Following the launch of the Q5, the German manufacturer with the four-rings emblem has showcased the speedier Audi SQ5 at the 2017 Detroit Motor Show. The Audi SQ5, distinguished by the ‘S’ badge adopts a 3.0L V6 TFSI delivering 354 PS (260 kW) and 500 Nm of twist, resulting in a 5.4-second run to a ton and a 250 km/h (155mph) top whack. It also gets S-specific exterior and interior aesthetic enhancements and suspension upgrades.
A new and efficient combustion process based on the “B cycle” in combination with high-pressure injectors centrally located in the combustion chambers allows for a higher base compression ratio in the 3.0 TFSI, enabling it to return 8.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometer (28.3 US mpg) and a CO2 equivalent of 189 grams per kilometer. The motor is also helped by a the Audi valvelift system. A twin-scroll turbocharger replaces the mechanical compressor, located within the 90-degree V of the cylinder banks. While, the exhaust side is on the inner side of the cylinder heads and the air intake on the outer enabling a compact construction. The V6 TFSI engine weighs just 172 kilograms -14 kilograms less than the previous supercharged engine. Thanks to the use of aluminium alloy and a complex sand casting process.
A 8-speed tiptronic transmission features lower gears feature short ratios, while the long upper gears reduce revs and fuel consumption. The transmission automatically switches to freewheeling mode – known as coasting to other manufacturers – soon as the foot is off the accelerator between 55 km/h (34mph) and 160 km/h (99mph) for even greater fuel efficiency.
The quattro permanent all-wheel drive has a slight rear-axle bias but power can be sent to the axle with the better traction. Wheel-selective torque control is also available which works like the torque vectoring system by braking the inner wheels for better agility; traction is further optimized by an optional sport differential by actively distributing torque between the rear wheels by sending more torque to the outside rear wheel when accelerating out of a corner.
A five-link suspension front and rear setup is found on the new Audi SQ5 helping with both handling and comfort. The manufacturer has promised that the standard damper control features a particularly wide spread between comfort and dynamic. The adaptive CDC dampers (continuous damping control) are integrated into the Audi drive select system along with the engine, steering, tiptronic and optional sport differential, which can be driver controlled. The optional S-specific adaptive air suspension adjusts both damping and ride height.
The new electromechanical power steering has been specifically tuned for the Audi SQ5. Optionally available is the dynamic steering, which varies its gear ratio depending on the speed and steering angle.
The SQ5 SUV runs on 255/45-series tyres wrapping standard 20-inch, cast aluminium wheels. 21-inch wheels are available as an option. Up front the SQ5 sports black (optionally red), six-piston, fixed-caliper brakes with an S logo and 350mm diameter discs.
The new Audi SQ5 also features a array of driver assistance systems adopted from the Audi Q5. The predictive efficiency assistant provides specific driving tips to helps the driver save fuel. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) including traffic jam assist is said to handle some of the steering work in slow-moving traffic, but how much of it, is yet to be seen. It also has Audi active lane assist, Distance warning alerts, Cross traffic assist rear, the exit warning system, collision avoidance assist, turn assist and Audi pre sense city which warns the driver about pedestrians and vehicles, and initiates automatic emergency braking. The SQ5 also comes with Park assist, traffic signs recognition and hill descent control.
As standard, the SQ5 TFSI gets the top-spec MMI navigation plus infotainment system with MMI all-in-touch and an 8.3-inch display. The system recognises both handwritten input and gestures and provides haptic feedback to input. The Audi connect, lets you connect to the internet via LTE. In some countries it enables convenient roaming with its permanently installed SIM card.
With the package “Audi connect safety & service including security & convenience” the SQ5 also offers Car2X services which calls for help and roadside assistance, it also enable users to easily lock and unlock, check vehicle’s status and find their car via their smartphones.
The Audi virtual cockpit is also present here with a customizable 12.3-inch screen that replaces conventional gauges. The SQ5 gets an S-specific sport mode centred around the rev counter. Audi can deliver a newly developed head-up display as an option. It projects relevant information onto the windshield – including from driver assistance systems – as symbols and numbers that can be perceived quickly. The optional Audi phone box connects the smartphone to the on-board antenna by near-field coupling and simultaneously charges it inductively using the Qi standard. The Audi smartphone interface also brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into the car. The Bang & Olufsen Sound System with new 3D sound is available for hi-fi fans. 
The new Audi SQ5 is 4,671 mm long, 1,893 mm wide and 1,635 mm tall. The wheelbase is 2,824 mm. The SQ5 has a kerb weight of 1,995 kilograms, 35 kilograms less than its predecessor. The body features an intelligent material mix of aluminium and high-tensile-strength steels.
The bumpers up front and rear are complemented by strongly contoured, S-specific air inlets and diffuser with a honeycomb grille. And the radiator grille has double aluminium slats and contrasting trim elements in matt twilight grey. The S logo with red rhombus can also be found in several locations. LED technology is standard for all lighting functions and so are the satin-finish exterior mirrors. The rear bumper houses the S-specific twin exhaust tailpipes of the dual-branch exhaust system and an aluminium diffuser clasp. A new exterior colour panther black is exclusive to the new Audi SQ5.
The dark-toned interior welcomes the driver and passengers with illuminated door sills bearing exclusive S logos. Contrasting stitching can be found on the 3-spoke multifuntion leather steering wheel and sport seats. The latter is upholstered in fine Nappa leather with diamond pattern and a pneumatic massage function. Brushed aluminium inlays are standard, with wood and carbon inlays available as options. The shifter gets the aluminium-look while the pedals and footrest are in stainless steel.
The rear seat bench plus in the new Audi SQ5 is split into three segments. Longitudinal and seat back angle adjustment are optional. Depending on the position of the rear seat bench, the luggage compartment has a standard capacity of 500 to 610 litres which increases to 1,550 litres with the rear bench is folded.
The GCC-spec SUV is expected to become available to order at the end of this year. Pricing has yet to be disclosed.
