2022 Audi Q5 Sportback S line 2.0 TFSI quattro Review

In Malaysia's executive-grade SUV market, consumer demand for a balance between "sportiness" and "practicality" is becoming increasingly evident — they want the sleek lines of a coupe without sacrificing the space and versatility of an SUV. The 2022 Audi Q5 Sportback S line 2.0 TFSI quattro is a model that targets this specific niche, enhancing visual impact with its S line sports package while retaining the quattro stability and luxurious features of the Q5 series. The core purpose of this test drive is to verify whether this "coupe SUV" can strike the perfect balance in design, performance, and everyday usability.

At first glance, the Q5 Sportback S line gives off a "dynamic but not exaggerated" vibe. The car measures 4689mm in length, 1893mm in width, and 1660mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2819mm. Its slightly lower body compared to the standard Q5, combined with the sloping rear, creates a sleek coupe silhouette. The front of the car features a unique S line honeycomb grille paired with Audi's signature LED daytime running lights, which ensure high recognition. The side profile has a waistline extending from the fender to the taillights, further enhancing the sporty feel when combined with the 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels (tire size 255/45 R20). The rear LED taillights feature a smoked finish, complementing the dual exhaust outlets, achieving a design that balances the refinement of an executive-class vehicle with the preference of younger consumers for a sporty style.

Stepping into the cabin, the luxury and technological feel are immediately apparent. The center console is wrapped in soft-touch materials with aluminum trim, giving it a delicate tactile feel. The 10.1-inch touchscreen in the center is smooth to use and supports CarPlay/Android Auto. Alongside it, the fully digital instrument cluster (12.3 inches, standard) displays information such as navigation and power data, offering strong practicality. In terms of features, the front seats support electric adjustment (with 4-way lumbar support) and heating functionality, while the driver’s seat includes a memory function, which is very convenient for daily use. The rear seats offer a 40:20:40 split and manual recline functionality, and the 510L trunk can be expanded by folding the seats, making it suitable for family outings or cargo transport. In terms of details, the dual-zone automatic climate control, Bang & Olufsen 19-speaker sound system, and keyless entry/start are all standard, which aligns well with the positioning of an executive-class vehicle.

In terms of space performance, the 2819mm wheelbase brings ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. A passenger who is 175cm tall sitting in the rear still has about two fists’ worth of legroom, while the sloping roofline makes the headroom slightly tighter than the standard Q5 but still offers about one fist's worth of clearance, preventing a cramped feeling. Storage space is well-designed: the front center armrest box has significant capacity, and the door panel storage compartments can fit two bottles of mineral water. The rear air conditioning vents are equipped with USB ports, ensuring convenient charging for passengers.

As for performance, the 2.0T turbocharged engine (1984mL displacement) has a maximum output of 249PS and a peak torque of 370N·m (1600-4500rpm), paired with a 7-speed DCT gearbox and quattro AWD system. Officially, it can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds. During actual driving, the power response is brisk at start-up, providing a noticeable push-back sensation with a light press on the accelerator; mid-to-high speed acceleration remains smooth and linear, and overtaking is seamless with quick gear shifts and minimal jolts. There are three driving modes: Comfort, Auto, and Dynamic. Switching to Dynamic mode increases the weight of the steering wheel, and throttle response becomes more sensitive, catering to users who enjoy sporty driving. In Comfort mode, the power output is gentler, making it more suitable for daily commuting.

The handling and chassis performance are commendable. The steering is precise with minimal play, and the car maintains stable body posture during cornering; the suspension system adopts a front MacPherson + rear multi-link structure, tuned for sportiness but not overly stiff—most small vibrations on city roads are well filtered out, and there is no significant bumping sensation when passing speed bumps. The quattro all-wheel drive system can effectively distribute power on slippery roads or during cornering, enhancing stability and providing confidence in daily driving. In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined figure is 8L/100km; during actual test drives (a mix of city and highway driving), it was around 8.5L/100km. Considering the all-wheel drive system and performance, this result is above average for models in the same class.

As for driving comfort, the noise insulation is quite good. Wind and tire noise are kept within a reasonable range during high-speed driving; the seats have excellent wrap-around support and don't cause fatigue even during long drives. It’s worth mentioning that the engine start-stop technology and automatic parking assist are both standard features, making everyday use more convenient.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2022 Audi Q5 Sportback S line 2.0 TFSI quattro are clear: its coupe-style design balances sportiness and practicality, it comes with rich features (such as B&O sound system, full digital instrument cluster, heated seats), and offers powerful performance with stable handling. Compared to peers like the BMW X4 or Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, its price (RM 487,224) offers better value, and it comes standard with a more comprehensive all-wheel drive system and safety features (6 airbags, lane change assist, forward collision warning, etc.).

This vehicle suits two types of consumers: first, young buyers who prioritize design and performance—they want the aesthetics of a coupe but need the space of an SUV; second, families looking for a balanced option that can handle both daily commutes and family outings. If you're debating between “sportiness” and “practicality” in an executive SUV, the Q5 Sportback S line is a good choice—it has no obvious shortcomings and combines daily usability with driving pleasure.

In conclusion, the 2022 Audi Q5 Sportback S line 2.0 TFSI quattro is an "all-rounder" coupe-style SUV. It perfectly integrates sporty design, luxurious features, and practical space, making it ideal for most consumers who value quality and balance.