All-new Audi SQ5 fires up

One of Australia’s most popular high-performance luxury SUVs has evolved. But the hero model in the latest Audi Q5 range – the SQ5 – is more expensive than its predecessor and has swapped the turbo-diesel V6 for a thirstier, slower petrol engine.

Priced at $99,611 (plus on-road costs), the SQ5 is the flagship of Audi’s second generation Q5 lineup which starts under $66,000.

Which makes the new model over $10,000 more expensive than the first-generation Audi SQ5 diesel which sold for $89,400 in 2013.

Despite weighing 130kg less than its predecessor, and generating an extra 20 kilowatts of power, the newer, more advanced model is neither as fast nor efficient, so it won't be able to travel as far on a single tank of fuel.

The 2017 Audi SQ5 you see here is powered by a new 3.0-litre petrol V6 featuring a single twin-scroll turbocharger wedged in the vee, generating 260kW/500Nm. That's enough mumbo to accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds, however it drinks fuel (95 octane is OK) at a claimed 8.7L/100km.

By way of comparison: The 2013 Audi SQ5 powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel V6, generating 230kW/650Nm – less power but 150Nm more torque - accelerates to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds and uses 6.8L/100km.

In its hey-day, the turbo-diesel Audi SQ5 was one of the top-selling variants in the Q5 line-up, accounting for one in three Q5 sales in Australia.

So where's the V6 turbo-diesel Audi SQ5?
According to Peter Strudwicke, Audi Australia’s planning manager, launching the SQ5 petrol from the get-go, alongside the regular second generation Q5 range, was preferable to waiting for a hi-po diesel model.

"We took the opportunity to offer an SQ5 from day one. Normally we can't do that," Mr Strudwicke said.

"The diesel wasn't available. The brand-new [petrol] engine was developed for Audi S4 and S5 Coupe, and obviously the U.S.A is a big market for the SQ5 as well. The previous model [SQ5 in the U.S.A.] was only offered with a supercharged V6 petrol engine, so that was the development priority early on for Audi."

Despite the higher cost and reduced performance and efficiency, Mr Strudwicke says there is pent up demand for the new SQ5 model – even if it is now a petrol pumper.

"Certainly the initial response from the [dealer] network has been really positive and the initial order intake from them has been really good," he revealed

Mr Strudwicke explained there were "a lot" of customer pre-orders for the new SQ5, after "existing stock was more or less sold out in March".

You can read our first Audi SQ5 test on local roads in our reviews section but what about current owners who want to stick with diesel? Mr Strudwicke reckons the diesel SQ5 being developed for Europe "would make sense" in Australia but wouldn't be drawn on whether we'll get it.

"Nothing is for sure yet," he commented.

More expensive, more features
Despite the price rise, Mr Strudwicke thinks the new SQ5 delivers $16,000 worth of extra value over the previous model, coming with plenty of new standard features including the Audi ‘Virtual Cockpit’ fully-digitised instrument panel with a unique 'S' mode featuring a large digital tachometer.

Tinted windows, a surround view 360 degree camera and park assist are also standard, as are matte brushed aluminium mirrors and dynamic strobing LED indicators. The cabin also features adjustable ambient interior lighting with 30 colour choices which can be linked to drive modes.

The full-time quattro 4WD system uses a mechanical Torsen centre differential to apportion torque between the front and rear axles. An optional ($2950) sports differential adds torque vectoring at the rear, splitting power between the rear left and right wheels to reduce understeer.

Nappa leather sports seats with diamond stitching are standard (with S badge embossing), a flat-bottom steering wheel is added and the chassis has been tuned for a firmer, more dynamic drive. Adaptive dampers are also standard and, with a ride height is 25mm lower than regular models, the Audi SQ5 affords ground clearance of 175mm.

On the outside, the SQ5 scores a more aggressive body kit than regular Q5 models, large 21-inch alloy wheels, and red brake calipers are in evidence too. Big six-piston calipers bite 350mm front brake discs, with 330mm discs at the rear with twin-pot calipers.
Priced from $99,611, the all-new 2017 Audi SQ5 goes on sale in Australia from July 12, 2017.