The 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback: A UK Review Style, Substance, and Sophistication

Audi has consistently delivered vehicles that blend luxury with practicality, and the 2025 Q5 Sportback for the UK market is no exception. This iteration of the popular mid-size SUV aims to offer a more dynamically styled alternative to the traditional Q5, boasting a coupe-like roofline that sacrifices minimal practicality for a significant boost in visual appeal. Having recently launched in the UK, with sales commencing in January 2025 and first deliveries in May 2025, the new Q5 Sportback promises to be a compelling choice in a competitive segment.

Design: A Sleeker Profile with Unmistakable Audi Presence

The most striking aspect of the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback is its design. While sharing its underpinnings with the standard Q5 SUV, the Sportback sets itself apart with a dramatically sloping roofline that seamlessly integrates into the rear, giving it a more athletic and less conventional silhouette. This "coupe-SUV" trend is well-established, and Audi has executed it with typical Germanic precision, resulting in a cohesive and appealing form factor that avoids the jarring lines seen in some rivals.

At the front, the Q5 Sportback features a broad, high-set Singleframe grille flanked by slim LED headlights and functional air curtains, contributing to a sportier stance. A continuous light strip across the rear connects the LED taillights, enhancing the car's width and modern aesthetic. Optional OLED lights on higher trims offer customizable light signatures, adding a touch of sophisticated personalization. The exterior is further accentuated by a choice of alloy wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches, with eye-catching designs available on S line and Edition 1 models. While the usual palette of greys is available, more vibrant options like Grenadine Red, Navarra Blue, and District Green offer a chance to stand out.

Inside, the 2025 Q5 Sportback continues Audi's tradition of high-quality craftsmanship and premium materials. The cabin feels sumptuous, with a clear sense of where your money goes. The "Softwrap" design, extending from the doors across the cockpit to the centre console, creates a welcoming and homogenous ambiance. While the overall design is smart and well-executed, the increasing reliance on touchscreens for various functions might not appeal to everyone. Some drivers might miss the tactile feedback of physical buttons, especially when operating features on the move. However, the displays themselves are impressive. A new "Digital Stage" integrates an 11.9-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus (digital instrument display) and a prominent 14.5-inch curved OLED MMI touchscreen, seemingly floating on the dashboard. Edition 1 models even boast a separate 10.9-inch passenger display with a privacy mode to prevent driver distraction. As expected, standard features include DAB radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Performance and Driving Experience: Refined and Assured

The 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback, built on Audi's Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture, is designed for a refined and undemanding driving experience on UK roads. At launch, the UK market will primarily see two engine options, both with a 204PS output and equipped with Audi's MHEV (mild hybrid electric vehicle) plus technology, aiming to boost efficiency and performance.

• 2.0 TFSI (Petrol): This 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine delivers 204PS and 340Nm of torque. Paired with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system, it offers brisk acceleration and a smooth power delivery.
• 2.0 TDI (Diesel): For those who prefer diesel, the 2.0-liter TDI also produces 204PS but boasts a higher torque figure of 400Nm. This engine is also mated to the seven-speed S tronic gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive. Reviews suggest this diesel unit is particularly refined and efficient, making it a strong choice for long-distance cruising.

A more powerful SQ5 Sportback variant is also available, featuring a 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged engine with 367PS and 550Nm of torque, promising a more exhilarating performance. Later in 2025, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options are expected to join the lineup, offering either 295bhp or 362bhp when the combustion engine and electric motor work in sync.

The driving dynamics of the Q5 Sportback are characterized by comfort and composure. It's not designed to be a hardcore sports SUV, with rivals like the BMW X4 offering a more engaging drive. However, the Q5 Sportback excels in providing a comfortable and stable ride, absorbing road imperfections with ease, especially with the optional adaptive air suspension. Steering is light and precise, though some might find it lacks the tactile feedback of more driver-focused vehicles. Body roll is well-controlled, and the quattro all-wheel-drive system ensures ample grip and confidence, even in challenging conditions. The mild-hybrid system seamlessly integrates with the combustion engine, allowing for short bursts of electric-only driving and contributing to improved fuel economy.

Practicality and Technology: Smarter, Not Significantly Smaller

Despite its sloping roofline, the Q5 Sportback remains surprisingly practical. The standard boot space is quoted at 515 liters, only slightly less than the regular Q5's 520 liters (when measured to the parcel shelf). With the rear seats folded, the capacity expands to a generous 1,415 liters (1,388 litres for the SQ5 Sportback due to extra mechanical components). Rear passenger headroom is slightly reduced compared to the standard Q5 due to the coupe-like roofline, but it generally remains sufficient for average-sized adults. The rear bench can slide forwards and backwards by 10cm, offering flexibility between legroom and boot space.

Technology is a significant highlight of the 2025 Q5 Sportback. Beyond the impressive digital displays, the car boasts a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. Standard equipment often includes rear parking sensors and a reversing camera, with options for a 360-degree camera and Park Assist Plus for automated parking. Higher trims and optional packs offer adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and traffic assist, making long journeys less fatiguing. The new Audi Assistant, a self-learning and AI-supported digital voice assistant, can recognize a wide range of commands and even integrates ChatGPT for more advanced queries. Audi connect services also provide a range of online functionalities.

Pricing: Premium Positioning

The 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback occupies a premium position in the UK SUV market. Prices for the Sportback are approximately £2,500 more than the equivalent Q5 SUV, reflecting its more stylish design.

As of early 2025, official UK pricing for the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback starts from:

• Sport TFSI quattro 204 PS S tronic: From £53,910
• Sport TDI quattro 204 PS S tronic: From £55,560
• S line: From £56,510
• Edition 1: From £60,710
• SQ5 Sportback: Prices for the performance variant start from approximately £74,400.

It's worth noting that these are "On The Road" (OTR) prices, and optional extras and packages can significantly increase the final cost. Common options include metallic paint, panoramic glass sunroof, adaptive suspension, and various technology or sound packs.

Conclusion: A Stylish and Capable Contender

The 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback for the UK market is a compelling proposition for those seeking a stylish and premium mid-size SUV that doesn't compromise too heavily on practicality. Its sleek design, refined driving dynamics, and sophisticated interior with advanced technology make it a strong contender in the competitive coupe-SUV segment. While it may not offer the most thrilling driving experience compared to some rivals, its comfort, quality, and comprehensive feature set make it an undemanding and highly appealing daily driver. For those who value a blend of elegance and capability, the 2025 Audi Q5 Sportback presents a very attractive package.