Sharper, sportier, and more efficient. Introducing the new generation Audi SQ5 TDi

The modified Audi SQ5 TDI** has a powerful stance, with striking details that give it an even more rugged appearance. Vertical fins provide structure to the large side air inlets on the front bumpers. In the octagonal Single frame grille that is specific to the S models, large octagonal honeycomb sections are linked by narrow bars. These have an aluminum finish, as do the fins on the air inlets.

Audi includes LED headlights as standard and offers Matrix LED headlights with automatic high beam and dynamic turn signals as an option. At the rear, a matte aluminum strip is integrated in the lower bumpers, below which are the diffuser insert and four chromium-plated oval tailpipe trims. Customers have a choice of nine exterior paint finishes. The black styling package, which adds sporty accents, is available on request

Audi offers the new digital OLED technology as an option for the rear lights of the top Q5 model. The OLED rear light is split into three tiles of six segments each. When ordering their vehicle, customers can choose from three rear-light signatures, each with its own specific designs for coming and leaving home. When the Audi drive select mode “dynamic” is activated, the lights change to yet another signature. The OLED rear light also has a proximity detection function that activates all the OLED segments if a road user approaches a stationary SQ5 from the rear to within less than two meters. Dynamic turn signals round out the spectrum of digital OLED rear lights.

Under the bonnet the development team have impressed with the three-litre V6 boasting an output of 251 kW and 700 Nm of torque continuously between 1,750 rpm and 3,250 rpm. This will provide sporty performance (0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds) with the combined efficiency benefits of a diesel powerplant. And it sounds good too with an active actuator in the exhaust system, as fitted to the first SQ5 TDI, to maintain a sonorous exhaust note from the V6.

Many details of the V6 3.0 TDI have been revised. The pistons are no longer made of aluminum but of forged steel– the new material reduces heat losses. Due to the higher strength, they do not incur a weight penalty compared with the aluminum pistons. A stepped recess in the piston also makes combustion faster and more efficient.

The intercooler has been changed over from an air/air cooler in the bumper to an indirect water/air cooler in the inside V of the engine. The shortened intake air paths help to build up boost pressure quickly. The turbocharger now features a smaller and lighter compressor wheel that spools incredibly quickly.

The 48-volt mild hybrid system (MHEV) integrates a belt alternator starter (BAS), a lithium-ion battery that provides buffer storage, and a 48/12-volt voltage converter and when the car decelerates, the MHEV system recovers up to 8 kW of power.

The suspension of the Audi SQ5 TDI** is fully equipped to handle the performance of the powerful diesel drive. Five-link suspensions guide each of the four wheels. The S sport suspension with damper control lowers the body by 30 mm compared with the Q5 and impresses with an exceptionally wide-spread between comfort and dynamism