Audi SQ5 2020 Review

You might not spot it thanks to that understated exterior, but the Audi SQ5 is a distinctly warmed-up version of the popular Audi Q5 five-seat SUV.

It is powered by a turbo-petrol V6 that makes a healthy 260kW and 500Nm and drives all four wheels via an eight-speed torque converter automatic and a Torsen centre-diff.

Audi claims the SQ5 will zing to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds and still average 8.7L/100km, despite weighing in at 1875kg before passengers and luggage are loaded onboard.

Underpinning the Audi SQ5 is a sports-tuned version of the MLBevo platform that includes height-adjustable air springs and adaptive dampers, electro-mechanical steering and six-piston Brembo brakes (twin-piston at the rear) clamping 21-inch wheels.

The Audi SQ5 retails for $99,900 plus on-road costs.

That sits it right in the heart of the mid-size luxury SUV battle against sportier versions of the BMW X3 and X4, Mercedes-AMG GLC and GLC coupe, Jaguar F-PACE, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Range Evoque and Velar and the Volvo XC60.

Like much of the Audi performance line-up, the SQ5 has been given an equipment boost for 2020.

Metallic paint, a glass panoramic sunroof, Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, head-up display, extended upholstery package and variable front-seat head restraints with fore-aft adjustment have been added to the package.

Audi estimates that lot to be worth $10,000 but the price has only gone up a few hundred bucks.

Standard SQ5 safety gear includes eight airbags and low-speed autonomous emergency braking (with pedestrian detection) that works up to 85km/h and will slow the car by a maximum 40km/h.

Also included is adaptive cruise control, pre-sense front and rear and reversing assist, active lane assist, blind spot monitoring, attention monitoring, parking assist, a tyre pressure loss indicator, a 360-degree camera and turn assist that monitors oncoming traffic when turning right at low speed.

Other equipment includes 21-inch alloy wheels, a powered tailgate, LED headlights, front seats that are powered, heated, Nappa leather-trimmed and offer memory adjustment for the driver; three-zone climate control, the configurable Audi virtual cockpit instrument panel and the MMI infotainment system that includes Apple and Android connectivity.

The Audi SQ5 comes with a three-year/unlimited km warranty with service intervals set at approximately 12 months or 15,000km. A three-year service plan is offered from $1890, while a five-year/75,000km plan is priced from $2940.

The best thing about the Audi SQ5 is the drive experience. And that’s something you can’t always say about SUVs … or Audis.

The way this vehicle steers, handles and grips on a winding road is truly enjoyable and reassuring. The rear-biased permanent AWD system – aided by the $2950 optional sports rear differential in our test car – ensures grace under pressure.

It’s more of a highlight than even the engine, which is strong, smooth, sounds good and is allied with an unobtrusive automatic.

The interior lives up to traditional Audi standards of perceived quality. The materials are appropriate for a car of this price and put together very well.

There’s plenty of storage in the cabin and the 550-litre boot – including a temporary spare tyre – expands to 1550 litres when the rear seats are split/folded.

Not as good is the amount of rear-seat space the SQ5 offers. It’s acceptable for two adults, but the pronounced exhaust tunnel makes it a squeeze for three.

Shift forward to the driver’s seat and you’ll find there’s a lot of stalks, dials and controls to deal with. The infotainment screen is non-touch, which adds to the complexity.

You’ll also note the engine – which makes do with a single turbo nestled in the vee – can take a few revs to get interested from tip-in throttle, even though peak torque kicks in as low as 1370rpm.

It’s not annoying, but it is noticeable enough to prompt use of the manual shift paddles when hustling along.

We did a bit of that and that helps explain the high 12.4L/100km fuel consumption average during our drive.

Proceeding in a more relaxed manner the ride is a bit lumpy, even in the drive mode’s comfort settings. The positive side of that is it gets better with speed and never gets tooth loosening no matter how firmly it’s set.

The Audi SQ5’s combination of refined speed and practicality will be a real tempter for people who have a sporting penchant combined with a need for space to fit a few people and their luggage.

Bear in mind a diesel version will soon be on sale in Australia that beats the turbo-petrol version’s acceleration and fuel consumption claims. Pricing is a TBC.

The Audi SQ5 is an appealing combination of naughty and nice. You could quietly drive it to the shops without anyone suspecting it is anything other than a standard Q5.

That understated ability might appeal to some people and not to others. But whatever your feelings about the visuals, a decent drive is enough to demonstrate this is a versatile, capable and enjoyable vehicle.

How much does the 2020 Audi SQ5 cost?
Price: $99,900 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo-petrol
Output: 260kW/500Nm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 200g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2017)