- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
3.0T, 6 cyl.
- Engine Power
260kW, 500Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 8.7L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4WD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2017)
2017 Audi SQ5 3.0 TFSI new car review
The original Audi SQ5 was something of a surprise hit for the four-ring brand.
A diesel-powered SUV with sporty pretensions seemed like a strange idea back in 2013. But it became one of the most popular models in what was the best-selling medium-sized luxury SUV; at one point it was so popular roughly one in three Q5s sold was an SQ5.
Its predecessor's popularity helped create a new generation of rivals - Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, Porsche Macan S, Jaguar F-Pace and Range Rover Velar to name a few.
So does this new model have what it takes to live up the SQ5 name and its new competition?
What do you get?
The new SQ5 is priced from $99,611 (plus on-road costs), which is a big jump from the old model’s sub $90k price, but it’s well equipped for the money.
Standard gear includes 21-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, keyless entry and ignition, leather-upholstered sports seats, tri-zone air-conditioning, navigation, Bluetooth, DAB+ digital radio and a 10-speaker sound system. You can also create a wifi hotspot in the car if you add a mobile data plan.
Part of price increase can be explained by the additional level of safety equipment, not previously available on the old model. Standard safety items include a surround view parking camera, semi-autonomous park assist, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert and Exit Warning, that can detect if a cyclist or pedestrian are approaching when you’re opening the door.
Of course there’s the typical luxury car list of optional extras, including air suspension, a sunroof and a better Bang & Olufsen sound system, but one notable omission from the standard equipment list is the quattro sport differential. Given the performance nature of the SQ5 it seems unusual that customers wouldn’t want it as standard, particularly given it costs $2950 to add.
What’s inside?
Audi has a reputation for high quality interiors and the SQ5 doesn’t disappoint. The company’s designers have opted for horizontal lines across the dashboard which creates a feeling of space.
The Virtual Cockpit (digital instrument cluster) adds a level of technology while the S line flat-bottom steering wheel brings a sporty touch.
The materials used are excellent, with high quality leather on the wheel and seats, and the dashboard of our test car featured ‘carbon atlas’ inlays which added to the sporty but luxurious theme.
The sports seats are finished in diamond quilted Nappa leather and offer good lateral support; which is what you need in a performance car.
Space in the back is good too, with enough room for adults. The rear seats also slide and tilt to increase luggage capacity.
Under the bonnet
The biggest change for the SQ5 is under the bonnet. The old model’s twin-turbo diesel has been replaced by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine.
Audi has hinted it may offer a turbo diesel version later in the SQ5’s life but for now the petrol is all we have.
While diesel may still be a bit on the nose around Audi following the Volkswagen Group emissions scandal, there’s no escaping the new petrol engine has less torque and accelerates slower than the old oil burner.
The new petrol engine offers up 260kW of power and 500Nm of torque, which is plenty of punch, but the old 3.0-litre V6 diesel had 230kW and 650Nm on tap.
While you miss that torque off the mark and through the mid-range, the new engine, which is shared with the S4/S5, feels well suited to the sports character of the SUV. It makes a nice V6 growl and can still manage the 0-100km/h sprint in a respectable 5.4seconds.
Of course the petrol engine is also thirstier than the old model, using a claimed 8.7-litres per 100km, but that’s competitive against similar petrol-powered rivals.
On the road
Our test car was not only fitted with the optional sports differential but also had the $2150 optional adaptive air suspension, so there will be a difference between the way it handles and the standard, $99k model.
But the SQ5 we drove was thoroughly impressive on the road. While you can’t expect an SUV to handle like a sports sedan the SQ5 gives it a good shake.
It comes standard with Audi’s Drive Select system that allows you to alter the engine, transmission, steering and suspension settings between six settings including Dynamic, Comfort and Individual.
In the Dynamic settings the SQ5 turns sharply into corners, offering plenty of grip from the tyres and sitting impressively flat and then powers out with all-wheel drive ease. The body control is made more impressive by the otherwise compliant ride, even in the Dynamic mode. Of course, it firms up in its sportier setting but not uncomfortably so. Switch it into Comfort mode and it’s even better at soaking up bumps in the road.
The only slight negative is the steering, which has not been a recent strength of Audi’s sporty models. Like many models the SQ5 lacks feel regardless of settings. It still turns faithfully but it could do a better job of communicating to the driver.
Verdict
The second-generation SQ5 may have a new engine but it remains faithful to the original concept. It combines the practicality and popularity of an SUV with some serious performance.
This isn’t an SUV in a tracksuit, the SQ5 packs really punch from its engine and handles with a sharpness not usually associated with such big, tall models.
It’s sharper and more focused than the old model but also more luxurious and better equipped. It needs to be though, in the face of its new competition.
2017 Audi SQ5 pricing and specifications
Price: From $99,611 plus on-road costs
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo petrol
Power: 260kW at 5400-6400rpm
Torque: 500Nm at 1370-4500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Fuel use: 8.7L/100km
The Competitors
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43
Price: From $102,111 plus on-road costs
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 petrol turbo
Power: 270kW at 5500-6000rpm
Torque: 520Nm at 2500-4500rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Fuel use: 8.8L/100km
Our score: 7.5/10
Jaguar F-Pace S
Price: From $104,827 plus on-road costs
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol
Power: 280kW at 6500rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 4500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, AWD
Fuel use: 8.9 L/100km
Our score: 7/10
Porsche Macan S
Price: From $95,900 plus on-road costs
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo petrol
Power: 250kW at 5500-6500rpm
Torque: 460Nm at 1450-5000rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, AWD
Fuel use: 9.0L/100km
Our score: 7/10