Audi SQ5 TDI to be top-seller

Audi has launched its first SUV to wear the 'S' badge Down Under, with the high-performance SQ5 priced at $89,400 plus on-road costs.

As we reported after our first drive in Europe, the new Q5 range-topper model is properly fast, thanks to a thumping new 230kW/650Nm twin-turbo diesel V6 that propels the vehicle to 100km/h in a sports car-like 5.1 seconds.

That makes it quicker than even BMW’s X6 M50d, which employs a cracking 280kW/740Nm triple-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six diesel engine to sprint to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.

In addition, the new Q5 super-diesel returns low fuel consumption, averaging just 6.8L/100km according to Audi. This also means it isn't slugged by the full luxury car tax (LCT), representing a saving of roughly $3700.

Audi is forecasting big things for its outrageous oiler, with one in three Q5s sold in this country predicted to be the 250km/h SQ5 TDI.

“We're fortunate to have such a strong SUV product offering across the range, and 30 per cent is not an unrealistic figure for the SQ5 TDI,” said Audi Australia Managing Director, Andrew Doyle.

In 2012 Audi sold 2830 Q5 vehicles, giving it a dominant 26.1 per cent share of the mid-size luxury SUV category - for the second year running. The top-selling Q4 was closely followed by the BMW X3 (2500) and Range Rover Evoque (2496), both of which accounted for 23 per cent of the segment.

Doyle said the SQ5 was a “world-class car” and was confident Audi could sell 800 or 900 of the red-hot V6 biturbo diesels per year. At present roughly 70 per cent of Q5s sold here are diesels.

“The SQ5 has the potential to hit a sweet spot with customers and it's well priced. It's certainly not cheap, but people will be pleasantly surprised with its performance and versatility.

“This kind of potent performance has never been available in a vehicle like this before and is clear proof that Audi’s modern engine technology is class-leading,” stated Doyle.

For almost $90,000, the SQ5 comes standard with Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara upholstered sports seats and armrests, a flat-bottom steering wheel, primo navigation and infotainment systems (MMI navigation plus), self-parking system, reversing camera, tri-zone climate-control, 10-speaker stereo, eight airbags and attention assist.

The Audi SQ5 TDI quattro tiptronic looks the part too, riding 30mm lower than regular Q5s on stiffer suspension and new-look 20-inch alloy wheels fitted with low-profile sports tyres.

Quad exhaust outlets (with integrated speakers to generate a bassy rumble), black brake callipers, a roof spoiler and xenon/LED headlights are designed to make the car look sportier.

Power and torque of a respective 230kW and 650Nm is transmitted via a conventional eight-speed automatic because Audi's twin-clutch automated manual gearboxes cannot handle the engine's monstrous torque output.

Audi is also offering a special Launch Edition version ($104,120) limited to 60 units and adding 21-inch alloy wheels, Dynamic Steering, a Bang & Olufsen stereo with digital radio, adaptive headlights with high beam assist, seat heating for front and outside rear passengers and plenty more.

But it's all academic because every one of them is already sold and Audi Australia is unable to secure any more examples.

Though the Q5 (741 sales) has been outsold by the BMW X3 (814 sales) for the first three months of 2013, Audi has closed the gap with BMW in terms of overall SUV sales so far this year.

Audi SUV sales increased by 89 per cent from 1038 to 1963 units year-on-year, thanks to strong sales of the Q3 compact SUV. BMW managed a smaller 30 per cent rise from 1685 to 2186 units for the same period.

Check out the reviews section for our first Australia drive of Audi's new SQ5 scorcher.

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