- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr
Audi SQ5 SUV. 2nd generation, 2020 restyling
The Audi SQ5 is a high-performance version of the Q5 compact luxury SUV, produced by Audi AG (Germany) since 2013 and belongs to the mid-size luxury SUV segment. The market currently offers the second generation SUV after the restyling in 2020. We cannot wait to see the Audi SQ5 on the Israeli market, but for now we’d like to explore the restyled version in more details.
In 2016, the manufacturer released the second generation Audi SQ5 SUV, which was restyled in the summer of 2020 (as of 2021). The second generation vehicle is based on the MLB Evo platform, which was used for the entry-level second generation Q7, as well as the Audi A4 and A5. The new chassis, as well as the active use of high-strength steels and aluminum in the body structure, have reduced the weight of the SUV by about 90 kg.
Exterior
The 2020/2021 Audi SQ5 features new lighting equipment, an octagonal radiator grille and other bumpers that have increased the vehicle length by 19 mm (now it is 4,682 mm instead of 4,671 mm), the width and height reach 1,893 mm and 1,635 mm, respectively. The wheelbase is 2.82 m, the ground clearance is 200 mm.
The restyled vehicle offers optional Audi Matrix LED headlights, equipped with an intelligent system that uses data from the camera, sensors and the navigation system to analyze the traffic situation and adjust the brightness and the luminous flux. There are also organic light-emitting diode (OLED) taillights with a choice of three light patterns.
Interior
In 2020, the SQ5 has received a fully digital dashboard with a 12.3-inch screen and a new MMI multimedia system with various features, for example, it is able to ‘understand’ voice commands and keep in touch with the environment according to the V2X principle (literally ‘vehicle for everything’). You can also give commands to the multimedia system through the touchscreen, and the previous control unit with a plate, located on the central tunnel, was removed.
The elaborated interior is comfortable and looks beautiful, featuring a multifunctional sports steering wheel, combined Alcantara and leather upholstery, three-zone climate control. The trunk volume ranges from 550 liters (minimum) to 1,550 liters (maximum) with the rear seats folded down.
Powertrains
The new Audi SQ5 is traditionally equipped with a 3-liter V6 TFSI engine. The engine has an output of 354 hp and a maximum torque of 500 Nm. With a top speed limited to 250 km/h, the turbocharged direct injection engine can accelerate the SQ5 to the first 100 km in just 5.4 seconds.
The engine is highly efficient thanks to a revolutionary combustion method with a shorter compression phase. There is also the Audi valvelift system that reduces valve travel at low loads, which shortens the intake phase. When the load increases, the valves begin to operate at a longer stroke, providing the engine with maximum performance. A powerful engine generates a characteristic exhaust sound, which is provided for all S-Line engines by a special exhaust system with two tailpipes.
The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption within the city is 11 liters per 100 km, while the vehicle consumes 7.1 liters per 100 km outside the city. All vehicles have quattro permanent all-wheel drive and adaptive air suspension that can change the ground clearance as needed.
Equipment
The list of basic equipment for the 2021/2022 Audi SQ5 is long. It includes the Audi drive select system for choosing dynamic driving modes, electric trunk drive, Bang & Olufsen sound system with 3D sound effect (10 speakers and a subwoofer), massage seats, adaptive cruise control, virtual cockpit, matrix headlights, 21-inch wheels and numerous driver assistance systems: electronic stability control, hill start assist, parking assistant with front/rear sensors, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring system, hill descent control, automatic parking assistant, head-up display and more.
