SQ5 hot-spots
- 340 PS and 700 Nm of torque available from the 3.0-litre V6 BiTDI;
- 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds, limited 155mph top speed;
- The first model in the Q5 range fitted with a sports differential in addition to quattro all-wheel drive for even more surefooted traction;
- Highlights include 21-inch alloy wheels and black gloss styling package;
- Opens for UK ordering later this year.
FOR those company car drivers for whom more really does mean ‘phwoar’, the new Audi SQ5 TDI has emerged fresh from the gym pumped up with a sportscar challenging 340PS.
It’s lusty biturbo V6 TDI engine now enjoys a performance hike of 27PS over the old model, enough to power this opulent SUV to 62mph in just 5.1secs up to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.
At the same time, its tree-stump pulling peak torque is increased by 50 Nm to 700 Nm.
Despite all this grunt, it claims as combined cycle consumption of up to 42.8mpg with emissions of 174 g CO2/km to keep the BIK tax rating as user-chooser friendly as possible.
Like all S models from Audi, the SQ5 TDI plus delivers its power to the road via the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.
For the first time on a Q5 variant, a sports differential at the rear axle actively distributes the drive power between the wheels.
Blinged-up visual clues feature gloss black 21-inch cast aluminium Audi Sport wheels in 5-twin-spoke star design and an extended black gloss package taking in the exterior mirror housings, door handles, roof edge spoiler and rear diffuser.
A further visual customisation feature on the exterior are two clasps that join the four exhaust tailpipes in pairs.
Inside, diamond stitched fine Nappa leather upholstery further enhances the SQ5 sports seats in the plus version, and the sliding rear bench seat plus also features as standard to increase variability and enlarge the luggage compartment, if necessary.
UK prices will be announced in time for ordering by the end of 2015.