Although in the Audi portfolio we see a large number of models signed by the sports acronym of the house, RS, these do not reach one of its most commercial SUVs. The Listen Q5 It does not have those extra-vitamin units, but it does have an intermediate version that ultimately positions itself as the top of the range. That version is Audi SQ5, the most performant member of the family.
The first of the Q5s emerged in 2008. With this maneuver, Audi wanted to equalize and get ahead of its competition in the already consolidated SUV market. And the result could not be more successful. However we had to wait for a while for it to a sports Q5 made an appearance, and that happened in 2013 and 2015. Two dates that coincide with the launches of the gasoline SQ5 and diesel SQ5.
In fact, it was the last model to come out before the generation change that the Q5 suffered in early 2017. A generational change little marked in aesthetics but deeper in other aspects such as technology and efficiency. Despite the new ecological era that moves the world Audi continues betting on the sports variants of its models, and for this reason the Audi SQ5 continues with us in its second generation, updated in 2020. Additionally, the coupé body is added, based on the Audi Q5 Sportback.
Technical characteristics of the Audi SQ5
Do not forget that no matter how S model we speak, the starting point is a conventional Audi Q5. That means the SQ5 is derived from the same platform as its more modest siblings. That is to say the Volkswagen Group MLB platform, the same used by other models of the conglomerate such as its brother in the range, the Audi A4 or Volkswagen Passat.
Due to its measurements, it is perfectly located within the D-SUV segment. 4,67 meters long, 1,89 meters wide and 1,63 meters high. To this we must add a battle, a wheelbase of 2,82 meters, which translates into a very acceptable interior space for a maximum of five passengers and a minimum cargo volume of 510 liters, 500 liters for the case of the Sportback body with coupé line.
Do not forget that we are talking about an SUV from which we can expect certain jacket skills. For this reason, and in order to guarantee greater security in view of improving performance, the Audi SQ5 comes standard with a quattro all-wheel drive typical of the house. All this is linked to a single mechanical scheme, since for this generation Audi has decided to get rid of the gasoline variant of the SQ5.
Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Audi SQ5
Although it is not part of the RS elite of the house, the SQ5 is considered one of the sports cars of the Ingolstadt firm. For this reason, the greatest of the mechanics that the Q5 is capable of disposing of is reserved for it. However, and in response to government pollution requirements, the SQ5 plays absentmindedness with a micro-hybrid mechanic. A Mild-Hybrid scheme that aims to homologate less consumption in addition to certifying a more advantageous ECO label.
Under the hood of the SQ5 a block is installed 6-litre turbocharged diesel VXNUMX. Added to it is the aforementioned Mild-Hybrid scheme with a 48-volt auxiliary electrical system. The whole set manages to develop a maximum of 341 horsepower and a maximum torque of 700 Nm. A performance that is capable of rivaling large sports cars, despite the SUV's two-ton weight.
For power management and torque delivery, Audi makes use of a Tiptronic gearbox with eight speeds. Given the high torque that the V6 develops, Audi opts for this torque converter-type solution instead of the dual-clutch gearbox that the rest of the range does have. All this is transferred to the asphalt by wearing 255/45 R20 101W tires on both the front and rear axles.
Equipment of the Audi SQ5
As it is the most performant variant of the range, the equipment that it is capable of showing off matches the SQ5. When developing the new generation Audi already raised the use of advanced technology. Systems that would try to position the Q5 as one of the most cutting-edge SUVs on the market technologically speaking.
Among its standard equipment we find elements such as LED matrix headlights, roof spoiler, front sports seats, leather and Alcantara upholstery, three-zone climate control, Audi Virtual Cockpit, navigation system with a 10-inch screen, connectivity for mobile devices and a discreet deployment of security features active and passive including driving assistants.
But that is only a small part of what the Audi SQ5 can have. To that load of elements we can add many more thanks to an extensive package of options. Some of them also focus on dynamics such as wheels up to 21 inches, the air suspension, sports differential or dynamic steering. Of course, to that we can add more gadgets and elements that will make life on board more comfortable.
The Audi SQ5 in video
The Audi SQ5 according to Euro NCAP
As part of the Q5 family, the SQ5 maintains the same safety standards. That means it keeps the five stars awarded by Euro NCAP. After the crash tests, the SUV has turned out to be one of the safest in the category in terms of protection for adult passengers. The notes obtained in the section on efficiency of attendees were not so positive, where it barely went beyond mere approval.
The Audi SQ5 of Km 0 and Second Hand
As usual in a market as limited and little requested as that of sports-focused SUVs, the second-hand and occasion markets are devoid of units for sale. Despite this, it must be borne in mind that the first units of the SQ5 date back to 2013. It is the first generation units that we find most abundantly in second-hand markets. Thanks to its low percentage of depreciation, prices continue to rise, never less than 20.000 euros.
With the Km 0 channel, three quarters of the same thing happens but in a more pronounced way. Concessions do not accumulate stock of such a limited sales product, and for this reason, in this case, yes, this market does not present units for sale, neither of the first nor of the second generation. Nor does the global crisis of components that forces the delay of launches and orders help.
Audi SQ5 rivals
Although we are not talking about a very competitive or massive market, it does not mean that there is no competition to keep the majority of sales, the few that exist. In this case the natural rivals of the SQ5 are the same rivals of the Q5 but in their sports variants. That includes such well-known models as the Bmw x3, Mercedes GLC, Alpha Romero Stelvio, Volvo XC60 or Jaguar E Pace. All of them are included in the premium category, but only the Audi makes use of a Mild-Hybrid diesel engine, while the rest bet on gasoline mechanics.
Highlight
- Behavior
- Quality
- ECO Sticker
To improve
- Price
- Cost of the optional
- complex media system
Audi SQ5 prices
Let's start from the basis that we are not talking about an economic SUV or its access versions, so we cannot expect an accessible sports variant either. In the cheapest of cases the starting price of an Audi SQ5 stands at 83.810 euros. A high price but that directly rivals its closest rivals. The most expensive of the family is the SQ5 Sportback, which raises its minimum price to 86.810 euros, without offers or discounts.
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