AUDI SQ5 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Based on the regular Audi Q5, the SQ version was the most powerful version for the German compact SUV on the market.

The compact-SUV premium segment evolved, and customers started to ask more from their vehicles. Soon, the manufacturers began to give them what they wanted. Mercedes-Benz introduced an AMG version for the GLC, BMW brought the X3M40d, Jaguar came up with the F-Pace R, and Audi put the S before the Q.

Unlike its main rivals, Audi was the only one to offer the sportiest version of its compact SUV only with a diesel engine.

From the outside, the SQ5 looked almost like a regular Q5 with an S-Line package. There was a different front bumper with larger air intakes and big side-scoops. The "singleframe" design concept brought a massive grille at the front covering almost the entire area between the hood and the lower side of the bumper. Like any other S version, it featured silver casings for the door-mirrors. At the back, the designers installed four chromed oval exhausts.

For the interior, Audi already offered various trim-packages for the Q5, but the SQ5 was fitted with more standard features. The bucket-seats with high bolstering provided comfort and side-support for fast cornering. Like its siblings, it featured the Audi Virtual Cockpit TFT display in the instrument cluster and the big infotainment unit placed on top of the dashboard. The flat-bottom steering wheel was enhanced with the SQ5 badge on it. An aluminum-look trim on the center console and door panels improved the sporty look of the interior.

Under the hood, Audi installed a 3.0 V6 diesel engine. Apart from the turbocharger, the carmaker installed an electric-powered compressor (EPC), which builds pressure faster with an electric, 48v, motor.

The sporty version of the Q5, the SQ5 brought extra power and a more aggressive exterior design.

The hot-hatch featured chrome bits and fake exhausts to match the car’s true sporty natures.

Inside the SQ5, things were not very different from the regular Q5. Plenty of standard features were controlled by the easy to use dial.

Audi held its benchmark for the solid interior feel they offered to their customers.

The SQ5 ran on a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that developed 354 hp that made it a fast car. Sporty and engaging, the SQ5 was equipped with adaptive dampers and a standard all-wheel-drive system.

Compared to the competitors on the market, such as the Jaguar F-Pace or the BMW X4M, the SQ5 might have felt less sporty, however, it was offered for a better price.

The SQ5 was offered in two trim levels, the Premium Plus and the Prestige.

The base trim level came with 20-inch alloys, a tweaked suspension, automatic xenon headlights, LED running lights, automatic wipers, a sunroof and a power lift gate, as well as aluminum roof rails and heated, power-folding mirrors.

The top of the range came with adaptive cruise control, dynamic steering, adaptive headlights, heated and cooled cupholster and rear door sunshades.

The standard safety equipment included antilock brakes, stability and tractio control, front and side airbags, as well as optional rear side airbags.

A blind spot monitor, with front and rear parking sensors, as well as a rearview camera were available with the Technology Package that was optional on the Premium Plus and standard on the Prestige trim level.

Audi introduced the SQ5 in 2013, trying to win the hearts of those who craved for hot-hatches but still needed more room for the family.

The German automaker offered the SQ5 powered by a gasoline or a diesel engine. The former was created for those willing to hear the whining sound of a supercharger, while the latter was destined for those looking for more smiles per mile to the gallon. Nevertheless, both versions shared similar underpinnings and unique aesthetic upgrades compared to the regular Q5. Still, it didn't look that much different on the outside from its standard siblings but fitted with the S-Line package. Yet, it provided a better interior and higher performance.

Audi improved the look of the SQ5 compared with its non-S siblings by lowering the ground clearance by 30 mm (1.8"). Moreover, it added a set of 20" light-alloy wheels with an option for a set of 21 inches. Furthermore, the front fascia was slightly different, with the broad single-frame grille surrounded by a chromed rim and adorned with platinum gray horizontal slats and the SQ5 badge. The back of the car also showed some character with its silver underbody shield and the four oval exhausts that flanked it.

Inside, the carmaker mixed luxury with sportiness nicely by wrapping the cabin in leather and offering a set of sports seats at the front. In the back, there was room for three grown-ups, yet the middle-seated one had trouble finding a place to place their feet due to the transmission tunnel.

Powering this compact upscale crossover was either a supercharged gasoline engine or a turbo-diesel. Both versions featured a similar three-liter displacement and were paired with a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox that sent power in all corners. In specific countries, only the oil burner was available.