Audi revealed during last weekend's Le Mans 24 Hour race the high-performance version of the Q5 crossover - the SQ5 TDI. The hot crossover is expected to go on sale at the beginning of next year. Powered by the popular and efficient 3.0 TDI V6 engine, the Audi SQ5 develops 230 kW (313 hp) and 650 Nm (479.42 lb-ft) of torque between 1,450 and 2,800 rpm. This is enough to take it from nought to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.1 seconds. The top speed of the SQ5 is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h). Not only the Audi SQ5 is fast for its class, it's also reasonably efficient. Audi rates the SQ5 with a 32.67 US mpg / 39.2 UK mpg / 7.2 liters per 100 km fuel economy. Its CO2 emissions have not been confirmed yet. The SQ5 represents a novelty in Audi's line-up, since it's the first S model to have a diesel engine.
The Audi SQ5 TDI comes with a range of fuel saving technologies, such as thermal management, a start-stop system and a regulated oil pump. As you can imagine, the SQ5 is fitted with the quattro permanent all-wheel drive with torque vectoring and the 8-speed tiptronic transmission.
The SQ5 features several modifications in comparison to the regular Q5. It has a 30 millimeters (1.18 in) lowered sport suspension, standard 20-inch alloys (optional 21-inch ones), black brake calipers, and a rear roof spoiler. The crystal effect paint finishes Estoril Blue and Panther Black are going to be available on the SQ5.
At the interior, the Audi SQ5 comes with power-adjustable sport seats covered in Pearl Nappa leather/Alcantara, carbon accents, unique instrument dials and various other styling accents. The SQ5 promises to offer up to 1,560 liters (55.09 cu ft) of luggage capacity and a 2.4 metric tons (5,291.09 lb) towing capacity.
The Audi SQ5 is priced from £45,000 OTR in the UK and from €58,500 in the rest of Europe. In Britain, the SQ5 will go on sale this October. Watch it in action on video lower down this page.
Audi SQ5 presentation video:
