2018 Audi SQ5 Review Review

Didn’t Audi switch all its S models to diesel?

Some, but not all. The S6 and S7 have moved from a petrol V8 to the same V6 TDI as the SQ5, forcing buyers to accept a big drop in power in return for more torque and better efficiency. Switching the SQ5 to diesel makes for easier reading: the TDI’s impressive 344bhp is just 7bhp short of the outgoing V6 petrol, and now you get 516lb ft, a near-150lb ft increase in torque – absolutely huge! New fuel efficiency standards make the previous economy figures harder to compare, but the new SQ5 officially returns 34.4mpg and 172g/km.

So what is this engine?

It’s the same base 3.0-litre V6 TDI as found in Audi’s 50 TDI models, and comes with the same mild hybrid system that allows them to coast for up to 40 seconds and for the stop-start system to activate at up to 13mph. But the SQ5 gets uprated engine internals, and also a big increase in performance of 58bhp and 59lb ft courtesy of a larger single turbocharger and a new electrically powered compressor (EPC) – instead of spooling up on exhaust gasses like a turbo, the EPC operates electrically which should, in theory, eliminate turbo lag. An eight-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive are standard.

What’s it like inside?

There’s much to like here, but niggles too. Nappa leather S sports seats grip comfortably but securely. There are brushed aluminium inlays and some impressive technology as standard, including Audi Virtual cockpit (the 12.3-inch digital instrument binnacle), sat-nav and Audi connect with its wi-fi hot-spot. This is also a practical car, with a decent-sized boot and generous space for rear passengers.

The bad stuff? Some of the plastics feel cheaper than in the S6 and S7, and you don’t get Audi’s latest twin-touchscreen infotainment, which makes this interior look a generation out of date.

What’s the turbodiesel engine like?

It suits the SQ5 very well. A little turbo lag remains despite the EPC, but there’s a useful swell of mid-range performance that makes overtaking effortless and speed come easily. This is also a highly refined powertrain that’s perfectly complemented by the eight-speed auto’s smooth, slick shifts.

Strangely, though, the 3.0-litre TDI doesn’t feel quite as punchy as it does in the S6 and S7, even though all three cars are similarly heavy and we were able to get a back-to-back drive in them too. Neither is the exhaust note quite as tuneful in the SQ5.

What about the SQ5’s chassis?

Our car was fitted with optional air suspension, which was surprisingly fidgety at low speed, but the lumps ease up with speed and the SQ5 is genuinely dynamic on a twisty road. Work the chassis hard and you can’t help but be impressed by the unflappable front-end grip, well controlled body roll and the resolutely rear-biased feel from the quattro system. It’s precise and secure, but involving too.

In a nutshell

The Audi SQ5’s return to turbodiesel power is by and large a success, and helps make this a very complete performance SUV. It’s spacious, relatively frugal, fast and both sure-footed and involving to drive. But the cabin quality and technology lags behind Audi’s best, and for some reason this engine doesn’t perform quite as sweetly as it does in an S6 or S7. Good car, then, but our pick would be a BMW X3 M40d or M40i, and at least the BMW allows you to choose whether petrol or turbodiesel suits your needs best.

Similar car reviews

Jaguars first compact SUV the Jaguar E-Pace is an attractively sporty design inside and out which is based upon the Land Rover Evoque.

The BMW X7 is BMW’s first 7 seater SUV, and is perfect for large families, along with it’s luxurious but also highly practical interior.

If you’re looking for something a little different from the SUV, a family estate car might be something to consider. The Volvo V60 is spacious, has smart interiors and fantastic seats, as well as it’s city safety autonomous braking as standard, it’s a serious choice for any family car.

Finally, if you’re looking for something a bit beefier, then look no further than the Land Rover Discovery Sport, or the Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic.