Audi’s Q5 has proven to be one of the more popular premium SUVs in recent years, with a roomy interior, classy design and comfortable ride all finding favour with plenty of buyers.
And, to follow-up after a recent mid-life update on the Q5, Audi has now introduced a sleeker Sportback model – bringing more coupe-like styling to the range. It’s something already seen on rivals from BMW and Mercedes, and now it’s Audi’s go, too.
But should you choose it over the regular SUV? Let’s take a look.
Styling
One of the key attractions to these sleeker SUVs is the way they look – adding more in the way of sportiness over a regular boxier-shaped model.
That’s true here as well, with the Q5 Sportback getting a far more rakish roofline, which begins to swoop down from the B-pillar. It’s not quite as coupe-esque as some of its competitors, but brings a noticeably more attractive design. Other design changes include the Sportback having a revised rear bumper, while it’s marginally longer in length, too.
Which one you prefer the look of will be down to preference, though the more swoopy shape certainly gives it more street cred on the road, which can’t be disputed.
Practicality
Often the greatest disadvantage of choosing the coupe version of a car is practicality, and it’s something that just can’t be escaped – there’s ultimately a lower roofline, after all.
The Q5 Sportback doesn’t take a particularly big practicality hit, though, with boot space only down from 550 to 510 litres with the rear seats upright, and from 1,550 litres to 1,480 litres with the rear seats folded. Either way, you’re still left with a big boot, regardless of which version you choose, while individually folding rear seats and an optional sliding rear bench aids versatility further on both.
Cost
The Q5 Sportback remains available with the same choice of trim levels and engines as the standard SUV, with buyers also having the option of a petrol, diesel and a plug-in hybrid. It certainly means there’s little between them when it comes to choosing.
The difference really, though, comes in the price. So while the regular Q5 is available from £44,440, the Sportback’s most affordable version starts from £46,890 – a £2,450 difference. That might seem quite a big difference in money, but that’s very much the norm with any car of this type.
Verdict
Deciding between the Q5 and Q5 Sportback is a tricky decision, though whichever you choose you’ll still have a high-quality SUV that’s good to drive, comfortable and practical.
Judged on paper, the standard car certainly looks the most appealing – it’s both cheaper and roomier – but lacks the stylish coupe-shape of the Sportback. So if you value style, it can’t be disputed that it is the better option.
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