Lovers of high-performance diesel SUVs will be happy to hear the Audi SQ5 TDI is returning to Australia.
Though the TDI has been available in other markets since last year, Australian buyers have only been able to buy the petrol Audi SQ5 TFSI.
The SQ5 TDI is now available to order through Audi’s website and will arrive locally in November, just months before the updated Q5 range that’s slated for launch in the first half of 2021. The updated SQ5’s launch timing has yet to be confirmed.
Priced from $104,900 before on-road costs, the SQ5 TDI costs $3764 more than the SQ5 TFSI.
Though the first-generation SQ5 was only offered here as a turbo-diesel – and was Audi’s first diesel S-badged car – the second-generation model was introduced here with a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine.
Naturally, the SQ5 TDI has more torque than its petrol counterpart but comes extremely close to matching it in power. Its 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 produces 255kW of power and 700Nm of torque, while the TFSI produces 260kW of power but just 500Nm of torque.
Peak torque arrives at 2500-3100 rpm and the SQ5 TDI does the 0-100km/h sprint in a fleet 5.1 seconds. That’s 0.3 seconds quicker than the SQ5 TFSI.
The SQ5 TDI uses a 48V mild-hybrid system that’s said to improve fuel consumption by 0.7L/100km. Overall, combined fuel economy is 6.8L/100km compared to 8.7L/100km for the slower petrol model.
The SQ5’s self-locking centre differential directs 60 per cent of the torque to the rear in normal driving, increasing to up to 85 per cent. The optional quattro sport differential allows even more torque to be directed to the rear axle.
Its engine note is also enhanced via the use of a sound actuator in the exhaust system.
Audi had previously indicated the second-generation SQ5 wouldn’t remain petrol-only for long in Australia.
“In 2013, the first SQ5 TDI established a new segment of performance SUVs and was incredibly popular throughout its lifetime: for a while it accounted for a third of all Q5 sales,” said Paul Sansom, managing director of Audi Australia.
“We’re pleased to be able to meet [customers’] request, and anticipate this unique segment offering will repeat the success of its predecessor.”
Pricing
- 2020 Audi SQ5 TFSI: $101,136
- 2020 Audi SQ5 TDI: $104,900
All prices exclude on-road costs.
Engines
The 2020 Audi SQ5 TDI is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine producing 255kW of power and 700Nm of torque while the Audi SQ5 TFSI uses a 3.0-litre turbo petrol V6 with 260kW of power and 500Nm of torque.
Both use an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive.
Fuel Economy
The 2020 Audi SQ5 TDI consumes 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle while the SQ5 TFSI consumes 8.7L/100km.
Dimensions
The 2020 Audi SQ5 measures 4671mm long, 1893mm wide (2140mm including the mirrors) and 1635mm tall.
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.
The 2020 Audi SQ5 comes standard with autonomous emergency braking with forward-collision warning and pedestrian detection, as well as lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, turn assist, an exit warning system, and front, side and curtain airbags.
Standard Equipment
The 2020 Audi SQ5 comes standard with the following features:
- 8.3-inch infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and satellite navigation
- 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster
- 21-inch alloy wheels
- Adaptive damper control
- 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D 755W premium sound system
- Surround-view camera
- Head-up display
- Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist
- Semi-autonomous parking assist
- Wireless phone charging
- Colour-adjustable ambient lighting
- Heated front seats
- Nappa leather upholstery
- Panoramic sunroof
- Tri-zone climate control
- DAB+ digital radio
- Proximity entry with push-button start
- Power tailgate
The SQ5 TDI adds:
- Matrix LED headlights
- Black exterior styling package
- Massaging front seats
- Carbon Atlas interior inlays
This extra equipment is optional on the SQ5 TFSI, while adaptive air suspension is optional on both.
Servicing
The 2020 Audi SQ5 requires servicing every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.
Audi offers a five-year servicing plan, priced at $2940, as well as a three-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.
