New SQ5 TDI on its way

The perennial performance favourite, the Audi SQ5 TDI, is back and with even more reasons for its loyal fanbase to cheers about. Following hot on the heels of the new Q5 introduction only weeks ago and indeed the reintroduction of the model late last year, the refreshed new model is due to touch down in Australia in April sporting a host of improvements to engine, technology and equipment.

The classic SQ5 design has been further sharpened with Matrix LED headlights, which are now standard equipment, giving a more more aggressive ‘face’ along with the octagonal honeycomb finish in the octagonal Singleframe grille. The contours of the body are more sculptured and the rear sees the introduction of the all-new digital OLED rear lights as an option, a matte aluminium strip is integrated in the lower bumpers, and of course the trademark S model quad exhausts. There are no less than nine exterior paint finishes to choose from and customers can also opt for the black styling package.

Big 21-inch alloy wheels in five-spoke twin-spoke V design from Audi Sport add to the powerful look of the SQ5 TDI, filled with appropriately impressive brakes, with the S callipers finished in the distinctive red gloss.

As has been the case since the model’s first introduction, the centrepiece is of course the powerful 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine that performs as impressively as it sounds. 

Producing 251kW of power and a stump-pulling 700Nm of torque, it is a sensational powerplant that sees off the standing sprint to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds and has a governed top speed of 250km/h, yet can still deliver fuel consumption of 7.0 litres per 100km with CO2 emissions of just 185 g/km.

Many of the engine details have been revised in the new model, with new pistons, sensors, intercooler design and turbocharger. The powerplant also uses a 48v mild hybrid system (MHEV) with a belt alternator starter (BAS) for advanced start/stop and coasting functionality that’s good for up to 0.7l/100km/h fuel savings as well. The electric-powered compressor (EPC) spins up to 65,000 rpm in roughly 300 milliseconds, which provides instantaneous torque from incredibly low engine revs. For exhaust gas aftertreatment, Audi uses twin-dosing technology: two SCR catalytic converters working together, supplied with the AdBlue urea solution. This leads to substantially lower emissions in the WLTP real-world test cycle. 

The SQ5 TDI uses an eight-speed tiptronic transmission and of course quattro all-wheel drive is standard fare as it is on all Audi S models. The self-locking centre differential directs 40 percent of the torque to the front axle and 60 percent to the rear in normal driving conditions, but as required, up to 85 percent can be sent to the rear wheels. The standard adaptive suspension with damper control sees the SQ5 sit 30mm lower than the standard Q5 models, adding to the vehicle’s considerable road presence but more importantly lowering the centre of gravity and delivering superb ride and handling.  

The optional air suspension adjusts the ride height of the body through five levels depending on the driving situation, while the optional quattro sport differential can provide further adjustment, directing almost all of the rear axle’s torque to either wheel during particularly dynamic driving. The result is a vehicle that delivers sportscar performance with SUV practicality and convenience, in a luxury package.

But it’s not all about the performance of the SQ5, even if that’s one of the most attractive factors to its fanbase. The luxurious finish and interior are reason enough in their own right to recommend the SQ5 TDI to those who like the finer things in life.

The cabin is superbly finished with fine Nappa leather sport seats (front seats also heated) with diamond stitching, and rear seats that can be split 40:20:40, and slide fore and aft to create additional legroom during longer journeys. There is also a three-zone climate control feature that allows passengers to regulate the temperature in the rear row. 

The rear tailgate offers hands-free operation and the convenience key allows keyless entry and start. Privacy glass for the rear seats is standard, as is the panoramic sunroof which brings the outside in.

Ambient lighting with the choice of over 30 different colour tones allows the driver to tailor the interior mood, while the Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system with 19 speakers and 755W provides the perfect musical accompaniment should you ever grow tired of the engine growl.

There is a flat-bottom multifunction leather steering wheel with electric adjustment and shift paddles as well as unique displays in the standard Audi virtual cockpit plus and head-up display for enhanced safety and visibility, while connectivity and infotainment is state-of-the-art.

Audi smartphone interface via Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, a new 10.1-inch high-resolution MMI touch display, Audi phone box light with wireless charging for mobile phones (with Qi standard) and two simultaneous Bluetooth connections, Digital DAB+ radio and 4 USB outlets (two in the rear) cover pretty much all bases. But this new SQ5 TDI also comes with Audi connect plus for the first time, introducing all manner of additional functions through its connection with the surroundings world. These include everything from online traffic to fuel prices, parking information and Google Maps into the Q5 driving experience, together with a host of additional functions enabled through the myAudi smartphone app like remote lock/unlock, service request, emergency call and more, thanks to the embedded SIM card.

The new SQ5 TDI again represents a perfect combination of performance, technology and luxury and builds on the on the SQ5 ideal to make the new model an ever sharper proposition. Priced from $104,900*, the new model will touch down in Australia in April and continue the proud tradition that has made this model such an overwhelming success since the start.

(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)