2023 Audi SQ5 Sportback

Although enthusiasts tried to fight hard against coupe-style SUVs, the market's reaction was so positive that brands just had to keep popping them out, and the 2023 Audi SQ5 Sportback is a great example. A review of the Audi SQ5's rivals reveals tough competition against the likes of the BMW X4 in M40i guise and the Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 Coupe. The Sportback is differentiated from the regular SQ5 SUV by its sloping roofline and an angled C-pillar, as opposed to its sibling's more conventional upright hatch. This translates to a noticeable reduction in rear headroom and trunk space. Compared to the normal Q5 Sportback, the SQ5 benefits from more aggressive bumper designs and a set of larger 20-inch alloy wheels. It also has S-specific adaptive damping and a lower ride height. In the USA, the SQ5 Sportback is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter gas V6 with a power output of 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Using quattro all-wheel drive and a Tiptronic eight-speed automatic transmission, the car boasts a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph - or 130 mph on all-season tires.

The price of the Audi SQ5 Sportback range starts with the Premium trim at an MSRP of $59,900 excluding a destination charge of $1,195. After this comes the Premium Plus at $63,300 while the Prestige tops things off at a cost of $68,500. Individual options are largely limited with the bulk of the configuration experience relying on a small number of packages. When fully loaded, the most you'd pay for an SQ5 Sportback Prestige is over $75,000.

The 2023 SQ5 Sportback provides a driving experience that you would expect from an Audi Sport product. Despite being a compact SUV, it offers sharp cornering without delivering a harsh ride. Unfortunately, the numb power steering detracts from overall driver satisfaction. If you want to extract the most out of its chassis, we'd recommend selecting the S Sport package, which adds a rear sports differential and adaptive air suspension. Coupling this with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, good for 349 hp and 369 lb-ft, the 2023 SQ5 Sportback works great as a daily driver as well. It provides good performance, including a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds which admittedly is not as fast as its rivals, but still plenty fast enough. Despite it being a larger V6 unit, its gas consumption is reasonable, if not particularly good.

Compared to the likes of the BMW X4 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, it is hard to consider the SQ5 Sportback a class leader in the midsize coupe crossover segment. When compared to the standard SQ5 SUV, you pay a premium for a compromised interior, with the only difference being visible in the rear styling. The upshot is, of course, its sleek appearance, so you'll have to decide how important this is to you. It exhibits really good ride quality, a fair list of standard features, and punchy performance. Some of the criticisms against it are dealt with if you specify the S Sport package, but even with this equipped, the Audi SQ5 Sportback's competitors still feel like they're one step ahead. There are a few options to consider in this segment, and while the SQ5 Sportback is by no means the worst one, your money may be better spent elsewhere if you want a truly sporty coupe-style SUV.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback in Prestige guise is the costliest model of the range but when you look at what is included as standard, it does offer the best value at $68,500. It includes all of the basic and intermediate comfort and safety features with the added benefit of Audi's impressive Matrix-LED headlights and OLED taillights, the navigation package, a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, and a head-up display with traffic sign recognition. It also inherits the Convenience Package, virtual cockpit plus, and adaptive cruise control from the Premium Plus.

Avoiding the base trim model also gives you access to the optional Nappa leather upholstery, S Sport package, dynamic steering, warm weather package, and other visual revisions. Without any of these optional extras, it is still a conclusive premium offering.