The refurbished Q5 Sportback has already become a top contender in the luxury compact SUV segment.

In 2006 Audi launched its first SUV, the Q7. It was greeted with great enthusiasm by the general public and motorcar aficionados alike. Audi went on to expand the ‘Q’ range to five dedicated ‘Q’ models, including the launch of the Q5 in 2009, the Q3 in 2012, the Q2 in 2016 and the Q8 in 2019. Subsequently, this German-based super brand went on to launch further generations of each model, including their very latest version of the Q5. This month, compliments of the outstanding team at Audi Centre Qatar, FACT magazine got behind the wheel of the 2022 Audi Q5 45 TFSI Sportback Quattro, an experience we won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

The Q5 Sportback is instantly impressive to the eye, exuding the powerful yet refined presence that is now synonymous with the ever popular ‘Q’ range. At the front, the LED headlights, with their signature daytime running light feature, are fitted as standard, whilst the flawlessly designed honeycomb octagonal Singleframe grille contributes greatly to the vehicle’s robust appearance. At the flanks, elegant lines flow effortlessly from front to rear, emphasising the stylish five-double-spoke alloy wheels as well as the subtle roof spoiler. The body of the Q5 tapers acutely at the back end, leading the eye to the wellcrafted LED rear combination lamps. Four chrome-plated oval tailpipe trims sit under the tail end bumper, yet another striking feature highlighting the sporty intent of the new Q5.

Slipping inside the Sportback, we were greeted by uber comfortable, electrically adjustable sport seats with four-way lumbar support and memory function, alongside a host of other driver-friendly features. The dark colours of the interior are complemented by contrasting stitching located on both the steering wheel and seating. The three-spoke, flat bottomed, sports contour, leather wrapped, multifunctional steering wheel, complete with electromechanical power steering and electric adjustment capabilities, is so impressive, it deserves a paragraph of its very own.

As we carefully inspected every inch of the vehicle, we noted that all the materials, trimmings and finishes throughout were of a premium quality, as expected from a prestigious brand such as Audi. Space wise, there is ample head, shoulder and leg room for all passengers, with the adjustable rear bench able to comfortably fit up to three adults. The sense of spaciousness inside the vehicle is enhanced through the presence of a panoramic glass sunroof. Optimum comfort levels are maintained with the aid of the threezone climate control system. The luggage compartment has a capacity of 510-litres, a volume that can be increased up to 1,480-litres with the rear seats folded flat. A power tailgate has been included as standard for everyday convenience.

As far as displays, controls and infotainment are concerned, the Q5 Sportback features the MIB 3, a third-generation modular infotainment system. When installed, the Audi virtual cockpit plus exhibits a 12.3-inch display as well as a practical head-up display. The MMI navigation plus infotainment system is also paired with a 10.1-inch touch display and can be activated via voice control using the phrase ‘Hey Audi’. We also connected our smartphones to this user-friendly system which allowed us access to an array of additional features. For added safety and convenience, the most important displays and functions can be effortlessly accessed through the multifunction steering wheel.

Performance wise, our 2022 all-wheel-drive Audi Q5 boasts a 2.0 TFSI, inline four-cylinder petrol engine that produces a displacement of 1,984cc, a max power output of 265hp and 370Nm of torque. The crisp sound of this capable engine is testament to the design quality of the Q5 and even the smallest exertion of pressure on the accelerator delivers an immediate and impressive response. Combined with a seven-speed S tronic transmission, a 12V mild hybrid engine, sports suspension and the quattro drive with ultra-technology, the new Q5 is able to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds and has an electrically capped top speed of 240km/h. All of this coupled with a dual circuit braking system with hydraulic assist, enabled us to be in complete control of the driving experience and we can honestly say we had an extremely enjoyable day manoeuvring this finely tuned machine around the city streets.

Additionally, the latest generation Q5 has been fitted with multiple driver assist systems. These include adaptive cruise control, lane change assist, turn assist, swerve assist, cross-traffic assist, exit warning assist, parking assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system, a pre-sense city system to help avoid collisions, multiple airbags and so much more. ✤

GO: FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE NEW Q5 45 TFSI SPORTBACK QUATTRO, CALL AUDI CENTRE QATAR ON 4445 2333 AND BOOK A PREMIUM TEST DRIVE OF YOUR OWN.

“The Q5 Sportback is instantly impressive to the eye, exuding the powerful yet refined presence that is now synonymous with the ever popular ‘Q’ range.”