2023 Audi SQ5 Reviews

They say there’s a fine line between genius and madness, and your first taste of the Audi SQ5 will have you considering which side it bats for.

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT and Audi SQ5 go head-to-head in this comparative review.

We recently jumped out of the stunning Audi A6 3.0 Tdi (diesel) biturbo performance sedan, now this... Audi's SQ5 medium size SUV with the same engine.Like the sedan, the SQ5 is quick -- the quickest production diesel SUV on the planet to be exact and capable of stopping the clocks in around 5.1-seconds for a 0-100kmh sprint.That from a fully equipped luxury vehicle tipping the scales at nearly 2.0 tonnes. And it's pitched at a tempting $89,400.The engine is a V6 with two turbos, a smaller variable geometry unit and a larger single scroll helping it achieve 230kW/650Nm, the latter from a low 1450rpm. It makes light work of propelling this chunky but handsome looking customer off the line or pretty much anywhere else simply by pressing the right foot. Instant go --  like a rocket sled with no discernible peaks or troughs.The feeling could almost be marketed as a sideshow ride. And if that's not enough, you won't be bothered by incessant visits to the servo to refuel because this genuine performance vehicle is capable of returning 6.8-litres/100km. Try getting that from your HSV or FPV with which the SQ5 shares a similar performance potential -- more, thanks to that mountain of torque.Sub 7.0-litres/100km fuel use means the SQ5 qualifies for a reduction in the Luxury Car Tax which partially helps the price. That impressive economy is due to technology such as energy recovery, engine stop/start and a regulated oil pump that only operates on an as needed basis. Audi also utilised clever thermal management under the bonnet to further cut fuel use.Adding icing to the cake is a sound actuator in the exhaust system that bestows the SQ5 with a deep baritone voice unlike any other diesel we have driven. No rattle, no clatter, no turbo whistles, just a raunchy growl. Great stuff.Drive goes to all four wheels (quattro) via an eight-speed auto transmission with paddle shift. Stiffer S sport suspension lowers the body by 30 mm, and 255/45 tyres are mounted to the 20-inch wheels.Multi mode drive select is part of the package offering calibrations for comfort, dynamic, auto and individual. The SQ5 looks a lot like other Q5 -- with more attitude and a purposeful stance. Big wheels and tyres, subtle body add ons, some body brightwork and a different grille set it apart. Still gets the attention grabbing LED daytime running lights along with a raft of other lighting systems.Inside is a study in leather and good Germanic taste. The superb dash, dash not only looks the biz but is totally functional in a way other luxury vehicles fall down due to over complexity.Heck, we could actually use the myriad functions that include MMI plus navigation and media system, voice control and Bluetooth phone and audio. Driver assist features include a rear camera, hill descent control and park assist, tyre pressure monitor along with the drive select system.Our 300km drive of the SQ5 was punctuated by repeated use of the extraordinary roll on acceleration. It's an addictive feeling. The vehicle is just the right size too -- fits easily in the average garage and there's plenty of luxury kit to make you feel good. It goes around corners like a sports car and with the drive select system, you can dial up ride quality, steering feel and throttle response.A launch package is available for a snip under $15 grand that includes many desirable options including the recommended dynamic steering.Look out BMW and Merc. And everyone else, for that matter.

The phrase ‘sport utility vehicle’ is bandied about recklessly these days, however nothing fits the SUV tag better than one vehicle just released in Australia.The new Audi SQ5 TDI is as sporty as, well, many a sports sedan – it’s the world’s fastest diesel SUV – at the same time being as functional as many all-wheel drive wagons.ENGINEPowered by a 3.0-litre biturbo V6 engine pumping out a prodigious 230 kW of power, and heavy hauling 650 Nm of torque between a low 1450 and 2800 rpm, the hot Audi -- we are told -- will hit 100 kilometres an hour from standstill in 5.1 seconds. Yet it can slip off the bitumen to take on dirt, gravel, snow or sand like any soft-road trouper. The engine features two water cooled turbochargers connected in series. A switchover valve directs intercooled air to a small turbo at low revs, with a large charger performing pre-compression. From 2500 rpm, the valve begins to open and the small charger shifts most of its workload to its bigger mate. Between 3500 and 4000 rpm the valve opens fully, the large charger taking on all the work.Backed by Audi’s six-time TDI success in the Le Mans 24-Hour endurance race, the maker says the high-performance diesel engine, with its eight-speed Tiptronic transmission driving power through the quattro permanent four-wheel drive system, needs only 6.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres to keep it going on the combined urban / highway consumption cycle.VALUEThis low consumption puts the SQ5 TDI under the Luxury Car Tax threshold, a saving in this case of $3000, passed on to buyers who shell out the $89,400, plus on-road costs, to drive away in one.On a run from Hobart to Launceston, including a couple of loops of the Targa Tasmania taken with appropriate driving enthusiasm, the SQ5 TDI clocked 10.3 litres of fuel per 100km. That’s a lot more than 6.8 litres…TECHNOLOGYThe first 60 vehicles to land in Australia come with added attractions: to be known as the Launch Edition, each carries 21-inch alloy wheels, Dynamic Steering, Bang and Olufsen audio system, digital radio, High Beam Assist, adaptive headlights, seat heating for front and outside rear passengers, carbon atlas inlays, privacy glass, luggage rail system in the cargo area, partition net and alarm, all for an additional $14,720, excluding premium paint.This is on top of SQ5 TDI standard fitments of MMI Navigation plus, rear reversing camera, flat-bottom sports steering wheel, tyre pressure monitor and electric driver and passenger seats with memory function, including mirrors.The S sport suspension, lowering the body by 30 mm over the standard Q5, the Audi drive select system and 21-inch wheels in five parallel-spoke design, had the car gripping the road with great effect through fast bends, while the ABS did justice to the black brake callipers. It was hard to unsettle the SUV, even on dirt. STYLINGThe sporty interior, in black, with an optional silver headlining, is designed to provide the perfect backdrop for world-champion performance. Instrument scales are grey, their needles white, while the SQ5 badge has a 3-D effect normally found in high-end watches.Features such as the S gear shift knob, S badges on the door sills, on the start button and the specially-shaped steering wheel, the S welcome screen and the light package all reinforce the special nature of the vehicle.Pedals and shift paddles have a sporty aluminium look, the power sport seats are upholstered in Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara, and are available in three colours.On the outside the SQ5 is just as striking, with design details such as the platinum grey single-frame radiator grille with galvanised dual struts in aluminium look, the roof spoiler and modified bumpers setting the SUV apart from the standard model. Roof rail cross bars are included.The exterior mirror housings are in an aluminium look, xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights are standard and the exhaust system stands out at the rear with four elliptical tailpipes.DRIVINGHowever, it was when the SQ5 came to overtaking that the 650 Nm of torque on tap really came into its own, the car passing  slower traffic with confidence and pulling away with an assurance bordering on arrogance. In ‘dynamic’ mode, a sound actuator (loudspeaker) in a side channel of the exhaust lets out a deep growl in tune with the keen performance of the vehicle. Further ‘good vibes’ were transmitted to the passenger cabin via the windscreen, acting as a speaker cone, vibrating to the deep-throated note of the motor when urged along. Great fun.On the practical side, the car carries four drink holders, plus bag hooks. The electric tailgate can be programmed for opening height with thought for the vertically challenged.Audi SQ5Price: $89,400Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale: N/AFixed service costs: NoService interval: 12 months/15,000kmCrash rating: 5-starEngine: 3.0-litre twin turbodiesel, 230kW/650NmTransmission: 8-speed auto, AWDThirst: 6.8L/100km, 179g/km CO2Weight: 1995kgSpare: Tyre-repair kit

Take a prestige SUV, fettle it with Audi’s race-winning diesel expertise and add volume in the form of an exhaust soundtrack. The result is the SQ5, a blisteringly quick vehicle with better handling and acceleration than just about any SUV can deliver.That it does it with a twin-turbo diesel and official fuel consumption of 6.8L/100km shows how hard the Europeans are working on oil-burners. That it does it for less than $90,000 shows how hard the four-ringed brand is trying in Australia.The first 60 cars into Australia have been fitted with a Launch Edition pack that adds top-spec bling to an already impressive package, including 21-inch alloys in place of the regular 20s, dynamic steering adaptive headlights, a Bang and Olufsen sound system and heated seats for $104,130.SQ5s from this point on will cost $89,400. That buys xenon headlamps, tri-zone climate-control, electric tailgate and a voice-controlled infotainment system. Dynamic steering is $2400 - wince and wear it.The regular Q5 3.0 TDI isn’t short of parlour tricks but the SQ5 moves that along more than a bit. A 3.0-litre twin-turbodiesel it shares with the A6 and A7 gives the SUV a 0-100km/h time of 5.1 seconds - better than most hi-powered petrol SUVs and making this the quickest diesel soft-roader in mass production.It rides 30mm lower than the Q5 to cut the centre of gravity, has a wider front and rear track for added purchase and boasts bigger front brakes and stiffer suspension. Power is delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed auto - Audi doesn’t yet have a dual-clutch to handle 650Nm.Horizontal grille slats in the deep Audi grille are the obvious pointer to the SQ5 front-on, compared to the vertical slats in the Q5 models. Alloy-look side mirror finishes and the quad-pipe exhausts at the back are the other cues, while inside the flat-bottomed steering wheel gives away this isn’t an ordinary SUV.This is a better-stopping variant of the Q5 that ANCAP has already bestowed five stars upon.  A pair of side curtain balloons for the back seats brings the airbag count to eight and an advanced stability control program is matched to the anchors.There’s no doubt the SQ5 fulfils its brief as a fast and focused diesel SUV. Push it and the official fuel consumption evaporates into double-figure digits, but the speedo hits triple figures even quicker. It will carry two tonnes of payload and 540 litres of cargo along with a family and do it effortlessly.Taut suspension rocks the occupants over road undulations … that’s the price buyers pay for this much stability around corners. It isn’t a sports car and will push wide if too much power is applied too early. Hold speed then accelerate out and the passenger will find the leather seat isn’t quite grippy enough.Audi has found another niche and filled it before the competition has thought to act. A mid-sized performance diesel SUV is - for now - unique and the $89,400 price is compelling for those who want SUV size and performance pace.The SQ5, like many performance rivals, uses speakers in the rear mufflers to “enhance” the sound of the engine. It replaces diesel clatter with a gruff and occasionally sonorous tune but is the auto equivalent of house music.

From the depths of German forests comes an SUV that is so explosive, so clinically good at its job that it will redefine what you think about family haulers. Yes, this one's for real - a wagon with all the versatility you want, with the luxury features you deserve and the head snapping performance you crave.The Audi SQ5 makes so much sense that it will make you sit up and say unashamedly: "Hey, maybe the wife is right - we need an SUV''. The first "S'' sports machine from Audi with a diesel engine adds another tempter - it will be cheaper than the S4 wagon - expected at about $110,000 - when it gets here in the second quarter of next year.Boasting 230kW/650Nm, the SQ5 is based - as the name suggests - on the revamped Q5 SUV. Australia starts getting the mid-life makeover Q5 in December.Expect about $110,000 for a machine that has many of the dynamics of the S4 and yet has a generous and flexible cabin - not to mention very well equipped - and you have a vehicle that has the best of two worlds. The price includes heaps of equipment - and Audi Australia promises it will arrive in standard form heavily clothed - but there's a few A4 sheets of paper loaded with tempting options.It comes with 20-inch alloys but there's 21-inch on offer, there's Drive Select that controls settings for the chassis, full leather upholstery and alcantara, real wood and aluminium laminate trim, brilliant sat-nav that can be upgraded to Audi's "Connect'' system that reaches into the internet and Google Earth, and so on. It's a feast - you just have to pay the entry fee.The Q5 has been around since 2008 and the shape is a benign expression of how Germans mix form with function. It's practical not beautiful. But the cabin is perfectly appointed and the size is more socially justifiable than the behemoth Q7.New for this mid-life makeover are a new nose and lots of LEDs. The SQ5 adds more aggressive body kit and sits 30mm lower than the standard Q5 range. The boot floor is flat and makes a lipless connection when the tailgate is open to ease loading. Australia gets a space-saver spare wheel but Europeans get a can of goo and a compressor.The engine is the heart of the SQ5, It also features in next year's A6 and A7. This bi-turbo V6 mates to ZF's eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters, then routes to all wheels.The steering is electromechanical to save 0.3 L/100km of fuel but the fact it's electric means it integrates perfectly into the Drive Select system that offers different settings for engine response, transmission function, the firmness of the suspension dampers and the weight of the steering.The package will push to 100km/h from rest in a mere 5.1 seconds, claim up to 7.2 L/100km (I got 9.5 L/100km) and basically scare the wits from unsuspecting traffic.The basic Q5 is the same as before so keeps its five-star crash rating. There’s a raft of standard safety gear but Audi will allow you to spend extra money on side assist, adaptive cruise control and lane assist.Standard is a rear camera and Driver Assist that monitors the driver's behaviour. For example, a nodding head or erratic road manners are deemed to indicate a tired driver, so visual and audible alarms are triggered.Few cars will get your full attention within seconds of getting behind the wheel. This is one. It's because it has few diesel characteristics. It sounds like a big-bore petrol V8 (thanks to a sound amplifier) and delivers on that promise.It has a deep-throated purr at low revs, and roars like a V8 at anything above 3000rpm. It will race - much to the driver's alarm - towards and past the 5000rpm red line. This is no diesel, well, not a diesel we're used to.The two turbos are different is size, so one simmers in the low revs and the other boils at the top. Yet they don't work separately and in concert will pour on the boost until the driver is exhausted. If you think that's good, try the box. The ratios bump in and out like a tuned dual clutch unit and seamlessly open the gates to the power flow.The handling is superb. Dial in the "dynamic'' setting and feel the steering firm and the suspension tighten. It will run an accurate arc through a fast corner without even blinking. Yet the ride is compliant and sure-footed.Basically,  I love it. I wouldn't buy a sedan or wagon with this engine because it's too much a one-horse device. But this SUV that runs with the wolves as easily as chilling out at chow time with the lambs, is my cup of tea.

And there is likely to be more of it so with all the top resorts reporting big falls of crisp fresh white stuff, enthusiasts are dusting of their ski gear and talking snow talk.Carsguide this week takes a look at some of the newer off-roaders and others we think are some of the more desirable partners in snow.NISSAN DUALIS Price: From $28,990IT is a big seller overseas, but the compact Dualis has been slow to take off with buyers here.But it is a competent snow companion. It's not too big, nor too small, has composed on road manners and reasonable soft-road ability.In keeping with the current crop of smaller off-roaders, the Dualis has a wagon-style design, upright driving position and cabin that will swallow a decent amount of gear.The rear seats split fold 60/40 and the four-wheel drive system has a lock function that splits drive 50/50 front and rear when the going gets tough at lower speeds.The Dualis is powered by a 102kW/198Nm 2.0-litre four that delivers acceptable, but not outstanding performance.The Ti gets standard stability control, six airbags and heated leather front seats.Tick: Compact styling.Cross: Still relatively unknown. VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN Price: From $33,990THE Tiguan is essentially a grown up Golf and takes on all the attributes of its smaller brother, adding all-wheel drive into the mix with a choice of 2.0-litre petrol or turbo-diesel engines.It's slightly longer than the Golf and comes with the 4Motion Haldex all-wheel drive system.There is no low range but the Tig will get you out of most trouble in the snow.One of the impressive things about this off-roader is its handling. Anyone familiar with the Golf will be perfectly at home.Like all VW's the Tiguan is well equipped and gets standard stability control, six airbags and optional hill-descent system.Roof rails are standard and you will need them for a luggage pod because boot space is limited. However, the rear seats do fold almost flat. If you specify leather, the front seats are heated.Tick: Badge and handling.Cross: Luggage space and firm ride. SUBARU FORESTER Price: From $30,990LIKE the previous model, the Forester is a top seller and popular among skiers.The new-generation wagon answers the criticism of limited luggage and rear seat legroom by being bigger and even more practical.However, by growing 90mm in wheelbase and up in overall size the Forester has lost some of that on-road precision that marked the previous model as a standout. Some aspects of the cabin, like the dashboard execution, are not of the quality we expect from Subaru either.Pluses are its size and 2.5-litre boxer four cylinder engines. Subaru build quality is generally good too, as is the constant all-wheel drive system.The Forester has a five-star crash rating and raft of safety features that includes anti-skid brakes, stability control and brace of airbags. Manual Foresters get hill-start assist, which stops the car rolling backwards while first gear is engaged.Tick: It's a Subbie.Cross: Soggy SUV feel. RENAULT KOLEOS Price: From $29,990TO dismiss the Koleos as just a French car over the top of Nissan mechanicals is missing the point.The Koleos is well executed, solid and safe. It has six airbags, stability control and hazard lights that come on after an emergency stop.The "All-Mode 4x4i" all-wheel drive versions also get hill-start assist and hill-descent control.In auto mode, the torque split between the front and rear is automatically determined by the amount of available grip.Entry models are two-wheel drive while all-wheel drive buyers get a choice of the smooth Renault-sourced 2.0-litre dCi turbo diesel or 2.5-litre Nissan-sourced petrol four cylinder.There's plenty of room. The rear centre armrest is removable to allow skis to be pushed through and there are storage bins under the front seats and rear floor.Like the Tiguan, the range topping models with leather get heated front seats.Tick: Better looking than an X-Trail.Cross: Renault badge. AUDI Q5 Price: From: $59,900IT seems that just about any vehicle Audi launches at the moment is a sellout.The Q5 is one of them.Smaller than a Q7, the Q5 has the same off-road attributes in a smaller sharply styled package with good luggage space via the 40/20/40 split rear seats and optional cargo barrier that separates luggage.Two petrol and two turbo diesels are available and the S-tronic seven-speed gearbox contributes to good fuel figures.Audi's permanent quattro all-wheel drive system splits torque 40/60 front and rear, which gives the car relatively neutral handling.For those looking for something bigger, there's the A6 Allroad and the Q7.Unfortunately Audi is becoming just like its German rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz when it comes to equipment.Tick: Space and diesel.Cross: Expensive options. FORD TERRITORY Price: From $39,490THE Territory has just undergone a recent update to bring it into line with the rest of the Ford range.However, the cabin remains largely the same, and that's not a bad thing. It's good for a family and has seven-seater capacity.The Territory's cabin is well thought out and there is lots of storage space.Buyers have a choice of four AWD models or three rear-drive models.Stability control is standard, as are four airbags and anti-skid brakes.The TS and Ghia four-wheel drive models get seven seats as standard. Mum and Dad will also appreciate the standard DVD player in the Ghia.The reversible rear-load floor and compartment for storing wet items is handy.Tick: Practical and good looking.Cross: Getting on despite update. VOLVO XC60 Price: From $57,950THE XC60 is one of the best handling Volvo wagons around and one of the most attractive.The new City Safety feature is more than just a gimmick. The system applies the brakes if you are about to rear-end another car in low-speed situations up to 30km/h.Other Volvo strengths are the lane change warning system and blind-spot warning system. Volvo seats are renown for their comfort. 40/20/40 split rear seat is practical.There is a choice of either the 2.4-litre D5 turbo-diesel, which is about to be upgraded to a twin-turbo for better economy and efficiency, or the 3.0-litre turbo petrol six.Tick: Styling and equipment.Cross: Rattly diesel. LEXUS RX350 Price: From $81,900.THE RX350 has grown slightly, which translates into more interior room.This wagon, like all Lexus models, is packed with equipment that is optional on its rivals like satellite navigation, power rear hatch and rear reversing camera.The Sports Luxury gets active headlights that follow the curve of the road, plus a heads-up display.The safety package consists of stability control with cooperative steering function (VSC+), traction control, anti-skid brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.There is also, hill-start assist, 10 airbags and a first-aid kit.The rear seats split 40/20/40 and there is a wet-storage area in the luggage load floor. Thule luggage pods are also available.Tick: Standard equipment.Cross: Looks bloated. MAZDA CX9 Price: From $51,990It looks big and feels big but once under way, the CX9 shrink-wraps around you.It's well sorted on the road, has a host of safety gear and with seven seats, has plenty of room for the family.The cabin quality is better than the CX9 too.The 204kW/366Nm 3.7-litre V6 has plenty of poke but slurps petrol like a celebrity lining up for a free drink during Melbourne Cup week.The 60/40 split fold rear seats can be released from the luggage area.Tick: Rear seating, quality.Cross: Fuel economy. TOYOTA PRADOPrice: From $48,600THE Prado is the ideal family load-lugger if you need serious space and room for the family.It comes with eight seats and long-range fuel tank of 180 litres.The full-time 4WD system has a low-range setting for heavy off-roading.However only the higher spec Prados get standard stability control, anti-skid brakes, hill-descent control and six airbags as standard so it pays to check the fineprint.GXL, VX and Grande buyers get foglights and roof rails with satellite navigation and height-adjustable air suspension standard only on the top-of-the-range Grande.Tick: Standard and GX lack standard safety gear.Cross: Clunky styling. NISSAN MURANO Price: From $45,990THE previous-generation Murano was a sleeper.In a lineup dominated by the Navara and Patrol, it never really stood out other than a competent family wagon and its soft curves alienated many potential buyers.But Nissan hopes to change that with the new-generation Murano.The styling is sharper, the 191kW/336Nm 3.5-litre V6 a sweet engine that delivers good fuel economy. The packaging is good. The automatic All Mode 4x4-i all-wheel drive system can distribute torque on demand to where its needed.The luxury Ti gets all the fruit, from navigation system to heated front seats, reversing camera, automatic rear hatch and Bose sound system. The 60/40 split rear seats on both the ST and Ti can be flipped forward from the back of the car.Tick: Engine, equipment.Cross: Cheese-cutter grille. RANGE ROVER SPORT Price: From $90,900THE Range Rover brand has a strong following and is the preferred luxury chariot for seriously well-heeled snowgoers.Like the bigger Range Rover the Sport gets the nifty "Terrain Response" off-road system which means you just have to twist the switch to get the required off-road mode.The Range Rover Sport has real off-road capability but we don't think too many owners would ever go bush bashing in the leather-line luxury off-roader, particularly with the stylish 20-inch wheels available some models.The 65/35 split rear seats also have folding cushions and the full-size spare is easily accessible under the car. However, some of the bigger wheel/tyre options make do with a spacesaver.Tick: Luxury.Cross: Reliability.