Q TIP (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_audisq5tdiquattro_2022

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 87

The second generation Audi SQ5 aimed to be the ultimate stealth family performance SUV, initially launched in petrol guise but mainly produced in the V6 diesel form that sold between 2019-2024. This TDI variant did what few thought was either advisable or possible, namely packing a 341PS diesel powerplant into a mid-sized SUV. Do you really need that much power? Not really. Would you like it though? You bet. It's not cheap but it did bring a welcome shot of sparkle to the MK2 Q5 line up.

Modelsword count: 6

5dr SUV (3.0 TDI) [SQ5, Vorsprung])

Historyword count: 144

The second generation FYB-era Audi SQ5 was first launched in 2017 in 3.0-litre TFSI 354PS petrol form, but in 2019, that engine was then replaced by the Electrically Powered Compressor-boosted twin turbo V6 3.0-litre TDI mild hybrid diesel unit from the S4, that powertrain in this case putting out 341PS. That created a very credible performance flagship for the Q5 range. With the SQ5, you have all of the practical aspects of a normal Q5. That means it'll quite happily do the family duties, commute in comfort, put in a performance at IKEA and be low key enough for you to happily park on the street without a worry. Yet somehow, this model still retains the ability to keep up with a Porsche Cayman sports car. Quite an all-rounder then. This improved MK2 SQ5 sold until an all-new MK3 model arrived in late 2024.

What You Getword count: 387

The SQ5 comes either in standard SUV form or in sleeker, swept-back Sportback guise. Either way, it certainly looks the part. At the front, vertical fins provide structure to the large side air inlets on the front bumpers, and in the octagonal Singleframe grille that's specific to the S models, large octagonal honeycomb sections are linked by narrow bars. These have an aluminium finish, as do the fins on the air inlets. Flanking this grille are full-LED headlights that use Audi's intelligent 'Matrix' technology. At the rear, a matte aluminium strip is integrated in the lower bumpers, below which are the diffuser insert and four chromium-plated oval tailpipe trims. Inside, the main SQ5 change is the addition of a larger 10.1-inch MMI touch display central screen as part of Audi's latest MIB 3 modular infotainment platform. The 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit instrument binnacle screen also came as standard and provides three different graphic layouts: Dynamic, Sport and Classic. In an SQ5 TDI Vorsprung-spec model, that monitor's also supplemented by a head-up display projecting important information onto the windscreen in the driver's field of vision. The S sport seats are upholstered in fine Nappa leather with diamond stitching and are electrically adjustable. Matt brushed aluminium inlays are standard, whilst a top 'Vorsprung'-spec variant like this one comes with these smart 'Carbon Atlas' carbon inlays. Aluminium-look shift paddles on the three-spoke leather steering wheel enable the driver to quickly shift the Tiptronic auto transmission's eight ratios. The pedals and footrest are finished in stainless steel. The standard 'rear seat bench plus' sliding rear bench in the SQ5 is split into three segments, all of which slide back and forth, plus the backrests recline for greater comfort on longer journeys. Two adults should be pretty comfortable, with plenty of room for elbows and legs. And there are no real issues with headroom either, even in the Sportback version with its noticeably-sloped roofline. The boot is accessed via a standard powered tailgate, the rising height of which can be tailored to suit your garage ceiling. A 520-litre space is on offer with the SUV body style - 10-litres more than you get with the Sportback version. Completely flattening the rear bench frees up 1,480-litres of space in the Sportback version of this car - or 1,520-litres in the standard SUV model.

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