AUDI Q5 ESTATE SQ5 TFSI Quattro Edition 1 5dr S Tronic

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 wash/wipe

Heated rear window

Privacy glass

Front and rear electric windows

Windscreen with acoustic glazing

Acoustic glass for front door windows

Rear and side windows with heat insulating glass

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Red brake calipers

Hill hold assist

Front emergency brake assist

Carpets/Rugs

Front and rear floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

S adaptive air suspension

Communication

Audi smartphone interface

Audi connect emergency call and service

Audi application store

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Reversing camera

Audi drive select

Top view camera

Camera based traffic sign recognition

Advanced driver attention alert

Park assist plus

Lane departure warning with emergency assist

Swerve assist and turn assist

Fatigue monitor

Lane change assistant with exit warning system, rear cross traffic alert and rear turn assist

Traffic sign based speed limiter

Audi digital key

Adaptive cruise assist plus with steering intervention

Parking system plus with 360 display

Front cross traffic intersection assist

Driver Convenience

Garage door opener

Driver Information

MMI navigation plus with high resolution 14.5" OLED touchscreen colour display

Audi virtual cockpit plus with 11.9" OLED colour display

MMI 10.9" front passenger touch display

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Memory function for door mirrors

Electrically adjustable heated and folding + automatically dimming exterior mirrors

Logo projection light in exterior mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Accent surfaces and control buttons in gloss black

Black dashboard with contrast stitching

Upper and lower interior elements in dinamica microfiber

Steel grey seat stitching

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Smartphone compartment with wireless charging

2 USB-C ports in both the front and rear

Exterior Body Features

Panoramic sunroof

Rear side wing doors

Front door sill trims with aluminium inlays, illuminated with 'S' logo

Red S rhombus badging with 'S' lettering on rear

Exhaust tailpipes in dark chrome

Radiator grille in phantom black

Inlay and front air inlets in matt anthracite chrome

Rear honeycombe grille in matt black with inlay in matt anthracite chrome

Full body paint finish

S exterior styling

High gloss window surrounds

Exterior Lights

High beam assist

Coming/leaving home lighting function

Headlight cleaning system

Matrix LED headlights

Digital OLED tail lights including communication light

Projection light for rear window

Active digital light signatures - Six additional combinations of active daytime running light signature

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Deluxe 3 zone electronic climate control

Interior Features

Heated steering wheel

Comfort centre armrest

Electric steering wheel adjustment

Stainless steel pedals and footrest

Luggage compartment lid, electrically opening and closing

Steering wheel grips in perforated leather and shift paddles

3 spoke leather steering wheel with multi-function buttons with touch control, flattened on top and bottom, with S badging and contrast stitching

Headlining in black cloth

Interior trim in aluminium look

Perforated fine nappa leather with diamond stitching incl. ventilation and massage function for front seats

Softwrap in Dinamica

Packs

Ambient lighting package plus - Q5

Sound and Vision pack - Q5

Storage and luggage compartment pack - Q5

Black styling package plus - Q5

Safety

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Acoustic vehicle alerting system

Tyre pressure loss indicator

Driver and front passenger airbag with passenger airbag deactivation

Front side airbags with head airbag system and front interaction airbag

Convenience key with safelock

Proactive passenger protection system for front, sides and rear

Electric child safety locks

First aid kit with warning triangle and high visibility vests

Side airbags in front and rear with head airbag system and front interaction airbag

Occupant detection in rear seat area

Seats

Heated front seats

Heated outer rear seats

Front seat ventilation

3 rear head restraints

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function for driver's side

Single front passenger seat

Front sport seats with integrated head reastrains

i-Size child seat mounting on the front passenger side and i-Size and top tether on the outer rear seats

40:20:40 split folding rear seat bench with centre armrest and cup holders

Pneumatically adjustable lumbar support with massage function for front seats

Security

Anti theft alarm

Anti-theft wheel bolts

Remote control key with SAFELOCK and keyless go

Towing

Towbar preparation

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 190

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 191

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 188

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders: 6

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 7 SPEED

CC: 2995

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 33.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 34

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 33.6

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

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 8.3

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

General

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Badge Engine CC: 3.0

Badge Power: 367

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 45E

Special Edition: 0

Generation Mark: 3

Coin Description: TFSI Quattro

Performance

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 406

Engine Torque - NM: 550

Engine Torque - RPM: 1700

0 to 62 mph (secs): 4.5

Top Speed: 155

Engine Power - KW: 270

Engine Power - BHP: 367

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - MKG: 56.1

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 255/40 R21

Alloys?: No

Tyre Size Rear: 255/40 R21

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 21" ALLOY

Wheel Style: MULTISPOKE

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4717

Width (including mirrors): 2155

Height (including roof rails): 1662

Wheelbase: 2828

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2040

No. of Seats: 5

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2610

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 475

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 65

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1446

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2400

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 570

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.9

Driving Mirrors

Carbon door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Carbon micro twill structure inlay

Exterior Body Features

Black roof rails

Pearl effect paint

Metallic paint

Special metallic paint

Packs

Vanadium pack - Q5

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Grenadine red

Metallic - District green

Metallic - Navarra blue

Metallic - Mythos black

Metallic - Glacier white

Metallic - Volcano grey

Metallic - Ultra blue

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Daytona grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Arkona white

Paint - Special

Special metallic - Sakhir gold

Service/Warranty

Audi warranty - 4 years or 75000 miles

Audi warranty - 5 years or 90000 miles

Towing

Towbar (folding)

Trim - Leather

Perforated fine nappa leather with diamond stitching - Black

Perforated fine nappa leather with diamond stitching - Arras red

Wheels - Alloy

21" 5 arm slit black metallic, gloss turned finish Audi Sport alloy wheels