Audi Q5 Sportback: Is This the GLC's Worst Nightmare?
The gloves are off in the luxury SUV coupe arena. Audi has just unleashed the second-generation Q5 Sportback, and it's packing some serious heat.
Set to arrive in South Africa in 2026, this sleek machine is more than just a pretty face – it's a technological tour de force with performance to match.
While official South African specs are still under wraps, European models are getting a trio of potent engines, all with 48-volt mild-hybrid tech for that extra boost.
Petrolheads will be drooling over the SQ5's 3.0-litre V6, churning out a mighty 270 kW and 550 Nm. That's enough to leave the GLC scrambling to keep up.
But the Q5 Sportback isn't just about brute force. Step inside, and you'll be greeted by Audi's latest digital masterpiece. A 11.9-inch Virtual Cockpit display sits alongside a massive 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
There's even an optional 10.9-inch screen for the front passenger – talk about keeping the peace on those long road trips!
Don't think that sleek roofline means sacrificing practicality. The Q5 Sportback still boasts a respectable 515 litres of boot space, expandable to 1 415 litres with the rear seats folded. Perfect for a weekend getaway or a shopping spree in Sandton City.
Audi has also thrown in a whole suite of driver assistance tech. From adaptive cruise control to lane departure warning, the Q5 Sportback has your back (and your front, and your sides!).
So, is the Q5 Sportback the GLC killer Audi wants it to be? We'll have to wait until 2026 to find out for sure.
But one thing's certain: the battle for SUV coupe supremacy just got a whole lot more interesting.
