Audi SQ5 3.0 TDI quattro tiptronic

What is it?

Good question with the new Audi SQ5 TDI.

We’re into unfamiliar Audi territory here: an Audi Q model (that’s SUV in Audi-speak) that’s been given the sports  ‘S’ treatment by Audi’s engineers. That’s not happened before.

And another thing that’s not happened before.

The engine powering this Audi SQ5. It’s diesel.

Not any old diesel, you understand: a 3.0-litre V6 that’s been given extra oomph with the addition of in-line twin turbochargers.

This bi-turbo engine has simply exhilarating figures – not so much that 313PS power, rather the shovel-loads of torque – 650Nm to be precise – that propel you towards the horizon with just a sniff of the throttle.

And all this torque is delivered by the V6 and its bi-turbos between 1450rpm and 2800rpm. Low down response? There’s so much you could share it.

But because it’s a diesel S model, the Audi SQ5 doesn’t suffer unduly with the mpg figures – the stated combined is 41.5mpg.

The rest of the Audi SQ5 is what you might expect from an S-badged Audi. 

Suspension lowered by 30mm, great-looking alloy wheels optionally upsized to 20 in, eight-speed tiptronic auto, Nappa leather interior and the crucial SQ5 badging on the front grille and rear tailgate.

The Audi SQ5 TDI is priced at £44,055 with plenty of options available that managed to boost the price of our test car to £53,140.

The Audi SQ5 TDI goes on sale 15 May, 2013.

What’s hot?

• That engine. Wow! Just hover over the throttle and the Q5 starts jumping forward…
• …but plant your foot and the Q5 delivers intergalactic speeds of travel
• It is. Simply. Awesome
• What’s more, the fuel consumption needn’t be spiteful – on the motorway we were averaging 38mpg
• The Audi SQ5 is not out of bed as a company car either – at least for company high-ups wanting something very different: CO2 emissions of 179g/km put the Audi in the 30% company car tax banding
• Sports Audis can be notoriously firm riding, but the SQ5 has a surprisingly pliant ride
• And those big 20 inch wheels deliver only a subdued amount of road roar
• Car-like handling thanks to latest quattro drivetrain with torque vectoring
• Otherwise it’s a comfortable and practical SUV
• Options include a powered tailgate  (£385), Audi Drive Select (£220) – which you can change car response styles between auto/comfort/dynamic and so on; and a £2320 Technology Package that includes upgraded navigation system

What’s not?

• It’s a lot of money for a fast SUV
• If you do run one as a company car, there’s still a hefty £435 a month company car tax bill (40%) for the pleasure
• 15% tax disallowance on leasing and only 8% capital allowances
• Even with the reasonable fuel economy, an S model is always expensive to run
• Interior is well crafted but doesn’t feel as special as it might

Business Car Manager road test verdict

The Audi SQ5 delivers an outstanding drive. No question.

Its performance is simply epic – although you might have to be careful if you’re keen to hold onto your driving licence.

A range of maintenance packages helps to budget the running costs – for example full service and maintenance over three years is taken care of for £31 a month; if you want to add in the tyres too, then it rises to £58 a month.

Add it’s practical too – it is, essentially, a five-door SUV – and for those small business owners or SME directors wanting something very special but with transport facility for children or customers, then the Audi SQ5 is an intriguing business car proposition.

So, best get talking to your accountant then…

(Read the Editor’s blog about brisk demand for the SQ5 from leasing companies and small fleet buyers.)

The Low Down…

…and what it costs