Audi SQ5 TDI 2019 Review

In its previous generation, the Audi SQ5 was immensely popular – in Australia as well as its homeland.

But with the release of the latest SQ5, the diesel V6 variant that had been the big seller in the past was missing. It was a big blow given it wasthe variant that had accounted for a third of all Q5 sales in the local marketplace.

Audi has now understood the need for a return to diesel (TDI) power in the SQ5 to complement the existing petrol-engined variant. That updated turbodiesel model is now available in Germany and may also be offered in Australia before long.

Audi Australia is keeping quiet on the subject of pricing for the new generation Audi SQ5 TDI; the importer isn't even admitting that it's a certainty for launch in the local market.

If we do see it here, it will likely be priced a few thousand more than the current petrol SQ5. So bank on a price tag just over $100,000.

Just as the global automotive industry is beginning to turn away from diesel engines, the Germans have nailed six-cylinder oilers that are both refined and powerful. These are engines that will stun drivers for the torque they can produce, with few if any downsides. Just such a powerplant drives the Audi SQ5 TDI.

Fitted with an electric compressor, the engine of the SQ5 TDI growls like a feral cat in Dynamic mode but is very quiet in other modes. And it provides a tsunami of torque for effortless open-road touring, whatever mode is selected. This is one vehicle that might have been designed primarily for country-road overtaking in Australia. It's responsive and powerful.

Partnered with the excellent ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission, the turbo-diesel V6 can also be frugal, posting a fuel consumption figure of 9.9L/100km our journey, despite a lot of ‘low flying’ along the autobahns around Frankfurt, with driver, passenger and luggage onboard.

On the unlimited-speed sections of the German freeways the SQ5's brakes were highly dependable for slowing the SQ5 rapidly, as demanded. But equally, the brakes stopped the SQ5 softly around town when called upon to do so.

Despite being tuned for this sort of high-speed touring, the SQ5 did feel its weight when cornering, but that was at speeds the SUV will never see in Oz. The A6 Allroad also driven during the week in Germany was a little more adept, even though it was a larger machine.

Nevertheless, the Audi SQ5 is quite dynamically capable by the standards of its direct SUV competitors. The steering is direct and tactile when the car is being pushed along.

Ride comfort was acceptable, without unduly influencing body control, and the Audi SQ5 rode quietly on its big, low profile 255/40 R21 Pirelli P-Zero tyres.

Inside, the SQ5 shines. Quite apart from the terrific front seats, which contribute to the decent driving position, the SQ5 features rear-seat headroom and legroom that's more than adequate for adults. Adjustable vents and cup-holders in the centre folding armrest ensure that the second row passengers, be they kids or adults, don't miss out on life's little luxuries.

With 550 litres of boot space available, the SQ5 is a practical family wagon as well. There are remote finger pulls in the luggage compartment to lower the rear seats for additional luggage capacity, but the seats can also be lowered from the side doors. And when lowered, the seats actually lock in place securely.

Audi Australia is reasonably confident the Audi SQ5 TDI will go on sale in Australia, and the importer is aiming for a 2020 start date, but admits that the vehicle may not make it here until 2021.

If or when it does arrive, the Audi SQ5 TDI should be right size for many prospective buyers. It's not too large for urban driving, but it's also spacious enough inside for family weekends away in the country.

With so much torque on tap, it is safe for overtaking on Aussie roads out in the sticks and it handles that type of manoeuvre with ease. The performance available (and the driving dynamics) make it a bit more enjoyable to drive than many SUVs of similar size.

In VFACTS terms, the Audi SQ5 is a medium SUV in the price band above $60,000. It's up against the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, BMW X3/X4, Jaguar F-PACE, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Range Rover Evoque, Velar, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Porsche Macan and Volvo XC60.

As the high-performance diesel variant in the Q5 range, the SQ5 has few direct competitors. Audi's two German rivals sell six-cylinder diesel variants in the X3 and GLC ranges, but only the Jaguar F-PACE comes close to matching the Audi's power and sporty presence.

BMW tuner brand, Alpina, has introduced its X3-based XD3 model to Australia, and that also promises to keep the SQ5 TDI honest.

We know from driving the Audi SQ5 TDI that it's a good package. It produces more power than the Alpina XD3 and it will likely cost less to purchase.

But the Alpina is here right now. We know that the fundamentals of the straight six in the Alpina are right, and the X3 is an excellent platform for a rival to the SQ5, so we wouldn't be rushing out to leave a deposit with an Audi dealer just yet.

How much does the 2020 Audi SQ5 TDI cost?
Price: Expected to be a little above $100,000 plus on-road costs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel with electric compressor
Output: 255kW/700Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.6L/100km (WLTP Combined); 9.9L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 199g/km (WLTP Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star (Euro NCAP for Q5, 2017)