Audi SQ5 TDI 2020 Review

Audi sprung a neat little surprise on the world when it presented the diesel-powered Audi SQ5 TDI back in 2013.

While most of us were still trying to shake Psy’s incessant ‘Gangnam Style’ jingle from our conscience (sorry, not sorry), the German car-maker gifted the world a vehicle which consummately blended a punchy yet efficient drivetrain with real-world practicality and a relatable asking price.

The SQ5 TDI also doubled as Audi’s first diesel-powered S model and its first veritable sports-themed SUV.

Of course, this isn’t news for the many people who purchased an SQ5 in Australia. But the history lesson is worthwhile in contextualising the SQ5 TDI’s return to Australian shores.

Yep, after three years in the wilderness, the SQ5 TDI is back – though not in the same capacity as the original.

Let’s see whether it can extend the legacy.

One major part of the original Audi SQ5 TDI’s appeal was its price. At $89,400 plus on-road costs back in 2013, there was an element of sensibility around its pricing, especially since there were not that many genuine performance SUVs on the market at the time.

Fast-forward to 2020 and the SQ5 TDI’s value equation isn’t quite as strong. Diesel power returns in the form of the 2020 Audi SQ5 TDI Special Edition, which is priced from $104,900 plus ORCs.

Just 240 examples of the SQ5 TDI Special Edition are available, which will in turn be superseded by an updated Q5 range in the first half of 2021.

The latest SQ5 TDI pricing undercuts the similarly-minded – albeit in petrol form – BMW X3 M40i (from $111,900) and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 ($115,000), yet it puts the hot oil-burning Audi within striking distance of the brilliant Porsche Macan GTS ($112,300).

Compared with its petrol-powered SQ5 TFSI stablemate, which will continue to be sold concurrently with the oiler, the TDI commands a $3800 premium.

According to Audi, the TDI offsets the increase with more standard equipment, including Matrix LED headlights, massaging front seats, carbon interior highlights and a black exterior styling package.

On the tech front, the SQ5 TDI bundles a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit instrument display, head-up display, an 8.3-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D surround-sound system and wireless phone charging,

Elsewhere, there’s power-adjustable Nappa leather sports seats, a panoramic sunroof, three-zone climate control, proximity entry with push-button start, a powered tailgate and colour-adjustable LED cabin lighting.

Driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist and semi-autonomous parking assist, and adaptive damper control offers push-button switching between dynamic and comfort suspension modes.

Like all Audi vehicles, the SQ5 comes with a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and regular service intervals are set every 12 months or 15,000km. Audi also offers a five-year servicing plan that costs $2940 up front.

The SQ5 is fitted standard with a space-saver spare wheel and offers an official 2.0-tonne braked towing capacity.

Although the styling and presentation of the 2020 Audi SQ5 TDI plays to a decidedly understated theme, its diesel engine has other ideas.

The SQ5 TDI’s brawny diesel V6 propels the mid-size luxury SUV to 100km/h in a rapid-fire 5.1sec, three tenths of a second quicker than the petrol SQ5.

All told, the 3.0-litre turbo produces 255kW of power and 700Nm of torque, employing a single conventional variable-geometry turbocharger in place of the twin-turbo arrangement of its predecessor.

Power reaches all four 21-inch alloy wheels via a conventional torque-converter eight-speed automatic transmission.

The sound actuators located in the exhaust system returns to add a little razzle to the dazzle, while a self-locking centre differential defaults to a 40:60 torque split front-to-rear and is able to push that ratio to 15:85 under hard acceleration.

There’s also an optional quattro sport differential available for $2150.

Using a 48V mild-hybrid system, the SQ5 is relatively efficient given its athletic sprinting ability, with a claimed combined-cycle fuel consumption of 6.8L/100km – significantly less than the 8.7L/100km of the petrol SQ5.

Using the Volkswagen Group’s MLB architecture as its base – a platform that underpins everything from the A4 through to the Q8 – the SQ5 is suspended by five-link front and rear suspension that is bolstered by adaptive dampers preconfigured to sport and comfort settings.

Our test vehicle is fit with adaptive air suspension, which is a $2990 option.

Electromechanical steering with speed-dependent power assistance is also configurable depending which driving mode you’re in, while huge 375mm front rotors lifted from the Audi RS5 take care of braking duties.

There’s a sense of familiarity inside the cabin of the 2020 Audi SQ5 TDI Special Edition.

Audi’s interior layouts have no doubt evolved a couple of times since the original SQ5 of 2013, yet the latest example plays to similar strengths of space, refinement and comfort.

Premium materials adorn the contact points, while the soft Nappa leather seats offer equal parts comfort and support with their bolstering. Equally, the driver’s seat is low-set with ample electric adjustment – matched by the thoughtful positioning of the SQ5’s steering wheel.

Where the familiarity theme loses some shine, however, is with infotainment. The SQ5 makes do with a last-generation infotainment system comprising a relatively small 8.3-inch centre screen operated via a finicky rotary dial.

Although the SQ5 does boast Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it loses big functionality points by not offering any form of touch-screen capability.

Similarly, a touchpad below the centre fascia eats into valuable odds-and-ends storage space, meaning you’re occasionally looking for spots to sit your valuables on weekend road trips.

The SQ5 goes some way in redeeming itself with deep, cavernous door pockets and an assortment of USB and charging points: one 12-volt outlet and two USB ports front and rear respectively.

Speaking of the rear seat, it too offers ample space commensurate with the mid-size SUV segment. A large transmission tunnel and high-set middle pew means it is better served ferrying two adults rather than three; rear air vents and two ISOFIX attachment points in the outbound pews also lend it plenty of merit hauling little ones.

Further back, the SQ5 offers 510-litre luggage space with adequate room for two large suitcases, or incrementally more if you choose to slide the rear seat forward.

The cargo area is accessed via a generous opening and includes easily-accessed levers to quickly stow the 60/40-split folding rear seat, a floor net to keep valuables secure, plus a cargo blind to keep objects out of sight.

A space-saver spare tyre resides underneath.

There are no huge surprises on the road with the 2020 Audi SQ5 TDI Special Edition. As ever, it is a consummate all-rounder, blending torque-laden, efficient diesel power with competent dynamics and an air of refinement.

The diesel engine is largely foolproof in its operation: it’s initially raucous upon building revs and setting off, but finds peak torque from 2500rpm and uses its quick-thinking eight-speed auto to settle into a refined rhythm.

Building to higher speed limits, overtaking or highway exit ramps are met with effortless go-forward from the oiler, which finds a natural cadence around 2500rpm – right in the middle of its sweet spot.

When required, the V6 diesel quickly gets down to business as well, apportioning its drive cleanly and effectively to all four wheels and delivering a noteworthy soundtrack more akin to a V8.

There’s redeeming sweetener in its efficiency, too; we comfortably achieved the official 6.8L/100km claim and even saw 5.6L/100km over 100km of exclusive highway driving. Very impressive, and due in part to the new mild-hybrid hardware, which is otherwise benign in its interventions.

The SQ5’s ride and handling are equally well considered. There’s a natural sportiness to its progress, yet one that doesn’t overtly impede on comfort: air suspension on our test car takes the edge out of small amplitude imperfections while larger hits are dispatched without any major crashing.

Ultimately, the SQ5 doesn’t quite match the brilliant Porsche Macan GTS for its steering tune, front-to-rear balance or deft cornering ability, but it does a sterling interpretation.

Elsewhere, cabin noise is adequately insulated for this positioning of vehicle and the SQ5 retains its composure on greasy roads thanks to the vigilant electronic driver aids.

The Audi SQ5 range is better off with the reintroduction of a long-awaited diesel TDI variant.

The diesel’s performance and efficiency mix is as relevant as ever, a recipe that will be made greater with the introduction of a facelifted Q5 range bringing a much-needed infotainment overhaul.

Until then, the 240 examples of the Audi SQ5 Special Edition recall what was so appealing about the original SQ5 from 2013 – ageing interior and all.

That said, the SUV dynamism claim has long moved on from Audi’s grasp; we reckon the Porsche Macan GTS pulls off the brief marginally better.

How much does the 2020 Audi SQ5 TDI Special Edition cost?
Price: $104,900 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.8L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 177g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2017)