Audi SQ5 3.0 TFSI qu tip V6 Review: Fly by five

What we like:

Excellent body control coupled with decent straightline performance that’ll put most sports sedans to shame.

What we dislike:

Lacks confidence inspiring steering feel.

Propelling the SQ5 far beyond the speeds of a school run is a 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 that’s also used on the 3.0 TFSI variant of the Q5 though the one used here is tuned to a higher state. With the SQ5 producing 354bhp as opposed to 272bhp on the standard Q5.

From 4,000rpm, the engine punches out a phenomenal amount of torque at 470Nm which is enough to propel the SUV to 100kmh in just 5.4 seconds. Acceleration off the line is always accompanied with an enthusiastic ‘brrrwaapp’ with every gear change.

The Q5 isn’t dynamically hopeless to begin with but the SQ5 builds upon the standard car’s cornering prowess even further. Lowered and with firmer damping, the SQ5 corners flatly while maintaining excellent body control through the turn. However, the electric steering rack lacks any real feel. Even with Dynamic mode, the added weight of the steering doesn’t contribute to the feel.

However despite the lower ride height, comfort hasn’t suffered and the sporty SUV maintains its civility around town. Even with the powerful lump under the bonnet, the SQ5 returns decent fuel economy in cruise mode. Thanks to the eight-speed transmission that allows it to drop revs further.

With the former 3.0 TFSI Q5 taken off the Audi pricelist, the SQ5 appears to be the only alternative to the 2.0-litre variant and with a price that’s substantial jump from the base model.

But with enough grunt to keep sports sedans on their toes, we feel it’s worth its price any day.

Credits: Story and Photos by Benjamin G. Kline