SPY PICS: New 2024 Audi SQ5 hits the ’Ring

The next-generation 2024 Audi SQ5 has been spotted pumping out laps of the Nurburgring in Germany ahead of the popular high-performance SUV’s global debut in the months ahead.

Despite being wrapped from bumper to bumper in camouflage, the prototype is clearly the performance flagship of the German brand’s incoming new mid-size SUV line-up, as seen by the hunkered-down ride height, black honeycomb grille mesh, uprated braking package and quad exhaust tips.

Various elements also align with previous sightings of the new Q5, including the bigger body and redesigned front fascia, however this is the first time we’ve seen the production-spec headlights and tail-lights which are slimmer and more angrier-looking at both ends.

Mechanical upgrades are still being kept under wraps, but we expect updated versions of current petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains to continue.

But the jury’s still out on whether the SQ5 will stick with muscular turbo-diesel power and maintain a key point of difference against rivals such as the petrol-powered BMW X3 M40i.

The current SQ5 has offered both petrol and diesel engines across its lifecycle, with the oil-burning mild-hybrid 3.0-litre V6 currently in service producing 251kW and 700Nm of torque.

It can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds, on its way to a 250km/h top speed.

The SQ5 is also a crucial model for Audi in Australia, consistently accounting for about a third of all Q5 sales in Australia over the past decade.

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