The 2026 Audi SQ5 Sportback delivers on the promise the brand made when it adopted the new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) for its next generation of vehicles.

EXTERIOR

Audi has had to straddle the line between keeping the older faithful buyers happy, having a fresh new look to attract new ones, but yet not scare potential customers in what is a normally conservative segment. It does manage to do all that.

Audi’s S cars were never visually aggressive, so the external upgrades to the SQ5 Sportback are subtle with wheels, a few extra body attachments, and carbon fibre side mirrors for a bit of differentiation.

There’s enough to set it apart from the standard Q5, but not enough to have upper management question your personality traits in the company parking lot. It’s overall a refined appearance for the level of performance on tap.

INTERIOR

What is not subtle is the inside of the SQ5, as PPC has made it bigger and better than before. There’s plenty of space — helped further by the panoramic sunroof, practical storage solutions, and a new level of refinement. Once past the sport striped puddle lamps, lit door handles, and S logo door sills, it’s hard to miss the lavish lashing of stitched leather, Alcantara, gloss black and carbon fibre trimmings as the S options can make the cabin scream speed racer.

When the powered heated and cooled driver’s seat, with the S logo embossed in the head rest, slides to aid ingress and egress, one is clear on the other benefit of PPC.

The triple screens of the Audi MMI panoramic display indicate a tech-forward design philosophy and premium convenience features galore to add to the sense of luxury. Everything and anything that can be powered or automated is, controlled through the current generation of Audi infotainment.

It’s fast, as logically laid out as the physical cabin, and runs crystal clear graphics on both the main 14.5-inch MMI and 10.9-inch front passenger touchscreens, aided by voice control. The B&O stereo delivers high quality audio from whatever source, as all modern connectivity elements are there, from Bluetooth to high output USB ports. Even the ambient lighting gets in on the act, creating a soothing atmosphere at night, while able to show colour confirmation of drive mode, if a door is open, and even the indicators.

Other active elements include the tri-zone climate control, able to know which seats are vacant and adjust as necessary.

ON THE ROAD

Drivers will know things are different when they see the lap timer in the 11.9-inch virtual cockpit. As an SUV the SQ5 starts and drives with little clue to its true potential. The suspension is a little firmer than a standard Audi, but that is the only obvious hint. The cabin is quiet, the seven-speed S tronic transmission smooth, as the SQ5 can operate close to autonomously with its active cruise control able to work down to 0mph making operating in urban traffic a breeze. Quattro means safety in inclement weather, and works with the ride height, and drive modes for some genuine off-road ability.

A deep push into the throttle, or switching to DYNAMIC mode the SQ5 unleashes its 367bhp and 406lb/ft of torque from its turbocharged 3-litre V6. Using the dramatic launch control the Audi bangs through the gears to hit 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds relentlessly making its way to a governed 155mph. Power delivery is like a freight train, rolling downhill being pulled towards a black hole. Even better, the SQ5 doesn’t just do straight line. The suspension, traction from Quattro, chassis tuning, steering, and braking give nothing but confidence at unbelievable velocities, even with a full load of passengers.

THE VERDICT

The Audi SQ5 Sportback easily delivers on the premium experience, and practicality expected from an SUV due to PPC. As an SUV for everyday use it doesn’t disappoint in the slightest. It looks good for those who like the SUV-coupé body style, and it’s bursting at the seams with modern tech. Beneath the unassuming skin is a driving ability and pure performance engaging enough to have the adrenalin pumping.

There’s plenty of space and practicality as the 2026 Audi SQ5 must meet the expectations of an SUV.(Photo: Rory Daley)

Beneath the bonnet of the 2026 Audi SQ5 is a beast of an engine, a 3-litre turbocharged V6 outputting 367bhp and 406lb/ft of torque.(Photo: Rory Daley)

The 2026 Audi SQ5 can be had in the popular coupé styling, Sportback in Audi-speak.(Photo: Rory Daley)

Premium Platform Combustion equals plenty of techology and refinement inside the 2026 Audi SQ5 Sportback.(Photo: Rory Daley)

Occupants, no matter where they are in the 2026 Audi SQ5, will not be shortchanged from the premium experience.(Photo: Rory Daley)

The SQ5 adds all the extras to go with its performance. (Photo: Rory Daley)