The A5 Sportback has four frameless doors and a long, tapering roofline, giving it a "coupé-like" appearance. While it shares many exterior cues with the A5 coupé, the Sportback's interior is similar to the A4 sedan; although all A5 models have same platform as the A4, the Sportback is closer in design to the A4 than the rest of the A5 family. The Sportback has been described as "a sedan with the front end (including an identical S-line look) and taillights of the A5 coupe but the wheelbase of the A4", with the Sportback positioned more as the "designer's car" compared to the more conventional A4 sedan.

The Sportback model is available in Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Middle East, Mexico, and South Africa. It is not sold in the United States and Canada.

Early production models included 2.0 TFSI quattro 155 kW (211 PS; 208 hp), 3.2 FSI quattro, 2.0 TDI 125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp) with 6-speed manual gearbox and start/stop system, 2.7 TDI, 3.0 TDI quattro.

Production versions went on sale in September 2009.

The A5 Sportback is available with two petrol engines or three diesel engines.