The Ingolstadt-based company announced the
unveiling of a Q5 Sportback model only recently, without saying how soon we
might get to see it in showrooms. Well, without further ado, meet the
first-ever Audi Q5 Sportback prototype, spotted undergoing public testing. With
this move, Audi will finally serve up a direct competitor to the likes of the
BMW X4 and the Mercedes GLC Coupe, and all we can say is that it was about
time, though not necessarily because the world needed yet another crossover.
Unfortunately Audi hasn’t said much else
about the Q5 Sportback, other than what its moniker implies, but we can assume
that it will be based on the upcoming Q5 facelift model, which has already been
spied this past winter. In terms of SUV models, this would be the third
Sportback Audi will offer. But if we’re counting by how many sloped-roof SUVs
the carmaker already sells (including the Q2 and Q8), this would become its
fifth model.
Since this prototype is really well
camouflaged, we can’t make out much other than its overall shape, compact
dimensions and perhaps some muscular rear fenders, similar to the Q3
Sportback’s design. Otherwise, expect more of the same as what you’d get on the
Q5 facelift meaning some updated front and rear fascia looks, and a more
modern interior.
Since the facelifted Q5 is set to be
revealed sometime later this year, we wouldn’t be at all surprised if the
Sportback variant made its debut before the year’s end too, sharing its
siblings TFSI gasoline and TDI diesel range. An SQ5 Sportback variant is also
probable, as is a plug-in hybrid TFSI e-quattro model
