The 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine has the same horsepower as the supercharged version, but it produces more torque.
Audi’s new-2018MYSQ5 is the fastest version of the SUV’s second-generation. It features a more aggressive exterior with a sportier bumper and larger vents to cool the engine. The corporate singleframe grille is finished in platinum gray to distinguish it from the rest of the family.
The engine’s heart and soul no longer resides in the 3.0-liter V6. Instead, it is turbocharged by a 3.0-liter TFSI T6. It has 354 horsepower (260kilowatts) as well as 369 pound-feet (599 Newton-meters). This power is delivered via an eight-speed tiptronic transmission to the Quattro systems. The output numbers may look familiar because they are identical to the S4/S5 models.
The SQ5 is 23 lb-ft more torque than the previous version. It also features a first-ever sport adaptive suspension that lowers the vehicle by 30mm (1.1 inches) relative to the standard suspension. This suspension, by the way, can also be adaptive. You can order the optional S-sport package, which also includes a rear differential that splits torque between the front and back wheels. It will send most of it to the other wheel if needed. If we rely on October 2016’s report, the rear differential should make SQ5 tail-happy.
The dynamic steering system, which can adjust the steering ratio depending on speed and enabled mode, is another ace in the model’s armor. Audi Drive select. There are four options: Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Individual if you choose the standard suspension. The sporty option adds allroad or lift/offroad modes.
The 2018 Audi SQ5’s performance will be impressive. It will accelerate from a standstill at 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.1 seconds, and then slow down to 155 mph (253 kph). These numbers are identical to its predecessor.
The goodies inside the Q5 are identical to the regular . They include a fancy Bang & Olufsen system and 4G LTE connectivity. To sweeten the deal, Audi will include Android Auto integration and Apple CarPlay as well as an exclusive sport mode for the all-digital instrument cluster (a.ka Audi Virtual Cockpit). Buyers who want to go all-out can order an adaptive cruise control and a full-color head up display.
Audi claims that the 2018 SQ5 will be available in the U.S.A. beginning this spring. Pricing will be announced closer before the launch. To give you an idea of the price, the last one was $53,300 for the Premium Plus trim, and $60,800 for the Prestige variant.
Last note: We will need to wait to see if the SQ5 will spawn a TDI-powered version in select markets. We are willing to wager that it won’t make it to America, even if it does.