Audi SQ5 Review

 

The new Audi SQ5 Review, if we’re honest, isn’t the obvious starting point one Audi S-brand performance revolution, including two. Because, while it’s a classy, practical and desirable family 4x4, that has comfortably been dominating rivals for example the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60 on both European and global sales, the Audi Q5 has also always been a slightly soulless car to drive. Competent, refined and secure, but just a little dynamically ordinary. Nevertheless, the SQ5 is not just the firm’s first S-badged SUV, but additionally its first S-brand diesel.  MattSaundersDeputy road test editor, The SQ5 is unquestionably fast, however it fails to exciteIt is powered from the 309bhp, 479lb ft twin-turbo V6 diesel coming from the A6 and A6 Allroad which mighty multi-cylinder diesel certainly helps make the Q5 quick. Audi’s claim is perfect for 0-62mph inside a smidge over five seconds, inside a class where the quickest BMW X3 only just squeezes in under six seconds, and the majority other rivals find it difficult to beat seven.  

But in reality, the SQ5’s performance doesn’t feel quite that outstanding. This can be a  brisk drive, however the car’s short-shifting, occasionally slipping eight-speed automatic gearbox and really linear power delivery do kill the performance drama just a little. Audi’s chassis modifications are just as important like the contents from the engine bay. And what’s notable during this department is Quattro GmbH — Audi’s usual go-faster department — hasn’t been involved.  Audi AG’s own chassis development team has brought 30mm from the regular Audi SQ5’s ride height, stiffened its springs and anti-roll bars and specified new, stiffer fixed-rate dampers. The kinematics from the suspension — camber, castor and toe angles, basically — haven’t been altered. 

Our test car, designed with Audi’s optional variable-ratio Dynamic Steering system, had lots of purpose and grip about this but lacked just a little simple coherence and progressiveness in its handling responses, and both feedback and consistency from its controls.  Although fast and stable, it was eventually barely anymore involving than its lesser range-mates on the really testing road. It bamboozled the driver, instead, inside a never-ending search to get the best Drive Select settings, and confused slightly with unpredictable steering weight and directness. The SQ5’s ride, too, leaves just a little to become desired. The car’s chassis isolates you against noise well enough and reins in roll quite well. The ride quickly becomes restless like the road’s surface begins to rise and fall, though, as those new dampers attempt — and sometimes fail — to stay vertical body movements in seek advice from any subtlety. As a BMW X3 xDrive 35d is really a less mechanically refined machine than this, it’s also an infinitely more compelling one through a quick bend. 

And also a Range Rover Evoque SD4 might not have the ability to compete on sheer urge, but its blend of compliance, responsiveness and control is likewise a lot more impressive. So should you choose one? Well, this will depend if you’re really attempting to find a driver’s car — because, consistent with Audi’s own figures, most Q5 owners aren’t. Considered like a less specialised range-topping option to the Q5 range, the SQ5 makes a robust enough case for itself. It mixes class-leading costs of ownership with serious ground-covering performance, understated Germanic design appeal and also a cabin that may be considered outstanding in its quality, richness and space.  But those attempting to find a very great-handling SUV should probably either stay with plan A — purchase a Range Rover Evoque — or gamble on plan B, and that is to wait patiently for Audi’s Q3 RS. Which, incidentally, has been developed by Quattro GmbH. ‘Nuff said. Audi SQ5 review