The formidable figurehead of the Audi Q5 range returns to the fold this week as the latest high performance SQ5 makes its world debut at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Hot on the heels of the all-new core Q5 range, which will begin arriving with customers from April, the successor to the first ever Audi Q model to bear the distinguished ‘S’ badge adopts V6 TFSI power for the first time in the UK. Delivering 354PS and a peak 500Nm of torque across a wide range,the 5.4-second, 155mph SUV is expected to become available to order at the end of this month, ahead of initial deliveries in summer.
The new Audi SQ5 is 4,671 mm long, 1,893 mm wide and 1,635 mm tall. The wheelbase is 2,824 mm. The SQ5 has a kerb weight of 1,995 kilograms, 35 kilograms less than its predecessor. The body features an intelligent material mix of aluminium and extremely high-tensile-strength steels.
Even when stationary, an array of details underlines the dynamic characteristics of the new Audi SQ5. The bumpers up front and in the rear are complemented by more strongly contoured, S-specific air inlets and the diffuser with a honeycomb grille. Another S-specific feature is the radiator grille with double aluminium slats and contrasting trim elements in matt twilight grey. The S logo with red rhombus is used in numerous locations to set additional accents.
LED technology is standard for all lighting functions. The dynamic indicators ensure a high recognition factor. In profile, aluminium-look exterior mirrors gleam and door trim strips finished in the body colour underscore the model’s exclusivity. The rear bumper houses the S-specific twin exhaust tailpipes of the dual-branch exhaust system and an aluminium diffuser clasp. The exterior colour panther black is also reserved exclusively for the new Audi SQ5.
The dark-toned interior welcomes the driver and passengers with illuminated door sills bearing exclusive S logos. Contrasting stitching on the leather steering wheel and sport seats create a dynamic and elegant ambiance. The S sport seats are upholstered in fine Nappa leather with diamond pattern and a pneumatic massage function. Brushed aluminium inlays are standard, with a variety of wood applications and an exclusive carbon inlay available as options. Aluminium-look shift paddles enable the driver to quickly shift the tiptronic’s gears. The pedals and footrest are finished in stainless steel.
The rear seat bench plus in the new Audi SQ5 is split into three segments. Longitudinal and seat back angle adjustment are optional. Depending on the position of the rear seat bench, the luggage compartment has a standard capacity of 500 to 610 litres. When the rear bench is folded down, this volume grows to 1,550 litres.
In addition to its 20-inch, cast aluminium wheels in a 5-twin-spoke star design, LED headlights and privacy glass with acoustic glazing for the front windows, the SQ5 TFSI is also equipped as standard with S-specific damper control, high beam assist and fine Nappa leather upholstered electric seats. Naturally, the eight-speed tiptronic is mated to quattro permanent all-wheel drive.
