The automotive industry is in a constant state of flux, where innovation and tradition often collide to create vehicles that are both familiar and revolutionary. Audi, a name synonymous with luxury, engineering precision, and cutting-edge technology, continues to push these boundaries. The release of the all-new third-generation Audi SQ5 serves as a testament to this.
This latest iteration of the beloved SUV is not just a facelift but an evolution that encompasses significant advancements in design, performance, and technology.
Table of Contents
The Return to V6 Petrol Power: A Nod to Performance Enthusiasts
At the heart of the new Audi SQ5 lies a powerful 3.0-liter V6 TFSI engine, a clear signal that Audi is once again embracing petrol power. This move is particularly noteworthy considering the previous model’s diesel V6 engine. The shift back to a petrol engine represents a return to a more traditional powertrain configuration that many driving enthusiasts will welcome. The engine churns out an impressive 362bhp and 406lb-ft of torque, numbers that promise to deliver exhilarating performance on the road.
The V6 engine is paired with Audi’s renowned quattro all-wheel-drive system, which has been a hallmark of the brand for decades. This system ensures that the SQ5 maintains optimal traction and stability, regardless of road conditions. Complementing this setup is a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, designed to provide seamless gear shifts and enhance the driving experience. While specific performance metrics such as 0-60 mph acceleration and top speed have yet to be disclosed, it is safe to assume that the SQ5 will deliver in these areas, given its impressive power output and sophisticated drivetrain.
Design: A Balance Between Aggression and Elegance
Audi has always been known for its understated yet sophisticated design language, and the new SQ5 is no exception. The exterior of the SQ5 has been meticulously crafted to not only look modern and aggressive but also to improve aerodynamic efficiency. The front of the vehicle features a gloss black ‘singleframe’ grille, which is wider and more imposing than ever before. Flanking the grille are massive air intakes, which not only contribute to the SUV’s aggressive stance but also play a role in cooling the powerful V6 engine.
One of the most striking elements of the new SQ5 is its advanced lighting technology. The SUV is equipped with narrower, more refined OLED headlights that not only provide excellent visibility but also add to the vehicle’s high-tech aesthetic. At the rear, the traditional quad exhausts are integrated into a redesigned diffuser, giving the SQ5 a muscular and sporty look. The rear OLED lights are equally impressive, featuring intricate light signatures that make the vehicle instantly recognizable, even at night.
The overall design of the SQ5, whether in this high-performance guise or in the standard Q5 configuration, exudes a sense of purpose and precision. Audi’s designers have worked diligently to ensure that the vehicle cuts through the air more efficiently than its predecessor, which is no small feat for a mid-size SUV. The result is a vehicle that not only looks good but also performs exceptionally well in terms of aerodynamics.
Powertrain Options: Versatility for the Modern Driver
While the V6 engine in the SQ5 is undoubtedly the headline act, Audi has not neglected the needs of those who may prefer a different driving experience. The new Q5 lineup offers additional powertrain options, including a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine. Both engines produce 201bhp, with the petrol variant offering 250lb-ft of torque and the diesel variant delivering 295lb-ft. These engines are also paired with the quattro all-wheel-drive system and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, ensuring that even the more modestly powered Q5 models provide a dynamic driving experience.
All variants of the new Q5, including the SQ5, feature Audi’s ‘MHEV Plus’ hybrid system. This mild hybrid setup incorporates two electric motors—one on the engine and one on the gearbox—and a small 1.7kWh battery. This system is designed to enhance both efficiency and performance, offering a modest electric-only range as well as a 24bhp boost when needed. The integration of this hybrid technology reflects Audi’s commitment to improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions, even in its high-performance models.
Driving Dynamics: A Focus on Comfort and Control
One of the key selling points of the Audi SQ5 and Q5 is their driving dynamics. Audi has equipped these vehicles with advanced suspension systems that cater to a wide range of driving conditions and preferences. The standard Q5 comes with steel suspension, but buyers can opt for a sportier setup with the S line and Edition 1 trims, which include sports suspension for a more engaging driving experience.
The SQ5, on the other hand, comes standard with adaptive dampers, which offer a noticeably wider range of adjustment between comfort and sport modes. This allows drivers to tailor the vehicle’s ride quality to their specific needs, whether they are cruising on the highway or tackling a twisty mountain road. Audi’s progressive steering system further enhances the driving experience by providing a more responsive and precise steering feel, particularly at higher speeds.
Despite these performance-oriented features, Audi has not sacrificed comfort in the pursuit of handling prowess. The new SQ5 and Q5 are designed to provide largely neutral handling, ensuring that they remain easy to drive in a variety of conditions. This balance between comfort and control is what makes the SQ5 such a compelling option in the luxury SUV segment.
Interior: A Leap Forward in Technology and Comfort
Step inside the new Audi SQ5, and you are immediately greeted by a cabin that is both luxurious and technologically advanced. Audi has made significant changes to the interior of the SQ5, moving away from the button-heavy design of the previous generation and embracing a more streamlined, tech-focused layout. The centerpiece of the dashboard is a pair of high-resolution OLED screens: an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit for the driver and a 14.5-inch panoramic MMI display in the center console.
These screens are not just for show; they offer a wealth of information and control options that make driving the SQ5 a more engaging experience. The virtual cockpit continues to impress with its sharp graphics and customizable layout, while the central MMI display provides intuitive access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings. For those who want even more screen real estate, Audi offers an optional third screen for the front passenger—a 10.9-inch display that can be used for entertainment or to assist with navigation.
The attention to detail in the cabin extends beyond the screens. The seats in the SQ5 are upholstered in high-quality materials, with diamond quilting adding a touch of elegance. The use of soft-touch materials in comfort-oriented areas enhances the overall sense of luxury, while the gloss black controls and trim elements give the interior a modern, sophisticated look. Audi has also improved the cabin’s lighting, with advanced interior lighting that can be customized to suit the driver’s mood.
Another notable feature of the new SQ5 is the enhanced sound insulation. Audi has employed acoustic glazing in the windscreen and front windows to reduce road and wind noise, making the cabin a more serene place to be. However, if you prefer to shatter that tranquility, the SQ5 offers a premium audio experience with an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system. Even the standard Audi sound system in the regular Q5 models is designed to deliver a rich, immersive listening experience.
The Bigger Picture: Audi’s Strategic Vision
The introduction of the third-generation Audi SQ5 is more than just the launch of a new vehicle; it is a key part of Audi’s broader strategy to rejuvenate its portfolio. The Q5 has been one of Audi’s most successful and important models in the midsize SUV segment for over 15 years, and the new SQ5 is poised to continue that legacy.
According to Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, the new Q5 represents a significant step forward for the brand, offering a dynamic design and advanced technology that will appeal to a wide range of buyers. The SQ5, with its combination of performance, luxury, and practicality, is expected to be a major player in the premium SUV market.
