Audi SQ5

Six word summary

Audi closes in on powertrain perfection

What is it?

The SQ5 could be accused of being a parts bin compilation from Audi, using the brawny 309bhp twin-turbo V6 diesel engine in the Q5. However, it comes together to be a much better whole than the sum of its parts to offer one of Audi’s best driving cars and a swift, sure-footed family express.

What’s it like?

The Audi Q5 is a handsome and very able SUV, so expanding its talents to include more power and performance make perfect sense. It also means Audi has a 4×4 to take on the quickest version of BMW’s X3 by shoehorning in the new twin-turbo 3-litre V6 diesel, as used in the A6 Allroad.

Installing this engine into the Q5 to create the SQ5 delivers 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds, a 155mph top speed and the sort of overtaking urge more normally associated with Audi’s RS line. The ‘S’ part of the SQ5 comes from the exclusive S suspension set-up for this model, which lowers the car by 30mm to the ground.

The advantages of lowering the car, and firming up the suspension, are improved road holding and cornering. In the case of the SQ5, Audi has managed this without compromising the ride quality of the Q5, so the SQ5 deals with lumps and ruts in the same composed manner as its less potent siblings.

Where the handling does differ notably is the balance of the car when you begin to press on harder. Where a standard Q5 will begin to push its nose wide quite early in proceedings, the SQ5 keeps its nose to the intended line and the rear end feels more planted. This is largely down to Audi splitting the power between the front and rear wheels 40/60, so the SQ5 behaves more like a rear-drive car than many of Audi’s other Quattro-equipped motors.

The SQ5 is also blessed with steering that enjoys more feel than many of Audi’s current range. It helps counter the size of the SQ5 when using its performance on typical UK back roads where some SUVs can seem unwieldy and overly large.

Dominating the driving experience, however, is the thrust from that V6 turbodiesel. It has a huge 649Nm of shove from just 1,450rpm and this peak remains all the way to 2,800rpm. This means the SQ5 has maximum punch almost all of the time for overtaking or oh-so easy cruising on the motorway.

Rounding off the SQ5’s impressive abilities is its eight-speed automatic gearbox that is near seamless in operation. It lets the SQ5 saunter when you want to enjoy the journey and 41.5mpg average economy, yet it will happily kick down a gear or three when you tramp on the throttle pedal for instant acceleration.

All of this is offered in a Q5 that comes with all of the accoutrements and comforts you would expect of a top line model. The front sports seats hug without becoming too firm and there’s still the same practicality in the rest of the cabin as in other Q5 models.

Granted, the £44,055 price tag demands the SQ5 comes with leather, climate control and all the bells and whistles. What that price tag doesn’t guarantee, and we’ve witnessed Audi squander such opportunities before, is a car that drives in a way to justify the cost. With the SQ5, thankfully, the price and driving experience tally to make it a rare but involving addition to the Q5 range.

Verdict

The SQ5 is Audi’s first diesel-powered S model and, going by this, it should not be its last. While Audi has a patchy record with building fast cars that satisfy the souls of sports car fans, the SQ5 hits the mark bang on and is easily one of the best cars the companies now makes.

Alisdair Suttie