The updated Audi SQ5 TDI touches down in April, heralding a full-time return of the high-performance turbo-diesel.
Though the second-generation SQ5 was launched solely with petrol power in Australia, the TDI returned as a special edition late last year.
The updated SQ5 TDI’s price is unchanged from the special edition at $104,900 before on-road costs.
The SQ5’s launch closely follows that of the regular Q5, which has also received a mid-cycle refresh.
A new Sportback version will follow in the second half of this year.
Like the outgoing special edition SQ5 TDI, the new model features a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 with a 48V mild-hybrid system.
It produces 251kW of power and 700Nm of torque, and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
While it’s down 9kW on the outgoing petrol SQ5 TFSI (and down 4kW on the pre-update diesel), it has 200Nm more torque and a quicker 0-100km/h time of 5.1 seconds.
That makes it 0.3 seconds quicker than the petrol model, albeit unchanged from the pre-update TDI.
There’s also refreshed exterior styling, including a new eight-point version of the company’s single-frame grille design, restyled LED headlights, new front and rear bumpers, and round exhaust tips.
New digital OLED tail lights are optional, as is an exterior black pack.
Nine exterior colours will be offered.
In the cabin, the old MMI infotainment system controlled by a rotary dial has been replaced by a new touchscreen iteration with a larger 10.1-inch display, up from 8.3 inches in the outgoing model.
Ahead of the driver is a 12.3-inch high-resolution instrumentation display.
The updated SQ5 also includes the Audi connect plus suite, which allows you to view fuel prices and local weather information. You can also use the myAudi smartphone app to remotely lock or unlock the vehicle, among other features.
The SQ5’s all-wheel drive system normally distributes 40 per cent of torque to the front wheels, and 60 per cent to the rear. This is adjusted automatically, and the car can send up to 70 per cent of torque to the front, and 85 per cent to the back.
Adaptive suspension is standard, with the SQ5 sitting 30mm lower than the Q5.
Air suspension is optional, while the optional quattro sport differential directs almost all the rear axle’s torque to either wheel in more spirited driving.
Pricing
- 2021 Audi SQ5 TDI: $104,900
Price excludes on-road costs.
Engines
The 2021 Audi SQ5 is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine producing 251kW of power and 700Nm of torque and featuring a 48V mild-hybrid system.
It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Fuel Economy
The 2021 Audi SQ5 uses 7.0L/100km on the combined cycle and has CO2 emissions of 185g/km. It has a 70L fuel tank.
Dimensions
The 2021 Audi SQ5 measures 4682mm long, 1893mm wide (2140mm including the mirrors) and 1635mm tall.
It has 510L of luggage space, expanding to 1510L with the rear seats folded.
Servicing and Warranty
The 2021 Audi SQ5 requires servicing every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.
In addition to a three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, Audi offers a five-year servicing plan priced at $2940.
Safety
The greater Audi Q5 range has an ANCAP rating of five stars from 2017. That’s based on an adult occupant protection score of 93 per cent, a child occupant protection score of 86 per cent, a pedestrian protection score of 73 per cent and a safety assist score of 56 per cent.
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist
- Lane-keeping assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors
- Surround-view camera
Standard Equipment
The SQ5 comes standard with the following equipment:
- 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and satellite navigation
- 21-inch alloy wheels
- Adaptive suspension
- 19-speaker 755W Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system
- Head-up display
- Matrix LED headlights
- DAB+ digital radio
- Power tailgate
- Keyless entry and start
- Privacy glass
- Panoramic sunroof
- Audi connect plus
- Qi wireless phone charging
- Bluetooth with two simultaneous connections
- Tri-zone climate control
- Colour-adjustable ambient lighting
- Heated front sport seats
- Nappa leather upholstery
- Paddle shifters
Options include:
- OLED tail lights
- Black exterior package
- Air suspension
- Quattro sport differential
