Audi SQ5 might not snap and crackle, but it pops with style
03 February 2022 - 05:00
byPhuti Mpyane
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
The Audi SQ5's restrained styling hides a slightly mean streak.
Picture: SUPPLIED
The SQ5 has received updates rolled out with the latest generation of the Q5 range that also introduced a Sportback derivative. You can also have the SQ5 in coupe form, which competes in the junior-dragon segment against the BMW X3/X4 M40i, Mercedes-AMG GLC/Coupe 43 and Porsche Macan S.
The SQ5 is an exception, though. BMW, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche also make the wilder X3M Competition, GLC63 and Macan GTS, whereas Audi doesn’t offer a fuller-bodied RS version. This means the friskiest Q5 on sale has a somewhat restrained public persona with no cartoonish bulges that may bamboozle the uninitiated. But there’s enough distinguishing sauce from the nondescript lower-rung Q5s through larger wheel sizes and a ride height lowered by 27mm.
It’s a similar story inside. Kitted out in typical Audi neatness with a few standard equipment and sporty undertones, it isn’t all that different to other high-spec Q-SUVs. Then again, that’s an excellent thing. The build quality and tactility is top-notch and it feels opulent, with a digital suaveness of a touch-operated screen and voice commands. It’s a comfy perch on electrically operated and mildly bolstered seats with leather covering in stylish diamond-quilt patterns.
A look at the compartment reveals enough room in the back for a family of three or four at a squeeze on rear seats that can also be flattened to increase loading space. But SQ5 buyers should be more concerned with its sprinting abilities. There’s no barking V8 or warbling turbo five-cylinder.
Instead, it’s a 3.0l V6 with outputs of 260kW and 500Nm. The power figure alone is the lowest in the segment, if you were wondering, but it matches the Beemer on torque.
It's got adjustable settings for the engine/transmission and also ride height. Picture: SUPPLIED
This makes the SQ5 impressively tractable, but its 0-100km/h sprint time of 5.4 seconds means it’s beaten by all and sundry in a drag race. Top speed in all of the protagonists is 250km/h except in the Macan S, which goes all the way to 259km/h.
On twisty roads, the body feels well controlled thanks to an adaptive suspension and the all-paw traction from its quattro system. Even with dynamic mode activated, it tackles corners with a safe, fast and efficient gait rather than a flamboyant technique.
The SQ5 is road-biased, but the air suspension system can raise and lower the ride height as required for any gravel tracks. Regardless, you’re never in any doubt that the 3.0l and quattro AWD system deliver the goods and it’s a lovely engine to keep in a purr. The seven-speed automatic transmission is a slick unit, with imperceptible shifts when in comfort mode that add to the satisfaction of wafting.
In this mode, it’s one of the most comfortable, warm cross-over SUVs you can buy. Another upside is fuel consumption, which hovered at 8.5l/100km. Decrease speed to 100km/h and it’ll consume an even more welcome 7.9l/100km on average.
Though tempted to declare the SQ5 a bit of a mixed bag, it’s easy to recommend if you’re in the market for something with a prestige badge and enough practicality to carry four or five people safely and comfortably, and at a good price.
But there’s no getting away from it: if you are hoping for the kind of loudness and punchy shove and transmission upshifts that pin you back in your seat like in the BMW X3 M40i, you will not find them in the SQ5.
The interior is neat and spacious, with stylish seats.
Picture: SUPPLIED
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Road Test
Audi SQ5 might not snap and crackle, but it pops with style
The SQ5 has received updates rolled out with the latest generation of the Q5 range that also introduced a Sportback derivative. You can also have the SQ5 in coupe form, which competes in the junior-dragon segment against the BMW X3/X4 M40i, Mercedes-AMG GLC/Coupe 43 and Porsche Macan S.
The SQ5 is an exception, though. BMW, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche also make the wilder X3M Competition, GLC63 and Macan GTS, whereas Audi doesn’t offer a fuller-bodied RS version. This means the friskiest Q5 on sale has a somewhat restrained public persona with no cartoonish bulges that may bamboozle the uninitiated. But there’s enough distinguishing sauce from the nondescript lower-rung Q5s through larger wheel sizes and a ride height lowered by 27mm.
It’s a similar story inside. Kitted out in typical Audi neatness with a few standard equipment and sporty undertones, it isn’t all that different to other high-spec Q-SUVs. Then again, that’s an excellent thing. The build quality and tactility is top-notch and it feels opulent, with a digital suaveness of a touch-operated screen and voice commands. It’s a comfy perch on electrically operated and mildly bolstered seats with leather covering in stylish diamond-quilt patterns.
A look at the compartment reveals enough room in the back for a family of three or four at a squeeze on rear seats that can also be flattened to increase loading space. But SQ5 buyers should be more concerned with its sprinting abilities. There’s no barking V8 or warbling turbo five-cylinder.
Instead, it’s a 3.0l V6 with outputs of 260kW and 500Nm. The power figure alone is the lowest in the segment, if you were wondering, but it matches the Beemer on torque.
This makes the SQ5 impressively tractable, but its 0-100km/h sprint time of 5.4 seconds means it’s beaten by all and sundry in a drag race. Top speed in all of the protagonists is 250km/h except in the Macan S, which goes all the way to 259km/h.
On twisty roads, the body feels well controlled thanks to an adaptive suspension and the all-paw traction from its quattro system. Even with dynamic mode activated, it tackles corners with a safe, fast and efficient gait rather than a flamboyant technique.
The SQ5 is road-biased, but the air suspension system can raise and lower the ride height as required for any gravel tracks. Regardless, you’re never in any doubt that the 3.0l and quattro AWD system deliver the goods and it’s a lovely engine to keep in a purr. The seven-speed automatic transmission is a slick unit, with imperceptible shifts when in comfort mode that add to the satisfaction of wafting.
In this mode, it’s one of the most comfortable, warm cross-over SUVs you can buy. Another upside is fuel consumption, which hovered at 8.5l/100km. Decrease speed to 100km/h and it’ll consume an even more welcome 7.9l/100km on average.
Though tempted to declare the SQ5 a bit of a mixed bag, it’s easy to recommend if you’re in the market for something with a prestige badge and enough practicality to carry four or five people safely and comfortably, and at a good price.
But there’s no getting away from it: if you are hoping for the kind of loudness and punchy shove and transmission upshifts that pin you back in your seat like in the BMW X3 M40i, you will not find them in the SQ5.
Tech Specs
ENGINE
Type: Six-cylinder petrol turbo
Capacity: 3.0l
Power: 260kW
Torque: 500Nm
TRANSMISSION
Type: Seven-speed auto
DRIVETRAIN
Type: All-wheel drive
PERFORMANCE
Top speed: 250km/h
0-100km/h: 5.4 sec (claimed)
Fuel Consumption: 9.2l/100km (as claimed), 8.5l/100km (as tested)
Emissions: 211g/km
STANDARD FEATURES
Electric windows, LED daytime driving running lights, auto on/off lights, multifunction steering wheel controls, heated electric adjust mirrors, Bluetooth, Isofix child seat mountings, leather upholstery, climate control, navigation, park distance control front, cruise control, rain sensor wipers, driving modes, sports suspension, tyre pressure monitor, ABS, stability control, six airbags
COST OF OWNERSHIP
Warranty: Two years/unlimited km
Maintenance plan: Five years/100,000km
Price: R1,208,000
Lease: R25,761 a month
* at 10% interest over 60 months no deposit
Audi SQ5 Quattro
WE LIKE: Interior build quality, refined drive quality, fuel consumption
WE DISLIKE: Could be more exciting
VERDICT: More warm than hot SUV
Motor News star rating
Design *****
Performance ***
Economy *****
Ride *****
Handling ****
Safety *****
Value For Money *****
Overall *****
Competition
BMW X3 M40i, 285kW/500Nm — R1,415,042
Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG, 287kW/530Nm — R1,314,630
Porsche Macan S, 280kW/520Nm — R1,271,000
Lexus lets loose with flagship UX model
Updates keep Alfa Stelvio at the top of its game
Audi’s Q5 Sportback joins the SUV-coupé craze
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most Read
Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Mail on the last Thursday of every month except December and January.