ONLY A FEW MONTHS AFTER THE RETURN of the legendary SQ5 TDI, Audi Australia is preparing for the arrival of a new, refreshed model. The new SQ5 TDI is sporty, powerful and efficient, thanks to a new 3.0 TDI V6 engine. A striking design refresh also accompanies appealing equipment upgrades.
“The new SQ5 TDI represents an Audi icon in its finest form ever,” said Paul Sansom, Managing Director of Audi Australia.
“The instant success of the recently returned SQ5 TDI special edition models confirm the continued appeal of a high-performance TDI engine in this segment. The new-generation 3.0 TDI V6 brings the very latest technology to deliver crushing performance, with impressive efficiency and very low emissions.”
In its latest version, the three-litre V6 engine boasts an output of 251 kW and 700Nm of torque. The wide engine-speed range can be used continuously between 1750 rpm and 3250 rpm. The 3.0 TDI develops its power earlier and more forcefully than before. It accelerates the top model of the Q5 product line from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Fuel consumption is 7.0L/100km, with CO2 emissions 185 g/km. An actuator in the exhaust system gives the V6 a distinctive and sonorous sound and is controlled via Audi drive select.
Many details of the V6 3.0 TDI have been revised, including new pistons, sensors, intercooler design and turbocharger. In addition, the 48v mild hybrid system (MHEV) integrates a belt alternator starter (BAS) for advanced start/stop and coasting functionality, boosting efficiency by around 0.7L/100km. The electric-powered compressor (EPC) spins up to 65,000 rpm in roughly 300 milliseconds, which provides instantaneous torque from very low engine revs. For exhaust gas aftertreatment, Audi uses twin-dosing technology: two SCR catalytic converters working together, supplied with the AdBlue urea solution. This leads to substantially lower emissions in the WLTP real-world test cycle.
To harness the engine’s power, the SQ5 TDI is equipped with a fast-shifting eight-speed tiptronic transmission, directing power to the road via Audi quattro permanent all-wheel drive for superb handling and traction. The self-locking centre differential is able to direct 40 percent of the torque to the front axle and 60 percent to the rear in normal driving conditions, with up to 85 percent directed to the rear wheels if the road conditions demand it. The standard adaptive suspension with damper control sits the SQ5 30mm lower than the Q5 and ensures the perfect combination of ride comfort and dynamic performance, while the optional air suspension adjusts the ride height of the body through five levels depending on the driving situation. Additionally, the optional quattro sport differential can provide further adjustment, directing almost all of the rear axle’s torque to either wheel during particularly dynamic driving.
The SQ5 TDI is equipped with an extensive range of driver assistance systems that contribute to its 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Standard safety features include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, active lane assist, collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic assist, park assist, hill descent control, hold assist, as well as a comprehensive suite of parking sensors including the 360-degree and rear view cameras.
The new, sportier design is complemented by attractive, Audi Sport 21-inch alloy wheels in 5-twin-spoke V design that house distinctive S brake calipers painted in a red high-gloss finish. Vertical fins provide structure to the large side-air inlets on the front bumpers. In the octagonal Singleframe grille that is 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.
Matrix LED headlights are now standard, with continuous automatic high beam, dynamic turn signals and dynamic animations when locking and unlocking. Digital OLED rear lights are an option. 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. Customers have a choice of nine exterior paint finishes. The black styling package, which adds sporty accents, is available on request.
Further design innovation such as the hands-free electric tailgate and the simplicity of convenience keyless entry and start are welcome The rear-window privacy glass keeps glare out, or you can let the sunshine in, thanks to the panoramic sunroof.
Inside the cabin, new technology offers seamless integration of the Audi smartphone interface via Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. Unique displays in the standard Audi virtual cockpit plus provide all necessary information for the driver, enhanced by the new 10.1-inch high-resolution MMI touch display. With its crystal clear 1540 x 720 pixel resolution, the beautifully crafted display is integrated into the dashboard, and is only 13mm slender. Despite this, it is a powerful platform that commands all manner of convenient ‘touch or talk’ driving, infotainment and connectivity functions.
Additional features include Audi phone box light with the convenience of wireless charging for mobile phones (with Qi standard) and two simultaneous Bluetooth connections, Digital DAB+ radio and 4 USB outlets (two in the rear).
For the first time ever, the new SQ5 offers the convenience of Audi connect plus functionality, with the integration of online traffic, weather conditions, fuel prices, parking information and Google Maps into the Q5 driving experience, together with additional functions enabled through the myAudi smartphone app like remote lock/unlock, service request, emergency call and more, thanks to the embedded SIM card.
Additionally, the SQ5 TDI is equipped with the Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system (19 speakers, 755W), and head-up display for enhanced safety and visibility.
The interior of the SQ5 TDI boasts ambient lighting with the choice of over 30 different colour tones, allowing the driver to tailor the ambience to suit their mood. Heating in the front seats provide unmatched comfort for the driver, while the 3-zone climate control feature allows passengers to regulate the temperature in the rear row.
On top of this, the rear seat can be split 40:20:40, and slides fore/aft to create additional legroom during longer journeys. Fine Nappa leather sport seats with diamond stitching, along with the multifunction leather steering wheel with electric adjustment and shift paddles underscore the athletic character of the SQ5 TDI.
The new SQ5 TDI will be offered with the comprehensive five-year Audi service plan package, priced at $2,940.
The new SQ5 TDI is expected to be in Audi showrooms from April.
Pricing (plus on road costs)
| SQ5 TDI | 251kW | $104,900 |
Once we have tested and assessed the new Audi SQ5 TDI, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.