Audi SQ5 2021 review
Content
- Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10
- How practical is the interior space? 7/10
- Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10
- What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 8/10
- How much fuel does it consume? 7/10
- What is it like to drive? 8/10
- What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 8/10
- How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 6/10
- Verdict
Audi makes some amazing cars. There's an R8 that sits on my lap and has a V10, or an RS6 station wagon that looks like a rocket with a big boot. However, most Audi buyers buy the Q5 model.
It's a mid-sized SUV, which means it's essentially a shopping cart in the automaker's range. But like everything to do with Audi, there's a high-performance version, and that's the SQ5. Audi released its refreshed Q5 midsize SUV a couple of months ago, and now the refreshed, sporty SQ5 is booming.
| Audi SQ5 2021: 3.0 TFSI Quattro | |
|---|---|
| Safety Rating | |
| engine's type | 3.0 L turbo |
| fuel type | Premium unleaded gasoline |
| Fuel efficiency | 8.7l / 100km |
| Landing | 5 Places |
| Price from | $83,700 |
Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10
Maybe it's just me, but the Q5 seems to be the most beautiful SUV in the Audi lineup. It doesn't look too big and bulky like the Q7, but it does weigh more than the Q3. That "Tornado Line" that curves down the sides of the car with the wheels appearing to rest against the bodywork at the fenders adds to the dynamic look.
The SQ5 looks even sportier with the S body kit, red brake calipers and 21-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels.
The update saw the grille lower and wider, with a more complex honeycomb design, and side sill trims were redesigned.
Interior styling hasn't changed since the introduction of the second-generation Q5 in 2017.
SQ5 colors include: Mythos Black, Ultra Blue, Glacier White, Floret Silver, Quantum Grey, and Navarra Blue.
The cabin is much the same as before, with the addition of Nappa leather upholstery as standard. While the styling of the cabin is upmarket and well-appointed, it hasn't changed since the introduction of the second-generation Q5 in 2017 and is starting to show its age.
The SQ5 measures 4682mm long, 2140mm wide and 1653mm high.
Want more coupes in your SQ5? You're in luck, Audi has announced that the SQ5 Sportback is coming soon.
How practical is the interior space? 7/10
This midsize five-seat SUV could do a better job of being practical. There's no third-row, seven-seat option, but that's not our main gripe. No, the SQ5 doesn't have a lot of rear legroom, and there isn't much room in the cabin either.
Granted, I'm 191 cm (6'3") and almost 75 percent of that height is in my legs, but I can sit pretty comfortably in my driver's seat in most midsize SUVs. Not the SQ5, which gets tight there.
The cabin is much the same as before, with the addition of Nappa leather upholstery as standard.
In terms of interior storage, yes, there's a decent-sized cantilever box under the center armrest and slots for keys and wallets, plus the pockets in the front doors are big, but rear passengers again don't get better treatment with small door pockets. However, there are two cup holders in the back of the folding armrest and two more in the front.
At 510 liters, the trunk is almost 50 liters smaller than the luggage compartment of the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.
The trunk holds 510 liters.
The four USB ports (two in the front and two in the second row) are useful, as is the cordless phone charger on the dash.
The privacy glass, directional vents for the third row, and roof racks that now have crossbars are good to see.
Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10
The SQ5 costs $104,900, which is $35k more than the entry-level Q5 TFSI. Still, it's a good value considering this king of its class is loaded with features, including a host of new ones coming with this update.
New standard features include matrix LED headlights, metallic paint, a panoramic sunroof, acoustic windows, Nappa leather upholstery, an electrically adjustable steering column, a head-up display, a 19-speaker Bang and Olufsen stereo, and roof racks. with crossbars.
New standard features include a 19-speaker Bang and Olufsen stereo system.
This is along with standard features previously found on the SQ5 such as LED daytime running lights, three-zone climate control, 10.1-inch multimedia display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, 30-color. ambient lighting, digital radio, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, privacy glass, 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise and automatic parking.
The SQ5 also gets a sporty S exterior body kit with red brake calipers, and the interior also features S touches such as diamond-stitched sports seats.
Of course, the SQ5 is more than just a cosmetic set. There's a sporty suspension and a great V6, which we'll get to shortly.
What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 8/10
The 5-litre V3.0 SQ6 turbodiesel engine is an evolution of the engine found in the Special Edition SQ5 from the outgoing model, now delivering 251kW at 3800-3950rpm and 700Nm at 1750-3250rpm.
This diesel engine uses a so-called mild hybrid system. Don't confuse this with a gas-electric hybrid or plug-in hybrid because it's nothing more than an auxiliary electrical storage system that can restart an engine that cuts out while coasting.
The 5-litre V3.0 SQ6 turbodiesel engine is an evolution of the engine.
Gear shifting is carried out by an eight-speed automatic, and the drive naturally goes to all four wheels. A claimed 0-100 km/h for the SQ5 is 5.1 seconds, which should be more than enough to bail you out when the lane ahead ends. And the towing capacity is 2000 kg for a trailer with brakes.
Is there a petrol option? The previous model had one, but for this update, Audi has only released this diesel version so far. This does not mean that the petrol SQ5 will not appear later. We will keep our ears open for you.
How much fuel does it consume? 7/10
The Australian launch didn't give us a chance to test the SQ5's fuel economy, but Audi believes that after a combination of open and city roads, the 3.0-litre TDI should return 7.0 l/100 km. Sounds like a ridiculously good economy, but for now, that's all we need to do. We'll be testing the SQ5 in real-life conditions shortly.
While the mild hybrid system does help fuel economy, it would be much better to see the Q5 plug-in hybrid on sale in Australia. The e-tron EV version would be even better. So while diesel is efficient, consumers want a more environmentally friendly choice for this popular midsize SUV.
What is it like to drive? 8/10
If I had to pick the best thing about the SQ5, it's how it rides. It's one of those cars that feels like you're wearing it rather than driving it, thanks to the way it steers, the eight-speed automatic shifts smoothly and the engine responds.
Like a low-flying army helicopter - wump-wump-wump. This is how the SQ5 sounds at 60 km/h in fourth place, and I love it. Even if the sound is amplified electronically.
But the pressure is real. The 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel is an evolution of the engine found in the Special Edition SQ5 from the previous model, but it's better because 700Nm of torque is now lower at 1750rpm. The power output is also slightly higher at 251kW.
Just don't expect the SQ5 to be brutally dynamic, it's not a Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. No, it's more of a grand tourer than a super SUV with colossal torque and a comfortable ride. It handles impressively, but the SQ5 feels better on gentle back roads and highways than it does on curves and hairpins.
My driving itinerary included only a small amount of city driving, but the SQ5's ease of driving made driving as stress-free as it can be during peak hours.
Warranty and safety rating
Basic Warranty
3 years / unlimited mileage
guarantee
ANCAP Safety Rating
What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 8/10
The Q5 received the highest five-star ANCAP rating in 2017 and the SQ5 has the same rating.
The future standard is AEB, although it is a city speed type that works to detect cars and pedestrians at speeds up to 85 km/h. There's also rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic parking (parallel and perpendicular), 360-degree camera view, front and rear parking sensors, and eight airbags.
Child seats have two ISOFIX points and three top tether anchorages in the rear seat.
How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 6/10
Audi refuses to drop its three-year unlimited mileage warranty despite other prestigious brands such as Genesis, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz moving to a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.
Audi refuses to change its three-year unlimited mileage warranty.
In terms of service, Audi offers a $5 five-year plan for the SQ3100, covering every 12 months/15000 km of service during that time, averaging a year.
Verdict
The SQ5 is the best version of the very popular SUV, and the V6 turbodiesel engine makes for an incredibly pleasant and easy driving experience. The update made little difference to the looks, and practicality remains an area where the SQ5 could be improved, but it's hard not to appreciate this excellent SUV.
