While Audi doesn’t sell the new Q5 Plug-in Hybrid in the U.S. or Canada, it’s an interesting option for Q5 buyers in other parts of the world, particularly Europe. The redesigned Q5 Sportback is not just about added style and offers almost the same level of practicality as the flat-roofed sibling.
We recently got to spend some time with the new Audi Q5 Sportback e-Hybrid, and these were our observations.
Design
The Q5 Sportback has a sleeker profile than the standard Q5, with an SUV-like look until the B-Pillar, and a noticeably more dynamic silhouette thereon. At the front, a high, broad Singleframe grille with a glossy black finish is paired with vertical air curtains and sculpted LED headlights that give it the family look.
A large lower intake houses the ADAS sensor, and a rising character line flows from the rocker panel across the wheel arches to the rear bumper. At the rear, clean surfaces and a continuous light strip make the SUV feel wider than it is, finished with a pronounced breakaway edge on the boot lid, an integrated diffuser, and twin chrome exhaust tips.
Interior
About 75% of the dashboard is covered with screens. It includes an 11.9-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit system, a 14.5-inch infotainment display in the center, and a 10.9-inch MMI Passenger Display for the front passenger. The S line interior package adds sport seats in a leather and artificial leather combination in black.
In terms of features, the Q5 Sportback e-Hybrid features 3-zone automatic comfort air conditioning, a larger center-armrest storage area, and additional small-item compartments for daily-use items. A cooled inductive charging tray with 15-watt output sits in the front console, complemented by two USB-C ports in the front and two in the second row.
Experience in the Q5 Sportback e-Hybrid
The front seats in the Q5 Sportback e-Hybrid offer the same seating position and comfort as the standard Q5. The driver’s seat provides strong shoulder support and good lumbar support for my six-foot frame, while the under-thigh support feels adequate for an average-height adult.
The flat-topped steering wheel feels grippy, and the cabin layout wraps around the driver. The piano black trim on the console easily collects fingerprints, and the brushed aluminum elements feel solid to the touch. Headroom in the front remains sufficient for a six-footer, and sliding large shoes under the seat is possible.
Entering the rear is less convenient than the standard Q5 because the Sportback roofline creates a narrower opening. The slope does not require ducking, but taller passengers notice it when stepping in.
Rear passengers benefit from the fully adjustable rear seat bench, which can slide forward or backward and adjust its backrest angle to favor legroom and cargo needs. This feature helps make the rear seat more usable than most other coupe-SUVs.
Once seated, headroom becomes tight when the headrest is used, and the seatback angle is adjustable to offer a comfortable posture. Knee room is adequate for someone around six feet tall, helped by the caved-in front seatbacks. Foot space under the front seats is good.
The large center tunnel and rear AC console prevent an adult from using the middle seat comfortably, limiting the row to two adults. The side windows and rear quarter glass improve outward visibility and bring in more light, and the manual sunblinds help control brightness.
Amenities such as USB ports, touch-operated temperature controls, map pockets, and a comfortable armrest are available to improve comfort. The rear seat works well for passengers below six feet in height, but the standard Q5 is still the variant if you want a more open space.
Specifications
The Q5 Sportback has the same length, width, height, and wheelbase as the standard SUV. The only difference is the space levels in the rear seat, and the cargo hold.
The Q5 e-Hybrid offers 438 liters (15.5 cu ft) of cargo space with the seats up and 1,358 liters (48.0 cu ft) with them folded, while the Q5 Sportback e-Hybrid provides 433 liters (15.3 cu ft) and 1,300 liters (45.9 cu ft) because of its sloping roofline, in the UK specification.
The Q5 Sportback e-Hybrid is offered in 220 kW (295 hp) and 270 kW (362 hp) system outputs, combining a 185 kW (248 hp) 2.0 TFSI engine with a 105 kW (141 hp) electric motor integrated into a seven-speed S tronic transmission. System torque reaches 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) in the 220 kW version and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) in the 270 kW version.
The 270 kW variant accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.1 seconds, while the 220 kW variant completes the run in 6.2 seconds. Top speed is 250 km/h (155.3 mph). The high-voltage battery provides 25.9 kWh gross capacity and 20.7 kWh usable, supporting electric driving up to 100 km (62 miles) in the WLTP cycle, and EV-mode speeds of up to 140 km/h (87 mph).
AC charging capacity rises to 11 kW, enabling a 0-100 percent charge in 2.5 hours. Regenerative braking recovers up to 88 kW, and three recuperation levels are selectable using steering-wheel paddles. Two driving modes, EV and hybrid, adjust operation depending on route data and driver preferences.
Pricing
The new Audi Q5 Sportback e-Hybrid is priced starting from GBP 61,590 (USD 82,007) OTR. For reference, the regular Q5 Sportback begins at GBP 55,510 (USD 73,911).
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
