Audi SQ5 – Diesel performance SUV

The Q5 is a car that makes a lot of sense. A mid-size SUV from Audi that hits a certain middle line, but what if you want something a little less sensible, while still flying under the radar. How does a 3.0 L V6 with 341 hp and a whopping 700 Nm sound? Sounds tempting? Then the new Audi SQ5 might be the car for you.

An interesting concept where instead of giving the SQ5 a petrol engine, as with almost every other S model, the SQ5 got a diesel. An approach that has held on since 2012, and from the press release, it is evident that Audi is very proud of their engine. In truth, it is what makes the S in the SQ5. 0-100 km/h is done in 5.1 seconds. Peak torque is available from as low as 1750 rpm, all the way to 3250 rpm. Translation: an endless surge of power.

Here are the highlights of the engine:

  • Mild hybrid 48 V tech
  • Numerous special mechanical improvements to the engine
  • Electric supercharger
  • Placement of the intercooler on top of the engine
  • Electric supercharger
  • Twin NOx catalytic converters

It is then not just a big engine without any sophistication. Consumption is 8.2 L/100 km according to the WLTP test cycle. An option that should come as standard is the optional sport differential. It is an S model after all. But how far you have to push it to actually feel the difference, for an SUV nonetheless, it might be difficult to justify such an option.

Although with S-sport chassis, which makes the SQ5 sit 30 mm lower, active damper control, optional dynamic steering and active four wheel drive which can send up to 70 % of the power to the front, and up to 85 % to the rear, the SQ5 should behave even on some tighter roads.   

Price starts at 67 000 euro. But as more and more hybrids are flooding the market, with electric engines that can deliver the big torque experience, and not cost a fortune in taxes, the SQ5 might be a hard one to sell to the public. Let’s hope not.

You may also like...