Cape Town – If you want a fast premium SUV you are pretty much spoiled for choice. The recently updated Audi SQ5 TFSI Quattro Tiptronic is one option that you can consider above the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and BMW X3 M40i, among others. With the SQ5 being somewhat of a pioneer of this niche segment, having introduced the badge in the 2013 as a turbodiesel-only model, it’s worth looking at whether the brand has evolved this model to tackle these new competitors successfully with the latest series of updates.
So what exactly is new on this updated Audi SQ5? Visually, the premium SUV sports a new face that aims to translate a more robust image with a revised octagonal Singleframe grille, side air intakes and LED headlamps that feature a new signature for the daytime running lights. At the rear, not much has changed with new optional OLED taillamps which, combined with the Matrix LED headlamps, add R38 000 to the price.
Where the cabin is concerned, a series of modern touches have been applied throughout. Key additions here include the freestanding MMI touch display, a storage cubby that replaces the previous rotary and push controller and the updated multifunction steering wheel. With these changes, the cockpit remains a familiar setting that merges plush touches such as the leather upholstered seats and plastic trimmed detailing with a modern and premium design. Adding in the digital instrument cluster, you’ll be surprised to find that this is a car that came out four years ago.
For a more conclusive interior experience, the unit I was given to drive was fitted with an electrically adjustable steering system (R7 000), panoramic glass sunroof (R25 100), electrically adjustable front seats with memory functionalities for the driver (R11 700), pneumatically adjustable lumbar support (R4 500), USB charging interface for the rear passengers (R1 800), the Bang and Olufsen premium sound system (R15 500), a phone box (R6 500), head-up display (R18 500) and the storage and luggage compartment package (R4 100). The cabin was rounded off with decorative inserts in Carbon Twill for R19 700.
Compared to products such as the Q8 and A6, the updated Audi Q5 does have a bit of a dated feel to it with the floating infotainment system and analogue climate control and vehicle setting buttons. What it thankfully retains is an impressive perceived quality and generous packaging via headroom, rear legroom and boot space.
The Audi SQ5 continues to use the turbocharged 3,0-litre V6 petrol engine with a power output of 260 kw and 500 N.m of torque which is divvied to all four wheels via the eight-speed Tiptronic torque converter. As with the pre-facelifted model, this drivetrain offers impressive responsiveness and refinement which makes it a SUV crossover to pilot on the open road. Given its somewhat soft-edged nature, it’s quite difficult to consider this a performance car, as the Audi Sport moniker would suggest. First impressions of this powertrain place this car as more of a rapid family cruiser than anything else.
This is further supported by the plush ride that doesn’t get bothered too much by the larger optional 21-inch alloy wheels (R30 500). Supported by the adaptive air suspension with S-specific tuning (R19 200), the Audi SQ5 can hold its own through the twisty bends but it struggles to break from its composed and relaxed nature to give a truly engaging driving experience. While rapid and capable, it makes it clear almost immediately that it is happier acting as a mile-eating tourer than an apex predator. Where it excels further is in the NVH department where engine, road and wind noise is minimal thanks to a generous amount of cabin insulation and plush Pirelli P-Zero compound tyres.
The updated Audi SQ5 TFSI is a pretty neat package. Not really a performance car but dynamics and comfort blend quite nicely here. Cabin insulation is superb. A very plush long-road traveller if you can stomach the fuel costs. Eight-speed Tiptronic and Quattro work together well. pic.twitter.com/6gtDCLPR9K
— Nikesh Kooverjee (@NikeshKooverjee) November 18, 2021
The Audi SQ5 maintains its appeal of being a plush family SUV with an abundant amount of power that’ll make long distance driving a treat if you can manage the fuel consumption with a disciplined right-foot. Both the exterior and interior design are getting on in age but the experience from the driver’s seat remains comfortable, upmarket and commanding, provided you are strategic with the optional extras in the configurator.
Fast facts
Price: R1 208 000 Engine: 3,0-litre, V6, turbopetrol Transmission: Eight-speed automatic Power: 260 kW Torque: 500 N.m 0-100 km/h: 5,4 seconds Top speed: 250 km/h Fuel consumption: 11,0 L/100 km CO2: 221 g/km
Maintenance plan: Five-year/100 000 km
Keyword: DRIVEN: Audi SQ5 TFSI Quattro Tiptronic