By Veeno Dewan
The SQ5, in its premium format, plays in the same sandbox esteemed competition as the BMW X3 M, Porsche Macan, and Mercedes-AMG GLC-class—all luxury performance rivals.
The Audi SQ5 is a new fastback roofed edition to the premium Q5 compact CUV range brands. It is a little late to the fastback party, as other premium brands have a presence in this sector, but it does not detract. The SQ5 adds flair with its sweeping roofline: graceful, purposeful stance, and enhances what is already a fine-looking vehicle. Just as crucial to performance drivers is the quicker acceleration and sharper handling with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, replacing the 2-liter four-cylinder in the Q5. The AUDI SQ5 delivers an additional 100 horsepower for 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Power reaches the ground via an 8-speed auto transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive. Adaptive damping and 21-inch wheels are standard, with Dynamic Package (air-suspension and sport differential) enhancing performance.
The SQ5, in its premium format, plays in the same sandbox esteemed competition as the BMW X3 M, Porsche Macan, and Mercedes-AMG GLC-class—all luxury performance rivals. Minor changes for 2023 include wireless phone charging, Apple Carplay, and Android Auto. Adaptive damping and 21-inch wheels are standard.
The SQ5 is a pleasant surprise—a luxury SUV with a performance demeanor that is not overly punishing to drive. It is also fast, with a 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds dash time.
With a starting price of (Canadian) $67,050, the 2023 Audi SQ5 has a full suite of safety systems, LED headlights, a 10.1-inch display, a power tailgate, leather seats, and 10-speaker audio. Stepping up to the Technik version adds LED matrix headlights, heated rear seats, a bird’s-eye view and camera, and adaptive cruise control. Stump up extra for ventilated seats and a head-up display.
The SQ5’s standard infotainment offerings include two USB ports, three 12-volt outlets, and the aforementioned wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The mid-and-top-range trims offer a Wi-Fi hotspot and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display.
The SQ5’s interior cabin exterior is luxury and sport orientated with standard premier league materials, design ethos, and a clean, uncluttered look. The sculpted sports seats and their available quilted-leather coverings are amazingly comfortable. They arrive heated and power-adjustable as standard in every SQ5. Also, the standard is three-zone automatic climate control. Extra options, which should be standard at this level, include heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats, plus an additional leather trim for the front cabin.
Audi aims for the maximum impact load of technology and luxury features inside. The driver is supplied with plenty of information and functionality courtesy of Audi’s standard and excellent “virtual cockpit” instrument cluster screens, which are highly customizable and delightful. Given the compact dimensions, cabin space, and storage are good, not precisely limo-like. The SQ5 offers an adequate 725 L of cargo space (seats up) and 1516 L (seats down). When properly equipped, the Q5 will tow up to 4400 lbs.
Meanwhile, the SQ5 offers quick acceleration and breakaways on the road as the turbocharger dispenses with lag and spools up quickly. The eight-speed gearbox is a refined unit and finds its gears unerringly accurate. The SQ5 exhibits quick composed cornering ability on dry ground and traction on wet surfaces. In the slippery road conditions, we encountered the Quattro All-Wheel Drive made an enormous difference and is the standard kit on the SQ5 with a rear-biased setup that can direct up to 85 percent of the torque to the rear wheels. The SQ5’s ride is compliant and comfortable overall, not unduly harsh or jarring like some of its competition. I would also highly recommend the optional air suspension, which enables the SQ5 to handle a variety of road surfaces, fast corners, and uneven roads comfortably.
The major highlights include the adroit, elegant cabin, faultless build quality, and smooth, no-drama ride. The SQ5 is a pleasant surprise—a luxury SUV with a performance demeanor that is not overly punishing to drive. It is also fast, with a 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds dash time. With a refined and powerful turbocharged V-6, a good equipment list, and the famed Quattro all-wheel drive as standard, this is a pretty competent premium compact SUV that will look good on any driveway.
2024 Audi SQ5: Canadian Price – MSRP $67,050 – $74,400.
