2021 Audi SQ5 Review Talks About Fake Exhaust and Grille

The SQ5 competes with the X3 M40i and the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. As the reviewing duo from TheStraightPipes points out, those two models are faster than the SQ5. So you're really buying into the Audi brand or the design here.

This 2021 model has a new face with more rectangular headlights, designed to resemble those of the A7. A different grille has also been fitted, about half of which is fake, unfortunately. The styling of the SQ5 is good but perhaps not the most exciting shape for an SUV. If you like the S5 but want it in a high-riding format, it's the 4x4 for you, especially now that they've introduced the Q5 Sportback "coupe."

Fake exhausts are a major problem with modern car designs. Manufacturers have to streamline the body for efficiency, and Audi decided to put fake pieces of trim where the tips would have come out on several models. When it came out a few years back, the Q5 was very harshly criticized for this, and the facelift doesn't fix the problem entirely.

However, the review spends a good minute or so talking about the exhaust on this particular car. Normally, the SQ5 would have a fake trim piece, but this one has real quad tips as an option, and it even sounds pretty good for a turbo V6. Power is, unfortunately, the same, which is part of the reason why Audi's SUV is slower than rivals from BMW and Mercedes.

We also like how the Canadian reviewers took the time to look into the issue and also showed a clip from Autogefuhl's review of the 2021 Q5. Way to do your homework, guys!