The Audi Q5 SUV comes in a high-performance variant called the SQ5. It increases the Q5’s power output by 88 horsepower with a turbocharged V6 and adds a firmer suspension, bigger wheels, and more gripping tires.
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What does the S in the Audi SQ5 stand for?
Even more powerful variants are produced by Audi Sport GmbH (previously quattro GmbH), the high-performance private division of AUDI AG, and are designated with the “RS” badge. The German term RennSport, which means “racing sport,” is the source of the initials “RS.” These vehicles are compared to supercars in terms of both price and features. [11]
The “RS” (“Sport”) specification level of the standard model range of Audi is clearly above the highest performance “top-tier” trim level offered by the automaker. Some people refer to “RS” automobiles as “halo vehicles” because they all represent the cutting edge of Audi’s engineering expertise and technology. Along with the R8, Audi RS cars are some of the most potent automobiles the company has ever produced. For instance, the physically larger Audi S8 is less powerful than the Audi RS 6 (5.0 TFSI quattro) (5.2 FSI quattro). [6] While the facelifted Audi S8 plus for the 20162017 model years is regarded as “an “RS” in anything but name” as it comes equipped with an upgraded engine that has the same output as the smaller RS 6 and RS7, the 20122015 Audi S8 shares the same engine with the 2013… Audi RS 6 and Audi RS 7, albeit in a lower state of tune. [12] In contrast to other versions of the S8, which were produced by Audi on the main assembly line with other A8 variants, the 201617 S8 Plus was produced by Quattro GmbH and can be recognized by its VIN number, which begins with the letters WUA.
These “RS” (and “S” models)[13] models are exclusively designed, developed, and produced in-house by Audi Sport GmbH, the high performance private subsidiary company of Audi AG, at its Neckarsulmfactory. They are only available for a short period of time and only in specific markets, on a limited model range.
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The interior of Audi “RS” cars is frequently sparse in comparison since the emphasis is more on track performance than luxury, in contrast to Audi “S” models whose interiors are well-furnished to maintain the feeling of sport luxury. While its American counterpart has opulent power-adjustable front seats and power windows for all doors, the 2008 Audi RS 4 released in Europe had lightweight racing-style front seats and roll-up windows for the back doors. 2007 Audi RS 4 vs. 2008 M-B C63 AMG; 2008 BMW M3
While the Audi “S” variants (as of 2010) have been positioned primarily as engine upgrade trims, the Audi “RS” vehicles are considered direct competitors to comparable sized hardcore sport cars from BMW M and Mercedes-AMG. The Audi RS 5 immediately competes with the BMW M3, M4, while the Audi S5 directly competes with the BMW 335i, the Audi RS 6 directly competes with the BMW M5, and the Audi S6 directly competes with the BMW 550i. Due to emissions laws, the Audi RS 6 (C6) was never sold to the US, leaving the Audi S6 (C6) as the top trim to compete against the BMW M5 (E60) in that market for the 2013 Audi S7.
Audi previously only produced one RS model at a time, but recently changed its policies and opted to produce multiple RS models concurrently, stating that “customers want them, so why not give it to them?”
What distinguishes the Q5 S Line from the SQ5?
The less expensive Q5 has a TFSI 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. It has a dual-clutch, 7-speed automatic transmission and a Quattro all-wheel-drive motor, giving you 248 horsepower. The 3.0 liter TFSI turbocharged V6 engine in the SQ5 produces 349 horsepower.
What it’s like to drive, and how quiet it is
The Audi SQ5 is undoubtedly quick. Although competitors like the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and Porsche Macan GTS are faster, it can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds.
However, the enormous torque that the SQ5’s 3.0-liter diesel engine delivers at low to mid rpm will definitely appeal if you’re looking for something fast but also effortless to drive (i.e., that builds speed without needing to be battered). When you press the accelerator, the car moves forward with a tiny delay, but as soon as it does, you’re up to 70 mph or quickly beyond that leisurely Sunday driver.
The SQ5 is it worth it?
Highs Generous standard features, a ride that surprised you for a sporty SUV, and above-average fuel efficiency. Lows Limited luggage room, less nimble than major competitors, and less powerful. Verdict The SQ5 is well designed and has an upmarket vibe, but it isn’t as extreme as other performance SUVs on the road.
Is S-Line preferable to sports?
If you choose the S Line grade for your new Audi, you’ll get an aggressive bodykit, improved interior design, and lowered suspension for a more thrilling driving experience. Although S Line cars still feature the usual Audi range of engines, they won’t be any faster than the standard car. Instead, they will feel significantly livelier to drive.
The Audi SQ5 is it turbocharged?
A supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 354 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of torque powers the 2017 Audi SQ5. Both an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive come standard. The SQ5 quickly accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in Edmunds’ performance tests, taking only 5.0 seconds.
Is driving the SQ5 enjoyable?
Due to the current popularity of SUVs, producers face the difficulty of incorporating several models into a variety of market segments to suit a wide range of clients. Consider Audi, where the Q5 accounts for around 25% of the brand’s sales in the United States. The model’s three very distinct engine optionsthe standard Q5 45 TFSI, the gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid Q5 55 TFSI e, and the sporty SQ5have something to do with that. You need to please everyone in the hottest part of the game.
A midcycle redesign for the 2021 Audi Q5 series modifies the model’s appearance both inside and out and somewhat improves its performance. The 2021 SQ5, on which this review will focus, is an improvement over the 2020 model, and after testing it on the racetrack, we can attest that it also handles superbly on our figure-eight course.
Audi SQ5: The Numbers
The SQ5 reached 60 mph in 4.7 seconds during our testing thanks to the turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6’s 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, which is exactly the same time Audi recorded using its own stopwatches. The SQ5 ran the quarter mile in 13.4 seconds at a speed of 102.9 mph. These are respectable figures for a 4,400-pound SUV, indicating that the SQ5 can remain competitive. The 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLC43 that we most recently tested reached 60 mph in the same 4.7 seconds and completed the quarter mile at 104.3 mph in 13.4 seconds. Discuss the idea of competition. But since then, Mercedes has increased the GLC43’s horsepower by 23, bringing its total to 385. (torque remains the same at 384 lb-ft). We haven’t tested an updated GLC43 yet, so we won’t know how much faster it is (if at all).
Chris Walton, the editor of Road Test, was pleased with the SQ5’s handling. “Wow! On the figure eight, what a thrill! “said he. “Really, a very enjoyable experience that I did not expect. Porsche levels of predictability and fun.”
The 2021 Audi SQ5 is enjoyable to drive on the highway as well as the racetrack. The SQ5 has a limited amount of body roll and a quick steering reaction, as we noted in our First Drive, making it feel more like a hot hatch than a hot SUV. The SQ5 leans in well on winding roads, its tires keeping superb traction and enabling you to drive the SUV even harder. The SQ5 can easily pull itself out of corners thanks to its low-end torque, but even in Dynamic mode, the transmission takes some time to downshift. At least the SQ5 is equipped with shift paddles, which give the driver control over the sluggish gearbox.
Most likely, you purchase a SQ5 because you want more power, but this Audi also performs well when you want to travel quietly. The SQ5 has 21-inch wheels, but its ride is composed and quiet on the freeway. We noticed the Audi’s suspension handled medium undulations effectively as we drove through Portuguese Bend, a region of the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Southern California where periodic land movements continually rumple the pavement.
Audi SQ5: Inside the Beast
The numerous emblems scattered throughout the cabin will let you know that you are in the SQ5. The numerous S badges visibly distinguish the SQ5 from its less potent siblings on everything from the steering wheel to the shifter to the seats. The same 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also standard on all Q5 and SQ5 variants. The driver can easily use this screen, which takes the place of the previous 7.0- and 8.3-inch monitors that were offered. A voice control system that learns and recognizes natural requests for vehicle controls has been added to the MIB3 infotainment system, which is simple to use and quick to respond.
The SQ5 and other Q5 variants lack the upscale dual-screen center console featured in Audi’s larger models, such as the Q7 and Q8, but the inside still seems cutting-edge. The Google Satellite photos on the system’s 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, or Virtual Cockpit in Audi-speak, are improved with higher resolution. The Prestige package and the available color head-up display were both features of our test vehicle. Every time we played our favorite tunes, the 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system had us turning the volume up.
Generally speaking, interior space is good. Due to the large driveshaft hump, the second-row foot space has been most severely compromised. However, there is still plenty of room for adults. The huge windows give the backseat passengers a lot of natural light, but the major drawback is that the seats do not fold completely flat.
Audi SQ5: Worth the Cost?
The redesigned SQ5 balances dynamics and refinement for everyday driving while bringing a new design both inside and out. For those who desire more power than the Q5 provides, it’s a fantastic alternative. It’s also a fair value, at least in its basic configuration, with a starting price of $53,995. But costs swiftly rise; the sticker price for our top-of-the-line SQ5 with the Prestige option is $71,790.
The primary goal of the SQ5 is to provide an enjoyable driving experience. This Audi not only accomplishes that, but it also offers a classy ride when needed. Few SUVs are able to do this as effectively as the SQ5.
The SQ5 has a dual turbo?
Fantastic Performance. A 3.0-liter TFSI twin-scroll turbocharged DOHC V6 engine with 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque powers the Audi SQ5. An eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that comes standard performs shifts incredibly quickly and smoothly.
Are Audi SQ5 maintenance costs expensive?
In its first ten years of use, an Audi SQ5 will require maintenance and repairs costing roughly $12,467.
This is $3,247 more expensive than the luxury SUV model industry average. Additionally, there is a 36.25 percent likelihood that a SQ5 will need a significant repair during that time. Compared to comparable automobiles in its sector, this is 3.31 percent better. The following graph shows how these expenses and the likelihood of repairs will rise over time.
Do Audi’s troubles frequently arise?
Everyone is aware that effective marketing can enable someone to sell sand in the Sahara. In order to obtain useful insight into the attitudes and trends in the automotive sector, Warrantywise, the top-rated provider of vehicle warranties in the UK, conducts a thorough amount of research and polls.
Warrantywise polled 750 British drivers to find out which automakers they considered to be the most dependable, and Audi made it into the top 10. Audi actually placed 28th out of 36 brands on their “Dependability Rating” scale for reliability in 2019. Based on the quantity of reported problems and breakdowns, they determined the rating.
Website for auto repair estimates RepairPal determines each brand’s overall score by calculating the frequency and cost of all repairs, including parts and labor. Audi received an average rating of 3.0 out of 5.0 at the time of writing. However, out of 32 car brands, that places the firm in 28th place.