Audi SQ5
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a performance SUV that doesn’t compromise on luxury? The Audi SQ5 might be exactly what you need. This high-performance version of Audi’s popular Q5 SUV combines serious pace with everyday practicality, making it perfect for those who want their cake and eat it too. It’s the car for drivers who refuse to choose between family-friendly functionality and driving excitement.

From the moment you see it, the SQ5 commands attention. Its aggressive styling cues, including larger air intakes, quad exhausts, and distinctive side vents, clearly separate it from the standard Q5. But the real magic happens when you press the start button. Under the bonnet sits a potent turbocharged V6 engine that delivers exhilarating performance while maintaining the refinement you’d expect from Audi. The interior mirrors the quality found in other premium Audi models, with sport seats and high-tech features throughout.

Driving the SQ5 is an engaging experience that few rivals can match. The combination of quattro all-wheel drive, adaptive suspension, and that powerful engine creates a compelling package for enthusiastic drivers. Whether you’re navigating city traffic or tackling winding country roads, the SQ5 delivers confidence and composure. While it commands a premium price compared to rivals like the BMW X3 M40i or Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, you’re paying for exceptional build quality and a driving experience that makes every journey memorable.

What's the Audi SQ5 Like to Drive?

The Audi SQ5 is built for performance, with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 TFSI engine producing around 354 horsepower. This potent powerplant propels the SQ5 from 0-60 mph in just 5.1 seconds, making it genuinely quick for a family SUV. The eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission shifts smoothly and responds well to manual inputs via the steering wheel paddles. What impresses most is how the engine delivers its power, with strong torque available from low revs and a satisfying exhaust note that adds to the driving experience.

The SQ5’s dynamic abilities extend far beyond straight-line speed. Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system provides excellent traction in all conditions, while the adaptive suspension allows you to tailor the ride quality to your preferences. In comfort mode, it soaks up bumps admirably for daily driving. Switch to dynamic mode and the suspension firms up considerably, reducing body roll and sharpening handling responses. The steering is well-weighted and accurate, giving you confidence to attack corners with enthusiasm. It’s a genuinely engaging car to drive that outperforms many traditional sports cars while offering SUV practicality.

How Comfortable Is the Audi SQ5?

Step inside the SQ5 and you’re greeted by one of the finest interiors in its class. The cabin features high-quality materials throughout, including leather-appointed sport seats with excellent support and adjustment range. The dashboard design is clean and modern, dominated by Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster and MMI infotainment system. Build quality is exemplary, with perfectly aligned panels and switchgear that operates with satisfying precision. Every surface you touch feels premium and substantial.

The front seats are particularly impressive, offering excellent support during spirited driving while remaining comfortable for longer journeys. There’s generous space for driver and passenger, with plenty of adjustment to find the perfect position. The SQ5 excels at refinement too, with excellent sound insulation keeping road and wind noise to a minimum. Standard equipment includes climate control, smartphone integration, and a premium sound system. Higher specification models add features like massage seats, Bang & Olufsen audio, and panoramic sunroof that further enhance the luxury feel.

The Audi SQ5 is a compelling choice for those seeking serious performance wrapped in SUV practicality. It successfully delivers exhilarating acceleration and engaging handling while maintaining the comfort and refinement expected from a luxury vehicle. The interior quality is exceptional, and the build standards are among the best in class. The quattro all-wheel drive system provides confidence-inspiring traction in all conditions. The main drawbacks are the high running costs and premium purchase price, but these are expected given the performance and luxury on offer. It’s not the most economical choice, but economy isn’t the primary concern for SQ5 buyers. This car is for enthusiasts who need SUV practicality but refuse to compromise on driving excitement. If you value exceptional build quality, impressive performance, and daily usability, the SQ5 deserves serious consideration. It proves that you don’t have to sacrifice driving pleasure for family-friendly functionality.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run an Audi SQ5?

As a high-performance luxury SUV, the SQ5 comes with correspondingly high running costs. Real-world fuel economy typically ranges from 28-32 MPG, which isn’t terrible considering the performance on offer but will mean regular visits to the petrol station. Insurance costs will be significant due to the high power output and desirable nature of the vehicle. You can expect to pay considerably more than for a standard family SUV, with insurance groups in the higher brackets.

The initial purchase price reflects the SQ5’s position as a premium performance vehicle, commanding significantly more than mainstream alternatives. However, Audi’s reputation for build quality means reliability should be strong, and the brand’s extensive dealer network ensures servicing availability nationwide. When it comes to holding value, the SQ5 performs well thanks to its desirability and limited production numbers. Car finance options can help spread the cost, making this exceptional SUV more accessible to those who appreciate its unique combination of performance and practicality.

Is the Audi SQ5 Practical for Everyday Use?

For a performance SUV, the SQ5 offers impressive practicality that makes it genuinely usable as a family vehicle. The 520-litre boot is spacious enough for weekly shopping trips or holiday luggage, and the rear seats fold down to expand cargo space significantly when needed. Inside, there’s good storage throughout the cabin, including door pockets, cup holders, and a useful centre console compartment. The elevated driving position provides excellent visibility in all directions.

Rear seat space is generous enough for adults on longer journeys, though the sloping roofline does compromise headroom slightly for taller passengers. The wide-opening doors make access easy, and the practical load height means you won’t strain your back loading heavy items. For families or those who regularly carry passengers and cargo, the SQ5 strikes an excellent balance compared to other used Audi cars. Its combination of performance and space puts it ahead of traditional sports cars while offering more driver engagement than conventional family SUVs.

The Audi SQ5 stands out in the competitive performance SUV market by offering a masterful blend of exhilarating performance, luxury refinement, and everyday practicality. It packages Audi’s renowned quattro all-wheel drive system, exceptional build quality, and cutting-edge technology into a versatile and engaging package. While it may not be the most economical choice in its class, it excels in the areas that matter most to performance-oriented drivers.

You choose the SQ5 because you want an SUV that doesn’t compromise on driving excitement. Its powerful V6 engine, adaptive suspension, and sport-tuned chassis deliver genuine thrills while maintaining the comfort and practicality needed for daily life. It’s perfectly suited for those who demand both performance and versatility, offering the space for family duties while delivering the kind of acceleration that makes every drive memorable. If you’re looking for a premium SUV that offers serious performance credentials, the SQ5 should be at the top of your consideration list.