AUDI Q5 SQ5 TDI Quattro Vorsprung 5dr Tiptronic

Audi's third generation SQ5 switches to petrol power. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

The third generation Audi SQ5 packs a 367PS petrol powerplant into the brand's rejuvenated take on what a premium mid-sized SUV should be. Do you really need that much power? Not really. Would you like it though? You bet. It's not cheap but it does bring a welcome shot of sparkle to the Q5 line up.

Background

Think of the original first and second generation versions of the Audi SQ5, if you ever do, and the memory will be of an uber-fast diesel-powered sporting SUV. In many ways, the perfect family Q car - an under-the-radar sporting mid-sized premium crossover we've always really liked. So what of this third generation model, launched late in 2024? Well it's now petrol-powered, so that's a key difference, though Audi hopes its latest 48V mild hybrid tech will ease loyal SQ5 customers into that transition. Actually, the SQ5 was briefly petrol-powered once before, in 2018 when the second generation model was first launched (five years after the original). Now this Audi drinks from the green pump again - but there's also lots else to tell you. Let's take a closer look.

Engines and Tech Spec

The ordinary Q5 isn't often sold to customers of premium upper mid-sized SUVs who prioritise an involving driving experience. So this SQ5 has a job on hand to convince buyers that it's a real alternative to, say, an X3 M50 xDrive or a Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC; it is. True, the torque of this new 3.0-itre V6 TFSI petrol model (550Nm) is way down on the 700Nm figure of its 3.0 V6 TDI diesel predecessor, but power is up (from 341PS to 367PS) and of course the engine sound is vastly better. It's faster too - the 0-62mph sprint time of 4.5s is 0.6s faster than the previous TDI. Top speed is still limited to 155mph. As before, there's quattro 4WD and 7-speed dual clutch S tronic auto transmission. What's new is that it all sits on completely new underpinnings, the 'PPC' 'Premium Platform Combustion' chassis. And the engine is aided by the brand's 'MHEV plus' mild hybrid system, which is different from the old MHEV set-up in that in addition to the usual system-integrated starter-generator, there's also a second centrally-mounted powertrain generator. The result is dramatically increased levels of regenerative braking - and consequently, a bit more of a positive impact on efficiency. Audi says that drive dynamics have been improved with this third generation model courtesy of a more noticeable spread between drive modes and an 'optimised' steering and suspension set-up. The steering features the brand's 'Progressive' system, whilst the standard passive suspension arrangement now features Frequency Selective Damping, which adapts automatically to different surfaces. Adaptive damping comes only if you stretch to the air suspension that features at the very top of the range.

Design and Build

Audi says this third generation Q5 has become 'even sportier' - and that obviously suits this SQ5 model. There are the usual S-model touches - like big front corner cut-outs, a subtle rear spoiler, unique wheels and a bespoke rear bumper incorporating two pairs of potent-looking tailpipes. As with the standard Q5, there are both SUV and SUV-Coupe Sportback versions of this car, both with a wide gloss black Singleframe grille flanked by vertical air curtains and focused-looking LED headlights. The rear can feature the brand's latest OLED lighting tech, with entry animations and proactive features to warn following motorists. Inside the 'human centric' cabin, this SQ5 adds the usual Audi Sport touches - grippy S sport seats and bespoke badgework. As in the standard model, a so-called 'soft wrap' element runs from door to door across the entire width of the dashboard. Together with fabric panels on the doors and armrests, this aims to create what Audi calls a 'homely ambience'. And of course screens are everywhere, primarily the 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster in front of the driver and the 14.5-inch infotainment screen in the centre of the dash. These together forming the basis for what Audi calls a 'digital stage', mounted under one huge slab of curved glass. If that's not enough, there's the option to order an extra 10.9-inch MMI passenger-side display, fitted with a polarising filter so that use of it (for video streaming apps or to send nav instructions and media to the central screen) won't distract the driver. A 'dynamic interaction light' can be specified, which spans the interior as an LED light strip and not only provides comfort features (like a welcome function) but also interacts with the safety and communication systems to more quickly alert the driver. Like its predecessors, this MK3 SQ5 is supremely practical. There's a fully adjustable tilting/sliding rear seat and three adults could fit on the second row bench. Boot capacity is increased - now rated at 520-litres in the SUV and up to 1,473-litres with the backrest folded. Usefully, the luggage compartment can be stowed in a specially designed compartment under the boot floor.

Market and Model

Prices start at around £75,000 for the 'Edition 1' launch version. This new SQ5 comes with a newly-developed configurable head-up display that can control vehicle and infotainment functions. And all variants will of course get the usual executive niceties, with features like navigation, a powered tailgate and a wireless smartphone charger. For those wanting to spend more, various option packs will bundle together key extra features. You may be particularly attracted by the optional 'Sound and Vision pack' that includes the 16-speaker 685-watt Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System. Only the priciest variants will get things like the digital OLED lights and air suspension with adaptive damping. Desirable options include a panoramic roof with Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystals, which can transform itself from translucent to opaque at the touch of a button. 'Edition 1'-spec will include the optional 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display. All the usual camera driver assistance safety systems you'd expect are of course included.

Cost of Ownership

The combined cycle fuel return is up to 34.9mpg, with up to 185g/km of CO2. The key engineering efficiency development with this new SQ5 is, as we told you in our 'Driving' section, the new 'MHEV plus' mild hybrid system that features on all versions. This is based on a 48-volt on-board electrical system that supports the combustion engine and reduces CO2 emissions while increasing performance. Its added powertrain generator (the 'PTG') enables electric driving components that contribute to a reduction in fuel consumption - Audi quotes 29.4mpg on the combined cycle and 182g/km of CO2. The 'MHEV plus' system offers advantages in CO2 emissions compared to the previous MHEV set-up. Over the WLTP driving cycle, these total up to 17g/km of CO2 in the SQ5. The system's 'PTG' powertrain generator can also add up to 24PS of electric power to the output of the combustion engine. When decelerating, the PTG feeds energy back into the battery at up to 25kW. As a result, purely electric manoeuvring and parking are possible to a limited extent. Thanks to the option of using an electric air conditioning compressor, the air conditioning system can also be operated when the vehicle is stopped at traffic lights and the combustion engine is switched off. With the integrated and blending-capable brake control system, the brake pedal and the brake hydraulics can be completely decoupled. In models with the 'MHEV plus' system, it achieves the necessary deceleration without using the friction brakes thanks to regenerative braking. This means that deceleration is initially achieved solely by recuperation. The friction brakes only kick in when the brake pedal is pressed harder. The brake feel remains unaffected by this.

Summary

This new era Audi SQ5 is a fascinating glimpse into the state of the SUV building art. Okay, so shoving a hugely powerful six cylinder petrol engine into a mid-sized SUV doesn't sound like rocket science, but this is no ordinary engine and this third generation Q5 is no ordinary crossover. The combination of these constituents moves the genre on a good few steps. All too often with premium brands, and especially with Audi, the fast all-wheel drive estate cars already on offer are so good it leaves you wondering why you'd bother with the SUVs. The SQ5 poses just one question to that mindset: why not? With 367PS on tap, you're never short of power and with a generous 550Nm of torque on tap, overtaking is almost instant. But is this car just a little bit over the top? Probably. Will you love it regardless? Most definitely.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Acoustic windscreen

Rear privacy glass and rear side windows

Front and rear electric windows

Brakes

Multi collision brake assist

Electronic stabilisation control including ABS, ASR and EDL

Hill hold assist

Electromechanical parking brake

Hill descent control

Carpets/Rugs

Front/rear floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

S adaptive air suspension

Communication

Audi connect safety and service (e-call)

Bluetooth interface

Audi wireless smartphone interface

Voice control system with Audi hotword activation "Hey Audi"

Driver Aids

Audi drive select

Audi side assist

Electro - mechanical power assisted steering

Acoustic front and rear parking sensor

Camera based traffic sign recognition

Lane departure warning

Driver Convenience

Power tailgate

Automatic start-stop system with coasting functionality and efficiency programme

Driver Information

Service interval indicator

Audi virtual cockpit plus with 12.3" screen and three different layout designs

MMI navigation plus with 10.1" touch screen

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming door mirrors

Auto dimming frameless rear view mirror

Embellishment Trims

Air vents inserts and centre console in gloss black

Engine

Diesel particulate filter

70 litre fuel tank and 24 litre AdBlue tank

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

2 x USB charging port with aux input socket

Exterior Body Features

Body colour underbody protection

Black styling with black rings

Loading edge protection in stainless steel

S Line rear spoiler

Rear side wing doors

S specific rear diffuser

Black roof rails

Rear chrome trim strip below lights

Chrome plated exhaust trims

Front air inlet surrounds in aluminium

S Line badges on the front wing panels

Front radiator grille in honeycomb design

Roof bars

S bumpers in contrasting Manhattan grey paint finish

S Line side skirts

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlight adjustment

LED 3rd brake light

Automatic headlights and windscreen wipers

Daytime running lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Deluxe 3 zone electronic climate control

Interior Features

Black cloth headlining

Gear lever in black leather

Height/reach adjustable steering column

Illuminated door sill trims with S logo

Comfort front centre armrest

Fine Nappa leather upholstery

Contrast stitching on seats, steering wheel and gear lever gaiter

Stainless steel pedals

Luggage compartment cover

Heated 3 spoke multi-function leather steering wheel

Packs

Tour pack without Camera based traffic sign recognition - Q5

S Technology Pack Pro - SQ5

Driver assistance pack with rear cross traffic assist - Q5

Technology pack - Q5 SUV/Sportback

High gloss pack - Q5

Extended interior upholstery pack - Q5

Safety

Attention and drowsiness assist

First aid kit with warning triangle and vests

ISOFIX child seat mounting for front passenger seat and ISOFIX child seat mounting with Top Tether for outer rear seats

Audi pre sense basic and rear

6 airbags - Driver, front passenger, curtain and side airbags

Electrically operated child locks on rear doors

Tyre pressure warning

Pop-up bonnet for pedestrian protection

Seatbelt monitoring

Pre sense city

Front passenger airbag deactivation

3 point seatbelts on all seats

Seats

Front head restraints

Single front passenger seat

Front sport seats with S embossed logo

3 rear headrests

4 way electric lumbar support for driver and front passenger

Massage function for front seats

3 seater rear seat bench

Rear seat bench plus-adjust for forwards/backwards position/backrest angle, load through hatch and remote backrest release

Heated front and outer rear seats

Security

Anti theft alarm

Remote control key with SAFELOCK and keyless go

Anti-theft wheel bolts

Remote central locking

Transmission

Quattro with sport differential

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with vanity mirrors

Wheels - Spare

Tool kit

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

HC: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 219

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 220

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 219

Engine and Drive Train

Engine Code: FYTS5A

Gears: 8 SPEED

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

CC: 2967

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 33.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 33.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 33.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 8.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 8.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 8.4

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

General

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 73

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 47E

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 93

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 86

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

NCAP Safety Assist %: 58

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 341

Badge Engine CC: 3.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

AdBlue: No

Generation Mark: 2

Coin Series: SQ5 Vorsprung

Coin Description: TDI Quattro

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Performance

Top Speed: 155

Engine Power - BHP: 341

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 5.1

Engine Power - KW: 251

Engine Power - RPM: 3800

Engine Torque - NM: 700

Engine Torque - MKG: 71.4

Engine Torque - RPM: 1750

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 516

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Tyre Size Rear: 255/40 R21

Tyre Size Front: 255/40 R21

Space Saver?: 0

Wheel Type: 21" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 5 V SPOKE OFFSET

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: N

Width (including mirrors): 2140

Height (including roof rails): 1612

Wheelbase: 2832

Length: 4689

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2660

Minimum Kerbweight: 2010

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 70

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2400

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 650

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 495

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.8

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1465

Brakes

Front and rear brake calipers painted in red

Driving Mirrors

Body colour door mirrors

Black door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Piano black finish inlay

Exterior Body Features

Pearlescent paint

Metallic paint

Exterior Lights

OLED rear lights - design 3

OLED rear lights - design 2

Packs

Storage pack - Q5

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Chronos grey

Metallic - District green

Metallic - Navarra blue

Metallic - Mythos black

Metallic - Floret silver

Metallic - Glacier white

Metallic - Ultra blue

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Daytona grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Arkona white

Service/Warranty

Audi warranty - 4 years or 75000 miles

Audi warranty - 5 years or 90000 miles

Towing

Towbar folding

Trim - Leather

Fine Nappa leather - Rotor grey with Anthracite diamond pattern contrast stitching

Fine Nappa leather - Magma red with Red/granite grey diamond pattern contrast stitching

Fine Nappa leather - Black with Rock grey diamond pattern contrast stitching

Wheels - Alloy

21" 5 twin spoke module with matt structured grey inserts Audi Sport alloy wheels