Audi has revealed a new SQ5 at the 2017 Detroit Motor Show that eschews a supercharger in favour of turbocharging for its 3.0-litre V6. It’s due to arrive in showrooms later in 2017, with an Australian introduction also confirmed in the latter half, where it will sit atop the second-generation Q5 range.
It produces 260kW and a 500Nm of torque from as early as 1,370rpm and sustained to 4,500rpm, meaning some serious off-the-line as well as roll-on performance from Audi’s smaller rapid SUV. Despite this, Audi claims it can sip as little as 8.3-litres/100km over typical mixed driving conditions.
So, an engine with more power and improved efficiency - par for the course when it comes to these types of updates. Audi has had to tap into some extra research and development effort to ensure this engine is as good as it can be, employing atypical combustion methods and higher pressure injectors as well as varying the valve lift under part engine load.
Already residing in the new S4 and S5, this is an engine that could eventually power a new entry-level R8 supercar, but can accelerate this new SQ5 to 100km/h from rest in 5.4 seconds. For reference, that 0.3 seconds slower than the new S5 Cabriolet and, interestingly, the older SQ5 TDI.
In addition to the under-the-bonnet improvements, Audi will be offering their newest performance SUV with an optional sport rear differential which can actively distribute torque between the rear wheels. This in tandem with the rear-biased quattro all-wheel drive system can theoretically make the SQ5 lively in corners, even encouraging a slight amount of extra oversteer.
As standard, a set of 20-inch alloys are fitted with the option of larger 21-inch wheels, sitting behind them are brakes that feature 350mm discs and six-piston callipers in front and smaller four-pistons at the rear.
It’s not all about performance, though, and this being Audi the SQ5 comes with a long list of convenience and active safety features. Starting with the former, and like the larger SQ7, it comes with the 12.3-inch high-resolution display that replaces the analogue instrument cluster which the folks up in Ingolstadt term the Virtual Cockpit. This is supplemented by the 8.3-inch ‘traditional’ infotainment screen at sits above the centre stack, tablet-style.
All the driver assistance systems that were included in the standard Q5 have made their way to this ’S’ model too. Adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, cross traffic alert, collision avoidance assist, park assist, and Audi Pre Sense city are standard, which can initiate emergency braking to avoid an accident.
This is the initial introduction of the petrol powered SQ5. The previous generation followed this up with the diesel-powered SQ5 TDI. No word yet on a newer iteration of that particular model.
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