Coupe-style SUVs continue to have strong appeal in the United States, where the Audi SQ5 Sportback is the leading option for motorists. Compared to the regular SQ5 SUV, the Sportback stands out with its angled C-pillar and sloping roofline. It also boasts a set of larger 20-inch alloy wheels, more aggressive bumper designs, and a lower ride height.
If you are considering purchasing the new 2023 Audi SQ5 Sportback, then this blog post is for you. Here, your expert team at Audi Charlotte will highlight everything you need to know about this year's model, including engine, performance, fuel economy, interior, comfort, infotainment, safety, and much more. Let's get started.
What's New and First Impression
With the new Audi SQ5 Sportback, you will benefit from adaptive cruise control as standard. The Premium Plus trim also gets a Bang & Olufsen surround sound system, while the Quantum Gray shade has been replaced with a Chronos Gray color.
The pros of the Audi SQ5 Sportback include its exceptional ride quality, reasonable fuel efficiency, interior comfort, impressive list of standard features, and excellent V6 engine. This leads to a very strong first impression of a coupe-style SUV that combines design, performance, reliability, safety, and value for money.
The SQ5 Sportback is available in three different trims: the Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims. Features such as the 20-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, LED head and taillights, and power tailgate are included as standard on all trims.
On the Premium Plus trims, you will find an emergency braking intervention, a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, and a top-view camera system. Only on the Prestige trim will you find Matrix-Design LED headlights, a conclusive head-up display unit, and heating for the rear seats.
Engine and Performance
Audi's 3.0-liter V6 TFSI mill produces 349 hp and 369 lb-ft. Along with the eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and Audi's quattro all-wheel drive, the performance specs speak for themselves.
The Sportback can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds and boasts a top speed of 155 mph on summer tires. Power delivery on the Sportback is responsive and there is a minimal amount of lag.
Fuel Economy
So, how does the SQ5 Sportback's performance affect fuel economy? We can say that consumption is on par with other V6-powered models. It has EPA-rated figures of 19/24/21 mpg city/highway/combined.
Based on these numbers and with its 18.5-gallon fuel tank filled to capacity with premium gasoline, owners can expect an average of 389 miles before there is a need to refuel. This is the same as the numbers for the regular SQ5.
This translates to an annual fuel cost of $3,050 for the SQ5 Sportback. The cost of driving 25 miles is $5.10 while the total cost to fill the tank is $79.
Comfort and Interior
The Audi SQ5 Sportback is the perfect family car. In terms of headroom, it measures 38 inches in the front row and 37.5 inches in the rear. In simple terms, that means that a six-foot-tall person can occupy the rear bench with a good amount of comfort.
For those in the front row, they can enjoy Audi's sports seats as a standard fitment with leather and Dinamica combination upholstery. For an additional $1,000, it is possible to cover the front seats in fine Nappa leather with diamond stitching.
When it comes to trunk space, the Sportback comes with an impressive 24.7 cubic feet of space. This is considerably more than rival options such as the GLC Couple (17.6 cubic feet) and the X4 (18.5 cubic feet). This means there is plenty of space for suitcases and whatever else you need for day-to-day business and weekend trips.
The cabin itself features an array of space options, including door pockets, cupholders (both front and rear), a glovebox, seatback map pockets, and an under-armrest storage bin.
Connectivity and Infotainment
Standard infotainment offerings on the SQ5 include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, three 12-volt outlets, and two USB ports. The Premium Plus and Prestige trims also boast features such as Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display and Wi-Fi hotspot.
The 10.1 inch touchscreen is responsive and fast, thanks to the MIB3 operating system. Navigating is satisfying and easy with a straightforward layout.
Safety Features and Warranty
While the SQ5 Sportback has not been comprehensively evaluated by local crash authorities, the Q5 Sportback has. Therefore, we can get a good reading of the vehicle's safety standards.
According to the IIHS, the Q5 Sportback scores the highest possible rating (Good) in all of its crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA has only evaluated the SQ5 Sportback for the rollover test, where it received a four-star rating. The Q5 Sportback received an overall five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.
Some of the standard safety features on the SQ5 Sportback include:
- Six airbags
- Park sensors
- Cruise control
- Automatic emergency braking
- Collision detection
On the two upper trims, park assist, top-view camera, and lane assist are also included. The SQ5 Sportback comes with a basic warranty of four years (50,000 miles), drivetrain of four years (50,000 miles), corrosion of 12 years (unlimited miles), and roadside assistance of four years (unlimited mileage).
Your Review of the 2023 Audi SQ5 Sportback
The SQ5 Sportback is undoubtedly a class leader in the midsize coupe crossover segment. Its sleek appearance, impressive performance on the road, impressive list of standard features, and good infotainment line-up mean it's an excellent option overall.
If you would like to test drive the 2023 Audi SQ5 Sportback, your premier choice is Audi Charlotte. Call us today at 877-217-9603 or click here to contact our team.
