Audi Q5 Sportback: with the mild hybrid diesel you travel far

The time of diesel is not over yet. Audi continues to focus on diesel engines for its internal combustion vehicles, combining them with the efficient 48 V mild hybrid plus system capable of further reducing consumption and emissions. Even on the new generation of the Q5 Sportback , the D-segment SUV coupé, the company with the Four Rings maintains the proven 2.0 Tdi 204 hp engine with a mild hybrid system. Alongside this engine, the price list also includes a 2.0 petrol 204 hp , with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the sporty SQ5 with the 3.0 V6 367 hp and the plug-in hybrid with power outputs of 299 and 367 hp . The price list starts at 68,850 euros for the petrol version, 72,950 euros for the diesel, 75,450 euros for the plug-in and 93,050 euros for the sporty SQ5.

In the Audi range, the Sportback designation identifies the coupé and hatchback versions of sedans and SUVs. The Q5 is no exception: it maintains the muscular shapes of the front, underlined by the large air intakes around the grille, while the sloping roof and the sloping rear window improve aerodynamics, lowering the Cx to 0.30. Compared to the previous generation, the new Q5 is sportier thanks to the sharper front headlights, the belt line that rises towards the tailgate and the new rear light band that joins the light clusters. The Q5 Sportback is 4,717 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, 1,642 mm high and has a wheelbase of 2,820 mm .

The interior of the Audi Q5 Sportback has also been profoundly renewed compared to the previous generation. The so-called Digital Stage makes its debut, a curved panoramic screen that includes an 11.9" digital dashboard and a 14.5" infotainment display, with Oled technology and ChatGpt integration in the voice assistant. The most accessorised versions also come standard with a third 10.9" screen in front of the passenger, which allows you to control the navigation and media functions, as well as watching films and streaming videos independently of the main infotainment system through the applications available in the store. Despite the extensive use of technology and screens, there is no shortage of physical buttons on the dashboard, in this case in the form of touch buttons, to control the main functions. Comfort is one of the key points of the Q5 Sportback: the front seats are equipped with electrical adjustments, memory functions, heating and ventilation. There is also plenty of space for luggage: 515 litres of capacity, just five less than the traditional SUV, which drops to 475 on the SQ5 and 432 on the plug-in.

All the engines available for the new Audi Q5 Sportback are electrified. The range opens with the 2.0 Tfsi petrol with 204 hp and 340 Nm of torque, with a 24 hp 48 V mild hybrid plus system and available with both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. Consumption stands at 6.6-7.4 and 6.9-7.8 l/100 km . The 2.0 Tdi with 204 hp and 400 Nm of torque remains in the range, also with the Mhev + system, which allows for consumption of 5.9-6.7 l/100 km . The sporty SQ5 instead mounts the 3.0 V6 with 367 hp and 550 Nm, again with a mild hybrid system, with consumption of 8.1-8.8 l/100 km . Finally, there is a plug-in version with two power outputs: 299 and 367 hp , in both cases with the 2.0 Tfsi petrol engine with 252 hp as the base internal combustion engine. The 25.9 kWh battery allows you to travel 100 and 95 km in electric mode respectively.

From the first approach with the Audi Q5 Sportback diesel , its target use is clear. If there is in fact a condition of use in which the diesel engine remains unbeatable, this is driving on the motorway at cruising speed for long stretches. And it is here that the 2.0 Tdi 204 hp excels, thanks to a good torque, the right power to move two tons of weight and rather low consumption, in the order of 18 km per litre . The occupants travel in comfort thanks to the comfortable seats both in the front and in the back, where the legroom is more than sufficient and the sloping roof does not compromise habitability even for adults. The Q5 Sportback is a medium-large diesel SUV, so it is not right to expect exciting performance, but the driving set-up is well calibrated to tackle even the most tortuous roads without difficulty thanks to the five-arm multilink suspension in the front and in the back. The all-wheel drive , standard on the diesel version, offers greater safety on slippery surfaces and allows you to tackle rough terrain and light off-roading, thanks also to two specific suspension settings that can be selected when necessary.

Here's what we liked and disliked about the Audi Q5 Sportback:

• Diesel engine: for the house of the Four Rings it is still very important, especially in the fleet sector. The ideal choice for those who travel a lot
• Comfort: The Q5 Sportback is comfortable for passengers and quiet, giving its best on the motorway at cruising speeds.
• Consumption: 18 km/l is an interesting figure for an SUV weighing over two tons

• Visibility: the sloping rear window greatly reduces the view to the rear, which is why the rear camera is essential