Design Car Audi SQ5

Design Car Audi SQ5

The introduction of the Audi SQ5 marks a new era for Audi’s S performance division. It’s the first SUV to benefit from the brand’s sporty makeover, and the first S model with diesel power. Under the bonnet is the 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbodiesel from the A6. The SQ5 also has revised suspension and a sportier design than the standard Audi Q5.

Upgrading from Q5 to SQ5 doesn’t require any compromise on practicality, but with 520 litres of boot space, it's 10 litres smaller than the Alpina XD3's, at 540 litres.

Fold the back seats, and the load capacity increases to 1,560 litres. The seat folding levers are handily placed next to the seatbases. The load partition system on the car is a £180 option. Back seat space isn’t quite as good as it is in the XD3.

It’s clear as soon as you look at the Audi SQ5 that it’s more than your average Q5. For starters, it’s 31mm lower, while the wheelarches have been flared to add 13mm to the car’s width. It’s also 15mm longer than the standard car, thanks to deeper bumpers front and rear.

Two crystal-effect colours are exclusively offered on the Audi SQ5, although we think the sporty styling tweaks do enough on their own to mark it out as something special. The satin silver wing mirrors are a traditional feature of S models, and they’re complemented by silver roof bars, while the imposing grille, quad exhaust pipes, dark grey diffuser and standard 21-inch alloys give the car a more aggressive appearance.

Engine Car Audi SQ5

The SQ5 looks squat compared with the high-riding Alpina XD3 Bi-Turbo, plus it has more subtle styling, which will appeal to some buyers. Inside, the updates are just as subtle. There are SQ5-branded kickplates, special badging on the dials and embossed lettering on the leather trim. Aside from the heavily bolstered sports seats, the rest of the cabin is pure Audi Q5 – although that’s no bad thing, as it’s very well built. A lower seating position means the Audi feels sportier than the Alpina as well.