Audi used the Detroit show to unveil two important vehicles – the RS7 and its most powerful iteration of its Q5 compact SUV the petrol-powered SQ5.
This SQ5 is now the most powerful model in the range with a 260 kW 3,0-litre TFSI engine that delivers 470 N.m of torque between 4 000 and 4 500 r/min. Mated with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission (with standard shift paddles on the steering wheel) and quattro permanent all-wheel-drive, this SQ5 has a claimed a zero to 100 km/h sprint time of 5,3 seconds and is limited to a top speed of 250 km/h. Audi quotes a fuel consumption of 8,5-litres/100 km and 199 g/km of CO2 emissions.
Styling-wise, the SQ5 features more aggressive front and rear valances, 20-inch alloy wheels, aluminium-effect wing mirror caps, a model-specific grille, roof-mounted rear spoiler, quad exhaust outlets and a ride height lowered by 30 mm. The interior changes are limited, but include a smattering of S badges, sports seats and revised instrumentation.
Last year, Audi revealed the SQ5 TDI. At the heart of this model lies a twin-turbo 3,0-litre V6 diesel that pushes out 230 kW and 650 N.m of torque. This model also comes fitted with the company’s eight-speed tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive system. According to Audi, it takes just 5,1 ticks of the clock to send the QS5 TDI to 100 km/h from standstill. This model returns an average fuel consumption figure of 7,2 l/100 km.
Audi South Africa has requested the diesel derivative for local consumption and is currently awaiting approval for the request from Audi AG in Germany.
