Audi Q5 Sportback vs Polestar 4
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Audi Q5 Sportback starts from $83,592 before on-road costs, while the Polestar 4 opens at $78,500. That makes the Polestar 4 the more affordable entry point by $5,092.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $91,951 and $86,350 respectively.
The Polestar 4 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi Q5 Sportback, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q5 Sportback features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-inch digital dash, while the Polestar 4 gets a 15.4-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q5 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Polestar 4. The Polestar 4 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, Bowers & Wilkins audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi Q5 Sportback gets leather upholstery while the Polestar 4 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi Q5 Sportback and 2-zone in the Polestar 4.
Drivetrain
The Audi Q5 Sportback uses a Petrol MHEV producing 150kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds.
The Polestar 4 responds with a Electric Motor making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.1 seconds.
The Polestar 4 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Polestar 4 is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi Q5 Sportback measures 4,717mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 123mm shorter than the Polestar 4 at 4,840mm (2,999mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Polestar 4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 515L in the Audi Q5 Sportback and 526L in the Polestar 4, giving the Polestar 4 a 11L advantage.
For towing, the Audi Q5 Sportback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m diameter
Average
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years (Audi Q5 Sportback) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Polestar 4). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q5 Sportback if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Polestar 4 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Polestar 4 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi Q5 Sportback and Polestar 4?
The Polestar 4 is the cheapest at $78,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi Q5 Sportback by $5,092.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi Q5 Sportback uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Polestar 4 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Polestar 4 has the largest boot at 526L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi Q5 Sportback has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Polestar 4 makes the most power at 200kW. The Polestar 4 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.1s.
Get ahead of your next car
Join free for new-car launches, news, reviews and buying guides. The independent take on what's new in Australia and what's actually worth buying, no dealer spin. Plus early access and founding-member pricing on the upcoming CarSorted Pro Report. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
