Audi unveils the new SQ5 performance SUV

The original Audi SQ5 won a loyal following for its pragmatic approach to performance, and the successful formula behind it returns in up-to-the-minute form in the new, third generation SQ5 TDI. The high performance Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with new Electrically Powered Compressor (EPC) and Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) drivetrain will be available in two forms, SQ5 and SQ5 Vorsprung, the latter offering an even more lavish and technologically sophisticated specification.

The SQ5 muscular V6 turbocharged diesel engine, but the original bi-turbo engine is replaced here by a unit supported by a single turbocharger, a separate EPC for split-second response, and a mild hybrid system to underpin the thrilling performance with appropriate efficiency. The result is 342bhp and a maximum torque of 700Nm, and a 0-100km/h timing of 5.1 seconds.

In the interest of rapid response and optimal fuel economy, the latest SQ5 TDI has adopted a 48-volt primary electrical system which has enabled it to take on board the EPC concept used first by the SQ7 TDI and the mild hybrid system based on the componentry used by A6, A7 and A8 models. 

The electrically powered compressor is the ideal assistant for the turbocharger. It is active whenever the exhaust gas flow provides too little energy to drive the turbocharger - high torque is available immediately with no turbo lag whenever the driver needs it.

The MHEV system in the new Audi SQ5 TDI helps to reduce real-world fuel consumption. During deceleration, it can recuperate up to 12 kW of energy. This electrical energy is stored in the lithium-ion battery, from where it is dynamically distributed to the consumers in the electrical system.

A fast and smooth-shifting eight-speed tiptronic handles the power transmission. Its lower gears feature suitably closely spaced ratios, while the upper gears are longer to reduce revs and fuel consumption. New detailed solutions also enable the tiptronic to work effectively with MHEV technology.

Like every Audi S model, the new SQ5 TDI features quattro permanent all-wheel drive as standard. In normal driving conditions, its self-locking centre differential distributes torque between the front and rear axles in a 40:60 ratio.

SQ5 Vorsprung models are also equipped with a sport differential on the rear axle which actively distributes the power between the rear wheels during dynamic cornering.

Also available as an option for 'standard' SQ5 models, this additional differential literally pushes the car into the bend, nipping understeer in the bud. It sends more torque to the outside rear wheel when accelerating out of tight radii to further improve agility.

Numerous exterior design details hint at the dynamic character of the Audi SQ5 TDI. The bold bumpers feature strongly contoured air inlets up front and a diffuser insert with a honeycomb grille at the rear.

The Singleframe grille features double aluminium slats and contrasting trim elements in twilight grey matt. The S logo with red rhombus is used in numerous locations to set additional accents. The exterior colour panther black is also reserved exclusively for the Audi SQ5 TDI.

The dark-toned interior welcomes the driver and passengers with illuminated door sills bearing exclusive S logos. Contrasting stitching on the leather steering wheel and in a rhombus pattern on the standard fine Nappa leather-upholstered S sport seats conveys a dynamic and elegant ambiance.