The Audi SQ5 is the high-performance variant of the compact luxury crossover SUV Audi Q5, produced from 2012 and currently in its second generation. Audi’s main goals for the SQ5 are to improve the already excellent handling of the Q5 and to provide additional power through the limited range of high-performance engines, while also subtly setting it apart.
The First Generation 8R (2012-2017)
The SQ5 TDI comes after the release of the first generation Q5 facelift in 2012, and for the first time in the S model history, featuring a diesel engine. The 3.0L twin-turbo common-rail V6 generates 230kW (309hp) at 3900-4500rpm and 650Nm of torque at 1450-2800rpm.
It has an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h and could perform 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.1 seconds, faster than both Porsche Cayenne Turbo S and BMW X5 M50d, its comparable competition. It also comes close to the significantly more powerful 5.5L Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG (0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds).
The transmission came in an 8-speed Tiptronic variant coupled with Audi's quattro all-wheel drive with torque vectoring transfer. Sports suspension lowered the car by 30mm to provide stability, while 20-inch (optional 21-inch) aluminium alloy wheels with wide tires offered more grip.
Other visual changes include S-badged black front brake callipers, platinum-grey grille in single-frame design, and two exclusive color options, namely, Estoril Blue and Panther Black. Other options include Pearl Nappa or Alcantara Leather, adjustable sports seats, and interior color theme.
The SQ5 TDI Audi exclusive concept was a limited run of 50 units with Aral Blue crystal effect color, Fine Nappa leather upholstery and sports seats with white stitching, sunroof blind, as well as inlays and application shimmer.
The SQ5 3.0 TFSI quattro is the limited market petrol variant, with a 3.0L TFSI engine producing 260kW (349hp) at 6000-6500rpm and 470Nm of torque at 4000-4500rpm, paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and Audi’s quattro drive. It was available in select markets including the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and Russia but not in Australia or Europe.
Australian models came equipped with:
Dual Front/Head/Side Front Airbags, ABS, Air Con/Climate Control, 20-Inch Alloy Wheels, Brake Assist, Cruise Control, RC Central Locking, LED Daytime Running Lights, EBD, Electronic Differential Lock, ESP, Front Fog Lights, Hill Descent Control, Engine Immobiliser, Keyless Entry, and Drive, Leather Upholstery, Parking Distance Control Rear, Power Front Seat/Mirrors/Steering/Tailgate/Windows, Radio/CD Player, Roof Racks, Rear Spoiler, Rain-Sensing Wipers, Reversing Camera, SatNav, Seatbelts with Pretensioners (front), Sound System with 10 Speakers, Trip Computer, Traction Control System, Xenon Headlights
Launch Edition adds alarm system, 21-inch alloy wheels, digital audio broadcast radio, heated seats (front and rear), and a premium sound system with 14 speakers.
In the later models, more features were added as standard, including the following:
Automatic Stop/Start, Dusk-Sensing Headlights, Exterior Mirrors (auto-dimming/heated), Electric Parking Brake, Hill Holder, Paddle Shifters on Steering Wheel, Rear LED Lights
The Audi SQ5 PLUS 3.0 TDI Quattro comes with autonomous emergency braking, intelligent/active cruise control, inlays, and red brake calipers.
The engine's power has been raised to 250kW (335hp) and 700Nm of torque for this version.
The Second Generation FY (2017-present)
The current SQ5 model comes in 3.0L petrol and diesel variants, with Australia receiving only the petrol option.
The SQ5 TDI is equipped with a 3.0L V6 turbocharged diesel engine producing 255kW (347hp) at 3850rpm and 700Nm of torque at 1000-3100rpm, paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h, and it can perform 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.1 seconds.
The SQ5 TFSI comes with a 3.0L V6 turbocharged petrol engine producing 260kW (354hp) at 5400-6400rpm and 500Nm of torque at 1370-4500rpm, paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h, and it can perform 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.4 seconds.
The Australian models come with the following equipment:
Dual Front/Curtain/Head/Side Front Airbags, ABS, Active Bonnet, Air Con/Climate Control, Active High Beam Control, Anti-Slip Regulation, 21-Inch Alloy Wheels, Brake Assist, Cruise Control Intelligent/Active, Cargo Net, Cross-Traffic Recognition, Dynamic Damper/Damping Control, Driver Fatigue Detection, Dusk-Sensing Headlights, EBD, Electronic Differential Lock, Exterior Mirrors (auto-dimming/heated), Electric Parking Brake, ESP, Front Fog Lights, Hill Descent Control, Hill Holder, Heated Windscreen & Washer Jets, Engine Immobiliser, Leather Upholstery, Park Assist, Parking Distance Control (front & rear), Pedestrian Recognition, Power Front Seats, Power Mirrors With Folding/Indicators/Memory, Power Steering/Tailgate/Windows, Radio/CD Player, Roof Rails, Rear Spoiler, Rain-Sensing Wipers, Reversing Camera, SatNav, Surround Camera System, Sport Seats, Sound System with 10 Speakers, Start/Stop Button, Sports Steering Wheel (flat-bottomed), Spare Wheel, Trip Computer, Traction Control System
The 3.0 TFSI Quattro Black Edition comes with a high-gloss titanium black exterior package with black mirrors, roof rails, and accents. The interior receives an ambient lighting package with 30 color options, heated front seats, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and overall black-themed design.
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Author: Luka Kusic