- Audi SQ5 TFSI quattro
- Powertrain and fuel consumption
- Standard equipment
- Price and value proposition
- The competition
- BMW X3 xDrive30d M Sport
- Porsche Macan T
- Facts and figures:
The world of premium sporty SUVs is a relatively crowded place, making choosing between the many competent options rather difficult. Does the Audi SQ5 have what it takes to beat out rivals from BMW and Porsche?
Audi’s Q5 has established itself as one of the best premium mid-size SUVs on the market, and the performance version badged the SQ5 is aimed squarely at those looking for a brisk, well-made product that offers all of the virtues of an SUV. For today’s comparison, we have selected two popular products in the segment, the BMW X3 and the Porsche Macan which are both less performance-oriented but are similarly priced. We will be comparing the SQ5 with these rivals to determine which is best.
Audi SQ5 TFSI quattro
Powertrain and fuel consumption
Powering the SQ5 is a 3.0-litre V6 turbo petrol engine that produces 260kW and 500Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels, allowing for a 0-100km/h time of 5.4 seconds and a claimed fuel consumption figure of 9.2 L/100km.
Standard equipment
The SQ5 comes with a reasonable amount of spec, with 20-inch alloy wheels, 6 airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchor points, dual-zone climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, adaptive suspension, cruise control, an infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality and multiple USB ports. There is also an electrically operated driver seat, front and rear electric windows, leather seats, LED headlights, automatic windscreen wipers/lights/mirrors, a rearview camera with front and rear PDC, park assist, ambient lighting, aluminium roof rails and an electrically operated tailgate.
Safety
The Q5 range was crash tested by the Euro NCAP assessment programme in 2017 where it achieved a 5-Star rating, including 93% for adult occupant safety, 86% for child occupant safety, 73% for pedestrian safety and 58% for its safety assistance systems.
Practicality
The SQ5 offers seating for five occupants and a boot that offers 550-litres of space, or 1 550-litres with the second row of seats folded flat.
Price and value proposition
The SQ5 is the most expensive car in this comparison, but it also offers the most performance and comes with a solid specification as standard.
The competition
BMW X3 xDrive30d M Sport
The X3 has 195kW and 620Nm from a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, allowing for an impressive 5.8 second 0-100km/h time and a claimed consumption figure of just 6.6 L/100km
The X3 is similarly specified to the SQ5 and also scored a 5-star Euro NCAP assessment programme rating when it was tested in 2017. The X3 is also a similar size to the SQ5, with a 550-litres boot which expands to 1 600-litres with the second row of seats folded flat.
Porsche Macan T
The Macan may have the smallest engine here, with its 2.0-litre turbo petrol producing 195kW and 400Nm, but its slightly lower kerb weight versus the Audi and BMW means its 0-100km/h time of 6.2 seconds and claimed fuel consumption figure of 8.8 L/100km place it between its rivals. The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels.
The Porsche is the cheapest car here, and in terms of specification, it matches the X3. The Macan was also tested by the Euro NCAP assessment programme back in 2014 where it too achieved a 5-Star rating.
Facts and figures:
* Manufacturer’s claimed figures.
Pricing was all-inclusive at the time of writing but may change without prior notice.
Verdict
Having looked at the figures, all three of these products offer something different and are impressive options in their own right. There can only be one winner, though and that is the locally-produced BMW x3, which strikes a balance between performance, efficiency and specification, making it the best of both worlds.
Sean NurseWith a lifelong passion for cars, bikes, and motorsport, Sean knew that attaining a degree in journalism would allow him to pursue his passion, which was to be a motoring journalist. After graduating in 2012, Sean was awarded a bursary from the SAGMJ which allowed him to work for a variety of motoring publications. This was a dream come true for Sean, and after a year of gaining vital industry experience, he was hired as a motoring journalist at a local newspaper and worked his way up to editor. In 2020, Sean joined the AutoTrader team and counts himself lucky to wake up and genuinely love what he does for a living.View News & Reviews
Keyword: Audi SQ5 vs BMW X3 xDrive 30d vs Porsche Macan T: Here's our winner in 2022