Audi SQ5 TDI upgraded and back full-time

Audi Australia has announced pricing and specifications for its updated 2021 Audi SQ5 TDI, which arrives at the same $104,900 price (plus on-roads) as the pre-facelifted special-edition model reintroduced after a four-year hiatus last November.

This is despite several significant technical upgrades, including a mild-hybrid 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel that produces 251kW of power and a bullocking 700Nm of toque, plus the same interior enhancements and refreshed exterior design as other updated 2021 Audi Q5 models, including advanced optional OLED tail-lights.

When it arrives in April, the latest Audi SQ5 TDI will replace the petrol V6-powered SQ5 TFSI at the top of the upgraded 2021 Audi Q5 range, which was launched earlier this month and will be bolstered by the all-new Audi Q5 Sportback ‘coupe’ in the second half of this year.

The latest Audi SQ5 TDI powertrain gains a more efficient turbocharger, an upgraded electrically-powered compressor (which spins the turbo at low revs) and an improved 48-volt mild-hybrid system that can shut off the engine for up to 40 seconds at speed to reduce fuel consumption.

It’s 4kW down on the engine it replaces, but still generates a big 700Nm via an eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission and Audi’s all-wheel drive quattro system, and delivers 0-100km/h acceleration in just 5.1 seconds, with combined fuel consumption rated at 7.0L/100km.

Standard equipment for the 2021 Audi SQ5 TDI includes a 10.1-inch infotainment touch-screen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, satellite navigation and four USB outlets.

There’s also an electric tailgate, keyless entry with push-button start, tinted windows, wireless phone charging, digital radio, a premium 19-speaker 755W Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system and head-up display, plus a panoramic sunroof, heated and power-adjustable front sports seats, diamond-patterned nappa leather trim, a heated and leather-wrapped sports steering wheel with paddle shifters, 30-colour ambient mood lighting, privacy glass and three-zone climate control.

Safety equipment includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, traffic jam assist, lane-keep assist, park assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, hill-descent control, hold assist, front/rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera.

In 2021, the SQ5 will come with Audi connect plus connected-car services, enabling online alerts for things like weather, traffic, fuel prices, parking and more.

Owners will also be able to use a smartphone app to remotely lock/unlock, request a service or make an emergency call via an on-board SIM card.

The mid-size performance/luxury SUV rides on 30mm-lower suspension with adaptive dampers and Audi Sport 21-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, while stopping power comes from upgraded S red-painted brake callipers.

Matrix LED headlights are now standard for the range-topping SQ5 diesel, along with LED tail-lights, auto high-beam, dynamic indicators and dynamic animations when locking/unlocking.

There’s a sports body kit with aluminium accents and, at the rear, a matte aluminium strip integrated in the lower bumper, sitting above quad oval exhaust outlets and a diffuser insert.

Options include OLED tail-lights, a black exterior trim package, adaptive air suspension and a quattro sport differential that brings cross-axle rear torque vectoring to improve handling.

Nine exterior colour options are available and Audi offers the updated SQ5 TDI with a five-year service plan package, costing $2940.

How much does the 2021 Audi Q5 cost?
Q5 40 TDI quattro – $68,900
Q5 45 TFSI quattro – $69,600
Q5 40 TDI quattro Sport – $74,900
Q5 45 TFSI quattro Sport – $76,600
Q5 40 TDI quattro Launch Edition – $78,300
Q5 45 TFSI quattro Launch Edition – $80,800
Q5 50 TDI quattro S Line – $89,600
SQ5 TDI – $104,900

* Prices exclude on-road costs