with the incoming SQ5. Outside of Europe, the bent-six diesel, which will likely motivate the SQ5 in a higher state of tune, will be replaced by the familiar mild-hybrid 331kW/600Nm 3.0 TFSI V6.

No price of spec details have been confirmed, but expect the Q5 Sportback to make its local market debut sometime next year.

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