The revised Audi SQ5 TDI loses out on a few kilowatts, but gains a mild hybrid system to improve fuel economy.
Audi’s local arm has confirmed the facelifted SQ5 TDI will land in Australian showrooms from the second quarter of 2021. Pricing and specifications will be announced closer to its local launch.
Under the bonnet is a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 with 251kW of power and 700Nm of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
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.
For those keeping track, the new model is down 4kW from the pre-facelift version. On the upside, the SQ5 TDI now features a 48V mild hybrid system.
This setup allows the sports crossover to recover braking energy and coast for up to 40 seconds with the engine switched off, all helping, it’s claimed, to improve fuel economy by 0.7L/100km.
The 48V system also includes an electric compressor which helps run the turbocharger when there’s not enough exhaust to drive it.
Despite these improvements, the SQ5 diesel’s performance figures are unchanged, with a stated 0-100km/h time of 5.1 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.
The SQ5 TDI rides on 255/45 tyres with 20-inch alloy wheels, although 21-inch rims are available for extra.
As with other Q5 models, the SQ5 has a new eight-point version of the company’s single-frame grille design.
There are also LED headlights with a less rectangular design, new bumpers at both ends, and round exhaust tips.
In the cabin, the old MMI infotainment system controlled by a rotary dial has been replaced by a new touchscreen iteration with a larger 10.1-inch display, up from 8.3 inches in the outgoing model.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 there’s a 12.3-inch high-resolution instrumentation display.
Outgoing SQ5 TDI 
Available features include OLED tail-lights, Matrix LED headlights, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and ventilated front seats with massaging.
