The Audi SQ5 TDI is the first ever Audi “S” model in the Q model line. It is also the first S model whose remarkable propulsive power and impressive performance figures are generated by a twin-turbo diesel engine.
Visually, it combines all the assets of the Audi Q5 performance SUV with the unmistakable design characteristics of Audi S models. The result is a highly attractive and distinctive vehicle. This is immediately apparent from its exterior, with restyled front and rear bumpers, a roof spoiler, black brake callipers at the front with SQ5 badging and many other features besides all emphasising the sporty nature of the Audi SQ5 TDI. The Audi SQ5 TDI has no direct competitors and is a unique offering in the premium B SUV –segment.
Boosted by two turbochargers, its 3.0 TDI produces a brawny 230 kW and 650 Nm of torque between 1,450 and 2,800 rpm. The powerful TDI, which displaces 2,967 cc, uses a twin-turbo design in which the two turbochargers are connected in series via a flap. Cylinder head cooling, the timing and lift of the intake cam shafts, the pistons, their oil-jet cooling and the piston pins have been specially designed for the high-performance concept. The common rail system develops as much as 2,000 bar of pressure and injects as many as eight shots of fuel into the cylinders per cycle.
The Audi SQ5 TDI sprints from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250 km/h (governed). Fuel consumption is on average just 6.8 litres per 100 km with a CO2 emissions figure of 179 g/km, taking full advantage of the efficiency a diesel engine provides. Innovative thermal management, the start-stop system and the regulated oil pump all contribute to this top figure. A fast and smooth-shifting eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive with torque vectoring transfer the power of the V6 diesel to the road.
The electromechanical power steering in the Audi SQ5 TDI is sensitive and highly efficient. The sport suspension lowers the vehicle body by 30 millimetres, while it is fitted with 20-inch, five parallel-spoke design wheels as standard. The black brake callipers on the front axle sport S badges.
The most eye-catching design cues are the Platinum Grey single-frame grille with its galvanized double bars in an aluminium-look finish, the roof spoiler and the modified bumpers. The high-gloss package and the aluminium-look exterior mirrors accentuate the area around the windows. The body includes a high proportion of ultra-high-strength steels, making it very light, safe and rigid.
As is typical for an S model, the interior has black trim and exudes a sporty elegance. The power-adjustable sport seats come as standard in Alcantara leather with brushed aluminium inlays as standard. The instrument dials are grey and include a 3D-design S badge, the needles are white and the pedals and shift paddles have an aluminium-look finish. Additional visual highlights in the interior are the S gear lever knob, the S badges on the door sill trims, the start button and the specially-shaped steering wheel, the S welcome screen and the lighting package.
Luggage capacity in the SQ5 is 1,560 litres, making it the ideal car for sporty and active customers. It is also an unusually powerful towing vehicle, with a rated towing capacity of up to 2.4 metric tons.
The Audi S Q5 will be available with the following standard specification:
- 20-inch S-design alloy wheels
- MMI 3G Navigation Plus
- Audi connect on-line services (including Google Earth navigation and Wifi hotspot)
- S-design flat-bottom steering wheel with enlarged gearshift paddles
- Black headliner
- Exhaust sound actuator
- S-design interior trim
- S-embossed front sport seats in alcantara/ leather
- Twin exhaust tailpipes (two on each side)
- S-design front and rear bumpers
- S-design side sills
- S-design front bumper and grille
- S-badging
The new Audi S Q5 is now available in South Africa at the following price, inclusive of all taxes and the standard five-year/100 000km Audi Freeway Plan:
- Audi S Q5 TDI quattro tiptronic: R 794,500
