Audi SQ5 2021 review
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Like most modern Audis with the S index in the title, the new crossover received a 3-liter gasoline turbo engine with 354 hp. The maximum torque of 500 Nm is achieved in the widest range of revolutions – from 1370 to 4500. In combination with an 8-band automatic transmission, the engine allows the crossover to accelerate to the first “hundred” in 5.4 seconds and develop an electronically limited “maximum speed” of 250 km/h .
At the same time, engineers always emphasize that one of the main advantages of this car is its efficiency: fuel consumption in the combined cycle is only 8.3–8.5 liters per 100 km. This was achieved, in particular, by the coasting function, which is activated via the Audi Drive Select menu and can operate in the speed range of 55–160 km/h. However, I’m not sure that in our country this fact will be of interest to someone. From experience, Russians will be more attracted to the “sporty” settings of the quattro all-wheel drive transmission, working in cooperation with the stabilization system. So, when passing turns at high speed, the inner wheels with respect to the rotation of the wheel are slightly slowed down, which neutralizes understeer. And as an option, an active rear differential is available, transferring traction to the rear outer wheel in relation to the bend in the road.
The damping control system, which adjusts the characteristics of the shock absorbers depending on the driving conditions and road surface, is also designed to improve handling. It is included in the basic package, and on request, the car can also be equipped with an air suspension with special “sporty” settings. Another tempting option is dynamic steering, which changes gear ratio based on speed and steering angle.
By the way, the appearance of the crossover is practically no different from the usual Q5 with an S-Line sports body kit, except that silver mirrors and a radiator grille with twin aluminum slats indicate the sportiness of the car. And, of course, the red diamond S badges adorning various body elements.
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Specifications
power unit
The sporty qualities of the German SUV are provided by a six-cylinder V-engine with a volume of 3.0 liters, running on gasoline. It has 24 gas distribution valves, direct fuel injection and a turbine. Behind all this lies an increased figure – 354 horsepower.
The transmission also has a torque converter lock-up clutch and a sport mode of operation. With the help of the new engine, the crossover reaches the first hundred in 5.4 seconds, and the top speed is 250 km/h. The combined driving cycle draws in 8.7 liters per 100 kilometers. The novelty has acquired a full-fledged independent multi-link suspension front and rear, which can be optionally replenished with adaptive shock absorbers that can give the suspension a sporty stiffness.
A ventilated disc brake system is installed everywhere, which is complemented by ABS, EBD, and BAS. And even in the standard modification, the Audi sports utility vehicle has ASR and ESP services. Thanks to the smart all-wheel drive system, each wheel gets as much traction as it needs. With the help of the implemented Audi drive select service, you can individually set the gearshift modes and change the characteristics of the car for yourself.
The main competitors of this model are Mercedes GLK And BMW X1. However, Audi has a “trump card” in the form of a double clutch, which still has convincing wear resistance, because they function in an oily environment, and not in a dry one, like most of the “robots”. I was pleased with the presence of the introduction of an electronic acoustic membrane, which gives the engine a velvet sound.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the novelty turned out to be slightly larger than that of the “simple five”. The length of the car is 4,644 mm, the wheelbase is 2,813 mm, the width is 1,911 mm, and the height is 1,624 mm. As for the ground clearance, for the sake of the sporty performance of the car, it was lowered by 30 mm, which in the end amounted to 201 mm. The crossover weighs about 1,905 kg.
| Modification | engine’s type | Engine capacity | Power | Transmission | Acceleration to 100 km / h, s. | Max speed km/h |
| Audi SQ5 3.0 TDI | Diesel | 2967 cm³ | 313 HP | Automatic 8st. | 5.1 | 250 |
| Audi SQ5 3.0TFSI AMT | Petrol | 2995 cm³ | 354 HP | Automatic 8st. | 5.4 | 250 |
Safety
The following services are responsible for the safety of the car:
- ESP;
- Front, side and curtain type airbags for driver and passenger;
- ISOFIX child seat anchors;
- The presence of belt tensioners;
- ABS;
- EBA;
- EBD;
- Anti-slip service;
- Assistance option when descending a mountain;
- Tire pressure monitoring service;
- Small spare tire;
- The presence of a central lock;
- Immobilizer.
Handling and off-road performance
Comfort and a sense of complete satisfaction – these are the feelings that can describe the emotions of handling a crossover. It demonstrates instant response to any movement of the steering wheel, ease in turning the steering wheel and minimal feedback from bumps in the road from the suspension side. The SQ5 holds the road excellently, showing absolutely no attempts to break away from the trajectory of movement, it enters turns smartly, without buildup and practically without rolls. In addition, the presence of air suspension smooths out any negative from bumps.
Considering the off-road capabilities of the model, it can be noted that they are quite decent, thanks to the presence of an all-wheel drive system, a ground clearance of 200 mm and the ability to switch between driving modes. At the same time, we must not forget that the Audi SQ5 is a sporty cross, not an SUV. Therefore, it is not necessary to surprise him with any super-tasks on the road.
Advantages and disadvantages
Machine advantages
- All the same beautiful appearance, emphasizing the sporty qualities of the crossover;
- Quite torquey power units;
- Good dynamics;
- Acceptable ground clearance, given the quality of our roads;
- Spacious and high quality interior;
- Good entertainment system, where there is a high-quality display and good music;
- Electronic acoustic membrane to provide a velvety touch to the motor sound;
- Good level of security;
- Good equipment;
- Nice dual clutch gearbox.
Minuses of the machine Increased dimensions; A stronger motor (354 hp) consumes more fuel; Lower ground clearance, unlike the Q5 version; Not on any off-road will be able to drive; Car cost.
Design
By the appearance of the 2021 Audi SQ5, it is easy to determine that this model has a sports focus. The cross is not too high, has a stocky fit and a rather predatory, impetuous look. The front end is distinguished by a large hexagonal grille and narrow, slightly squinted headlights. At the bottom of the bumper you can see a narrow strip of air intake, along the edges of which there are large cutouts for additional cooling of the brake system and installation of fog lights.
The side part of the body is made in the style of the cars of the German concern. The shape of the roof is almost a straight line, with a minimal slope towards the rear row of seats. The wheel arches are quite wide, slightly protrude above the wheels. The stern also has a standard design. The only element that stands out against the general background is the large rear foglights built into the bumper.
The interior of the SUV almost exactly repeats the interior of the standard Audi Q5. The dashboard of the crossover is represented by a large digital display that allows you to display a lot of useful data on the screen. At the top of the center console is a “floating” touchscreen for controlling the multimedia system. The console itself is visually combined with a tunnel that houses a compact automatic transmission selector, an electronic parking brake button and a washer for switching available driving modes. All materials used in interior trim are of the highest quality. Crossover seats are very comfortable and do not tire the back of passengers even during very long trips.
