Audi SQ5

If you’re in the market for a high-performance, premium SUV, the new Audi SQ5 is one of the most affordable options in the segment.

At a starting price of R1,208,000, you can hardly call it cheap – but next to its competitors, the SQ5 gives you the most for its price tag.

Below, we take a closer look at what the new fast Audi has to offer.

Performance

The Audi Q5 is a luxurious mid-size SUV, with the SQ5 being the most premium model you can currently buy.

As the range-topping derivative, it sports a powerful 3.0-litre, V6 petrol engine that generates 260kW and 500Nm.

Its performance-oriented personality is emphasised by an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system with a mid-mounted, self-locking differential, as well as an eight-speed tiptronic transmission.

In contrast to the front-wheel-bias AWD systems in the standard Q5, the SQ5’s system sends 60% of the power to the rear as standard, while a maximum of 70% can be sent to the front or 85% to the back – in certain situations.

Tiptronic transmissions are then generally found in higher-end Audi vehicles and are usually in an eight-speed configuration, compared to the often-used six and seven-speed S Tronic transmissions in cheaper models.

The tiptronic option is a traditional torque-converter gearbox that favours minimal power loss and smoother shifts between gears, whereas the S Tronic specification is a dual-clutch gearbox that favours faster gear changes.

Furthermore, this SUV comes with several drive modes and a sports suspension with active dampers, while stopping power is provided by disc brakes on both the front and rear.

Thanks to these specialised parts, the Audi SQ5 sprints to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds, reaches an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h, and achieves a combined fuel consumption of 9.2l/100km.

Design

Alongside its uprated engine, the Audi SQ5 is further differentiated by a unique exterior design headlined by 20-inch, five-spoke wheels and aggressive S Line bumpers.

In addition, it gets gloss black trim highlights, red brake calipers, an extended roof spoiler, and aluminium finishes on the air intakes, rear bumper, and honeycomb grille.

A hefty addition of S badges are then placed on both the exterior and interior of this SUV, while the cabin has brushed aluminium veneers, illuminated aluminium scuff plates, stainless steel sports pedals, and gloss black accents.

S-embossed sports seats in fine Nappa leather are standard, too, while an exclusive flat bottom steering wheel accentuates the sporty look.

Features

In the features department, the Audi SQ5 continues to impress.

High-end features such as tri-zone climate control, electric front seats, ambient lighting, and an electric boot lid are standard; and the MMI Navigation Plus infotainment system is fitted, too.

The latter comprises a 12.3-inch customisable instrument cluster and 10.1-inch infotainment display with voice control, integrated navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

The Q5 range also offers Audi Connect and Infotainment services for free for three months from date of registration, with this programme adding abilities such as point of interest Google search, Google satellite maps, parking spot information, live traffic updates, online news, and weather forecasts.

Automatic LED headlights with daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, a rear-view camera, parking sensors, six airbags – and a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating are standard.

Luggage capacity for this SUV comes in at 550 litres with the rear seats up, but thanks to the rear seat plus option, the entire rear bench can be moved forward by 10cm to increase storage capacity.