The environment for automobiles is not “changing.” The transformation has been finished for years. Crossover is the current trend.
I had this thinking as I was operating a 2018 Audi SQ5. This is the high-performance version of Audi’s midsize Q5 crossover, as indicated by the “S” in the name. With that letter, you get a rear-biased Quattro all-wheel drive system, a 354-hp single-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, height-adjustable air suspension, and an optional torque-vectoring rear differential.
It’s not a joke at all. From the driver’s seat, the 5.1-second 0-60 time claimed by Audi seems a tad conservative. A member of the rapid crossover sector must accelerate to that level: The Audi shares the lead with the Jaguar F-Pace S, trails the Mercedes-AMG GLC43 by a few ticks, and trails the fastest Porsche Macan Turbo, which accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in less than four seconds.
Additionally, it handles adequately. The dampers and variable-ratio steering tighten up as soon as the four-mode drive is switched to Dynamic, which also causes the ride height to decrease by 30 mm. The steering wheel will seem like an open manhole and the center of gravity will be somewhere around your shoulders, but if you put the chassis into a bend, it will remain steady and predictable.
But the stoplight drop is what makes this thing life. Look at it: To tell the SQ5 from its less-powerful brothers, you’d need to be a purple-belt expert in gearhead trivia. Audi is so committed to being understated that its tiny ute won’t even show you its exhaust pipes. (Those ovals with an aluminum finish at the base of the rear bumper? Decoys. Behind the rear fascia are the real exhaust turndowns.)
The SQ5’s throttle is downright jumpy in its most unprocessed state. When the light turns green, execute it perfectly, and the Tiptronic eight-speed will upshift with a whooping fart as you drive out with authority. The first time you do it, you’ll be surprised, and if the 370Z driver next to you doesn’t see the V6T badge on your fender, he’ll be as well.
You can use it for childish things. When you close the throttle quickly, the tailpipes pop. If you use the accelerator and shift paddles properly, the inside-the-vee hairdryer can make a ton of turbo noise.
So how does a car like this fit into the self-created universe we enthusiasts have created? Perhaps it doesn’t. The perfect gearhead vehicle, we keep telling ourselves, is small, light, low to the earth, and simple. A formula created more than a century ago was held to with fervor.
SUVs are currently so common in our area that most people just refer to them as automobiles. Sedans, once commonplace, are no longer. Coupes? How archaic.
Fast crossovers like the SQ5 may have a covert advantage. They deliver the same level of performance that we formerly demanded from clunky old muscle cars without requiring any sacrifice. Both little and huge persons can be transported in them. They don’t cause a cop to raise an eyebrow.
And perhaps more crucially, owning them doesn’t make individuals feel ostentatious or conceited. Nobody thinks “such a showoff” when they look at the midsize five-door driver. The SQ5 is beautiful and unobtrusive thanks to computational optimization. It is calculatingly gorgeous.
So perhaps it’s time to stop dismissing high-performance crossovers. Perhaps it’s time for us diehards to accept them. If not for ourselves, then at least for the fact that they allow more people to experience what we value so highly: the rush of the drive.
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In This Article...
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.
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.
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.
Is Black Edition an improvement over S-Line?
You’ve heard the saying “all shirt, no pants,” right? Well, when you possess an Audi S series, you’ll encounter accusations of that nature. Although it appears fast, it is actually no faster than a standard vehicle with the same engine.
The 40 TDI diesel we discussed earlierthe one that achieves fuel economy of more than 50 mpgdoes trade off performance for fuel efficiency. It accelerates to 62 mph in 8.1 seconds, which is three seconds slower than the S6 diesel and twice as long as the 600 PS RS6.
While S line models have reduced suspension, they lack the quattro all-wheel drive found on S and RS models as well as the smart differentials and sizable brakes that make these sportier variants so capable on a winding country road.
Sport is indicated by the S (in the Audi S range). The line simply states that it is a trim level as opposed to the faster S models.
The exterior of Black Edition automobiles is matte black rather than chrome, as suggested by the name, which retains the sporty appearance of S line cars.
For greater efficiency, fuel can be squirted straight into the cylinder using TFSI, which stands for turbo fuel stratified injection. By taking the heat out of the intake air, the fuel cools the cylinder, increasing the compression ratio. According to reports, this will increase fuel efficiency by 15%.
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.
How quickly does an Audi SQ5 go?
Audi claims a top speed restriction of 155 mph and a 062 mph time of 5.1 seconds. Therefore, the SQ5 is a quick vehicle. It can occasionally feel like the engine is surging away from you because the EPC hasn’t completely removed latency and isn’t as seamlessly integrated as it could be, but for the most part, this diesel V6 pulls readily and cleanly all the way to the red line. This is a car you drive on three-quarter throttle, allowing the tremendous torque woosh you past slower drivers and away from intersections. There isn’t much of a reason to go beyond 3,500 rpm, though. It never seems to be working very hard and gets decent mpg while running (if not when you’re caning it).
The automatic transmission is generally smooth and utilizes the torque of the engine well, although occasionally it struggles to decide which of its eight gears it would want to be in.
S-spec Audis are more of a long-term investment than a conventionally entertaining vehicle. The key term is efficient. All-arounders of the highest caliber and performance that have proven themselves over tens of thousands of icy, real-world miles. As much as this is true with the SQ5, I think it would be a really nice item to live with on a daily basis (if you can get over the embarrassment of those fake exhausts, that is).
Because it was a “Vorsprung” model, our test vehicle had every amenity possible. To properly tuck the SQ5 into a corner, the “sport differential” and air suspension can transmit power to the outer rear wheel. With its equipment, this vehicle travels quickly cross-country. It doesn’t understeer much, feels stable and sure-footed, and there is certainly a ton of grip. The suspension does a decent job of smoothing out uneven terrain in its gentler modes (forget the harsher ones), and body control is good, but the steering is unmistakably numb.
The SQ5 performs best on the freeway, where it excels as a long-distance cruiser. Long-legged, branwy, quiet diesel performance. And the cabin is a pleasant spot to pass the time.
I would want the SUV. You can still fit adults in the back, and the boot is a respectable size if not as usefully shaped, if you prefer the way the Sportback looks. There’s not as much to it as you may imagine in terms of practicality.
Yes. Are you prepared to pay for the automobile we tested? If you were to buy a similar one tomorrow, it would cost little about 76,000. Prices for the Sportback start at 58,575. One more justification to choose an SUV Everywhere is over 2,000 cheaper.
The Vorsprung comes equipped with 21-inch wheels, black exterior trim, a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, an outstanding Bang & Olufsen sound, and MANY driver assistance features, among other things. On a standard SQ5, you can cherry-pick and option some things, but not all of them. Unpleasant, but at least the standard SQ5 is well-specified from the start.
high caliber product. We’d prefer the SUV over this Sportback since it’s not cheap or exciting, but if you have the money to spend, the SQ5 is an oddly endearing vehicle (fake exhausts and engine noise excepted).
The cost of an Audi SQ5?
The 2022 Audi SQ5 Premium 4dr SUV AWD is the most affordable model (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A). It has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of around $55,800 when destination charges are added. The Premium 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A), which starts at $55,800, is one of the available models.
What does the Audi Q5 S line package entail?
The Audi Q5 with S line plus package is a mid-sized SUV with the Audi Quattro all-wheel-drive system (not to be confused with the similarly titled Audi SQ5). Only Q5s with the top-tier Prestige trim level have access to the optional S line plus package; hybrid vehicles with the Premium or Premium Plus trim levels do not.
The Q5’s basic 19″ wheels are upgraded to 20″ 5-segment-spoke wheels with 255/45-20 summer performance tires with the S line plus option. Audi’s adaptive damping system and Audi drive select are also included in the package to complete the handling enhancements. A black cloth headliner, a three-spoke flat-bottomed sport steering wheel with shift paddles, and brushed aluminum inlays are included within the S line plus equipped cars.
Does the Audi Q5 have issues?
For many American families, compact SUVs and crossovers have replaced larger SUVs as their preferred vehicles. However, many automobile purchasers desire something else than the Ford Escapes, Toyota RAV4s, and Honda CR-Vs that dominate today’s driveways and parking spaces. Audi and other high-end automakers are happy to fill this requirement. The Q5, the brand’s initial entrance into this very competitive market, swiftly rose to the top spot in sales. So, if you’re searching for a used luxury SUV, it makes sense to give an Audi Q5 some thought. In light of this, let’s examine the Audi Q5 years to stay away from.
Essential Info on Audi Q5 Years To Avoid
This year-by-year examination includes information on owner-reported problems, manufacturer-authorized recalls, and technical service bulletin (TSB) reports. TSBs, also referred to as “hidden recalls, are manufacturer-generated repair guidelines without the same legal weight as a recall. A TSB-related issue might range from little things like upgrading maintenance procedures to handling serious mechanical issues. Due to the complexity of modern automobiles, it’s also not unusual for a carmaker to release dozens, if not hundreds, of TSBs for a single model year.
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Audi Q5 Generations
The Q5 has been made by Audi in two generations. The first was constructed between 2009 and 2017, and the second has been manufactured since 2018. The 20192022 model years will be skipped since there isn’t much available about these newest Q5s.
Audi Q5
The Q5’s first model year is 2009, and it’s generally a smart idea to steer clear of an entirely new vehicle’s first year. Despite the low number of complaints from consumers (just 32; see chart above), this may be because fewer than 14,000 Q5s were sold in the U.S. during the model’s first year. Audi, on the other hand, shipped close to 70,000 Q5s in 2018.
Problems with seatbelts and airbags are the most frequent owner complaints, followed by problems with the fuel system. It comes as no surprise that these problems are at the center of all six recalls. It’s challenging to identify a single, serious problem area with 606 TSBs for the fifth quarter of 2009. However, it is advisable to first look through the TSB reports for a potential cause and remedy if your 2009 Q5 is acting up.
Audi Q5
Reports continue to identify the same airbag, seatbelt, and fuel system issues as complaints rise along with sales volume for the 2010 Q5. Of course, these issues are addressed by the four recalls for this model year. For this model year, there are 759 more TSB reports. Thus, one of the years to steer clear of for the Audi Q5 is 2010.
Audi Q5
The 2011 Q5s are still subject to the same recalls that apply to older versions. At the same time, reports of engine issues including excessive oil use begin to surface. It is important to take note of the 895 TSBs and the 191 complaints, which are up by 60% for this model year. For the Audi Q5, 2011 is again another year to forego.
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Audi Q5
There have now been 206 complaints filed against the 2012 Audi Q5. Additionally, we observe problems like engine failure and sunroof failure (for which a recall was issued) that were previously experienced by owners of prior models. Additionally, the automaker issues 985 technical service bulletins. 2012 is the Audi Q5 year to steer clear of.
Audi Q5
The 2013 Audi Q5 has less than 100 complaints, although some owners have reported electrical and steering issues. These are more recent faults that weren’t noticeable in prior Q5s. 1309 TSBs have been issued, which is the most for any Q5 year. The 2013 BMW X5 has 363 TSBs in contrast. Corrections for the cooling and electrical systems are among the recalls for this model year. If you’re considering a 2013 Audi Q5, proceed with care.
Audi Q5
Consumer Reports assigns a Q5 a “good reliability rating” for the first time. When looking for a secondhand car, though, don’t rely exclusively on this review. Has the car undergone a mechanic’s inspection? Nevertheless, there are still 111 documented complaints about typical issues such excessive oil usage.
Audi Q5
The Q5 makes a turn for the 2015 model year. Consumer Reports rates the SUV as having “fair reliability” and notes that complaints and TSBs (867) are on the decline. At the same time, reports of typical issues have decreased as well, including steering and oil use. If you’re looking for a secondhand Q5, a 2015 is less of a worry.
Audi Q5
As the trend of decreased complaints and TSBs (672) continues, a 2016 Q5 is a strong contender for a used Audi. The model year receives a decent grade from Consumer Reports, and individual complaints are generally dispersed among a range of problems. In other words, unlike previous years, there isn’t just one major issue.
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Audi Q5
Another excellent option for a pre-owned Audi is the final year of the first-generation Q5. The Q5 has received far fewer complaints than in its early years, and Consumer Reports has given it a “very good rating.” Comparatively speaking to past Q5 years, TSBs are small at 473. It’s usual for a car’s final model year to have numerous bugs ironed out by this time.
Audi Q5
Given that the 2018 Q5 is a completely new model, you should think carefully about whether purchasing a secondhand one makes sense. The 2018 model has a thumbs up (good rating) from Consumer Reports and has a low complaint frequency. The majority of complaints revolve on various electrical problems without any obvious difficulty sites. The manufacturer’s warranty can still be active on a used 2018 Q5. If so, make sure to look over the manufacturer’s service and maintenance records.
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