Audi SQ5 Sportback vs Polestar 4

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

Both the Audi SQ5 Sportback and Polestar 4 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, tested 2025. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 92% for the Polestar 4.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 9 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Polestar 4, against 6 on the Audi SQ5 Sportback.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 7 in the Polestar 4.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Audi SQ5 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 SQ5 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for 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 SQ5 Sportback gets leather upholstery while the Polestar 4 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 2-zone in the Polestar 4.

Drivetrain

The Audi SQ5 Sportback uses a Petrol MHEV producing 270kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 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 Audi SQ5 Sportback has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 200kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi SQ5 Sportback is 2.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi SQ5 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 SQ5 Sportback and 526L in the Polestar 4, giving the Polestar 4 a 11L advantage.

For towing, the Audi SQ5 Sportback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Polestar 4's turning circle is 0.2 m tighter, 11.6 m against 11.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi SQ5 Sportback costs about $2,166 a year (7.6 L/100km) and electricity for the Polestar 4 about $806 a year (16.8 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi SQ5 Sportback) and 5 years / Unlimited (Polestar 4).

Where each one leads

The Audi SQ5 Sportback: more power (270kW against 200kW) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 1,500kg).

The Polestar 4: the lower starting price ($78,500 against $109,900) and the bigger boot with the seats up (526L against 515L).

The Verdict

Polestar 4 scores higher, 75 vs 73

The Polestar 4 scores 75 to the Audi SQ5 Sportback's 73 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 26 points), value (Polestar 4 ahead by 16 points).

Common questions