Review
Audi SQ5
In this test we tackle the extremely sporty SQ5. With 354 hp under the hood, this SUV guarantees a lot of driving pleasure and we were looking forward to a trip with this sporty car.
Engine
Under the hood of the SQ5 we find a V6 3.0 TFSI engine with a power of 354 hp and a maximum torque of 500 Nm. The Audi SQ5 goes from 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Quattro
The Audi SQ5 has permanent Quattro all-wheel drive. In normal driving conditions, the system distributes engine power in favor of the rear wheels over the two axles. Most of the power can also be sent to the axle with the most traction. If you are driving sportily in the bends, the software will brake the wheel on the inside of the bend. This allows the SQ5 to steer lightly into the bend, which improves driving pleasure.
8-speed automatic
In terms of transmission, the SQ5 is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The low gears have a sporty-short transmission ratio. The highest gears have a long ratio that helps reduce engine speed and fuel consumption.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack of the V6 TFSI petrol engine sounds less brutal than the previous diesel version, but no less sporty. The sounds of this block certainly appeal to us.
Driver assistance systems
The new Audi SQ5 has the same driver assistance systems as the Q5. For example, the adaptive speed controller with traffic jam assistant can partially take over the steering of the SUV in a traffic jam. The Audi active lane assist ensures that the SQ5 stays within its lane and the distance display warns the driver if the safety distance to vehicles in front is not respected. There is also an exit warning, an avoidance assistant and a system that helps the driver when turning. Just like the Q5, the SQ5 also has Audi pre sense city as standard. This system warns the driver of pedestrians and vehicles and can even automatically perform emergency braking (within the limits of the system).
Virtual cockpit
Optionally, you can also opt for a digital dashboard in the form of the Audi Virtual Cockpit. Then you get a 12.3” screen with all important information digitally. The image on the screen also looks very sharp and in high resolution. You can, among other things, choose to display the navigation map on the screen. The display options also include an S-specific sports mode, with a central location for the tachometer.
Sporty look
The SQ5 also looks sporty on the outside, although it is rather modest. The SQ5 is like a wolf in sheep’s clothing and that makes this sporty SUV extra attractive. You can recognize it, including the sporty bumper at the front and back. These are equipped with S-specific air inlets and a diffuser with honeycomb grille. The also S-specific radiator grille is finished with double aluminum frames and contrasting decorative elements in matt Twilight Gray. All light functions use LED technology and the dynamic turn signals look very nice.
The rear bumper houses the specific double tailpipes of the dual-circuit exhaust system and an aluminum diffuser strip. However, they are hidden behind false holes in the bumper. This is not to everyone’s taste.
Prices
- Basic price of the Audi SQ5: 67,390 euros in Belgium
- Price of the car as tested: 83,866 euros
Conclusion
The new Audi SQ5 is a real all-rounder with its Quattro permanent all-wheel drive. You can drive dynamically in all conditions without losing grip. The engine is packed with power and despite the fact that it is an SUV, this car still feels very light on its feet. Even with the sporty character of this car, the SQ5 is still very usable and comfortable for everyday use.
Additional exterior images and exhaust sound recordings:
Johan De Haes
Test driver
