Audi's SQ5 has always been seen as the 'everyday' high-powered SUV, but is that still the case? Audi/Press Association/dpaThe Audi Q5 has been a core part of this brand's SUV line-up for decades. For nearly as long as the standard car has been around, there has been the SQ5, bringing heightened performance for drivers after a go-faster Q5 with all the practicality of the regular model.Now, it's time for a new one. Audi has flip-flopped between petrol and diesel power for the SQ5, but for this latest model, it has opted for the former with a little help from a mild-hybrid system to boost efficiency. We've been trying it out.What's new?AdvertisementAdvertisementThis mid-size SUV's success has always been in its ability to deliver an upmarket driving experience but with the practicality that families need. The latest Q5 – and subsequent SQ5 – aims to do much the same, albeit with more technology than before. Its exterior has also been given a big sharpen-up, bringing it closer into line with some of this brand's latest electric cars.Interestingly, Audi is still offering the Q5 with a diesel engine to go alongside petrol and hybrid options. With its 475-litre boot, the SQ5 remains practical, too.What's under the bonnet?As mentioned earlier, Audi has settled on petrol power for the SQ5. It uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, firing 362bhp and 550Nm to all four wheels via Audi's famous quattro system. All cars get a seven-speed automatic gearbox as standard, too, with steering wheel-mounted paddles there to take manual control as and when you'd like.AdvertisementAdvertisementPerformance-wise, the SQ5's 4.5-second 0-100 km/h time is more than respectable and it'll even get to a 250 km/h limited top speed when given the space and means to do so. It's also nice to see that the latest SQ5 gets 'proper' quad exhaust pipes – those on previous iterations of this car were simply trim pieces and there for show.What's it like to drive?The SQ5 delivers quite an old-school driving experience for a brand-new car. The V6 engine under the bonnet brings wonderfully smooth performance and when on the motorway, it's refined and quiet. Around town, the SQ5's suspension feels on the firmer side of things, but it's more than manageable.Once you speed up, things settle down well. Thanks to the SQ5's mild-hybrid technology, it'll also creep at slower speeds on electric-only power, helping to make around-town driving a little quieter.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe steering isn't the most communicative that we've experienced, but it's more than accurate enough to place the SQ5 just where you'd like it. Sound-wise, the SQ5 is quite reassuringly subtle; there aren't any cracks or pops, but it feels like this suits the overall character of the car. Plus, because of the SQ5's design, you get a nicely elevated view of the road ahead.How does it look?The SQ5 – like other Audi 'S' models – has always been an example of understated performance and this latest model manages the same feat. While Audi's latest design is certainly impactful, there's nothing too outlandish about the way the SQ5 looks. The quad exhaust pipes hint at this car's performance, but aside from that, it's all relatively under the radar.For many drivers, that'll suit quite nicely. Of course, being an Audi model means that there's plenty of scope for customisation, with a wide range of exterior colours and alloy wheel designs to choose from.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhat's it like inside?The interior of the SQ5 brings together a good blend of upmarket touches and overall practicality. We like the large door bins and well-sized central cupholders, which should help to keep things tidy. It's a shame that so much gloss black plastic has been used, mind you, as it is a nightmare to keep looking smart. This material quickly attracts dust and fingerprints, and there were even some light scratches on our test car already. The window switch panel – made from the same material – also feels a little too flimsy.But space is definitely just right. Those in the back of the SQ5 do well in terms of headroom and legroom, while the boot – as mentioned earlier – is a good size and isn't too high, so it's easy to access.What's the spec like?AdvertisementAdvertisementPrices for the SQ5 currently start at €84,700 in Europe or £72,905 in the UK. Currently, Black Edition specification kicks off the range of trim levels, bringing standard features such as 21-inch alloy wheels, a Bang & Olufsen sound system and Audi's high-performance Matrix LED headlights, which really do work very well. The large central screen, which comes as standard on the SQ5, is packed with features, too, and it's easy to operate. We like that a standard row of heating and ventilation controls remains a permanent fixture on the display, too.Upgrade to top-tier Vorsprung specification and that price rises, while adding features such as digital OLED rear lights and a panoramic sunroof. However, the standard car is so well equipped that it seems to be the better choice.The SQ5 continues to offer the classy and well-executed experience that you'd expect from a premium SUV. It manages to bring the right balance; there's enough performance to keep things interesting, but you've also got a level of practicality that ensures this car will still come in handy during more 'everyday' adventures.It's expensive, yes, but the SQ5 comes with a level of equipment that helps it deliver quite a lot of value compared with rivals.The interior of the SQ5 brings together a good blend of upmarket touches and overall practicality. Audi/Press Association/dpaWhile Audi's latest design is certainly impactful, there's nothing too outlandish about the way the SQ5 looks. The quad exhaust pipes hint at this car's performance, but aside from that, it's all relatively under the radar. Audi/Press Association/dpa