 |
| 2013 Audi SQ5 Review, Price, Interior, Exterior, Engine |
2013 Audi SQ5 Review, Price, Interior, Exterior, Engine - Audi is getting serious with its performance line of SUVs. The RS Q3 concept debuted less than two months ago, and now the German premium manufacturer is using the 24 Hours of Le Mans race to launch the production version of a high-performance Q5 diesel called the SQ5 TDI.
Based on the recently face-lifted Q5, the SQ5 TDI is powered by the twin-turbo 3.0 liter diesel V-6 in the A6 TDI Avant. The turbo diesel engine makes 313 hp at 4500 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque from 1450 to 2800 rpm. That’s too much torque for Audis seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which is why an eight speed torque converter automatic is used. Audi estimates the sprint from 0 to 62 mph will take just 5.1 seconds, while top speed is a governed 155 mph. These figures stand in remarkable contrast to the SQ5 TDIs consumption habits the SUV gets 33 mpg in the European cycle, a figure that sounds realistic based on our experience with an A6 Avant featuring this very powertrain.
Quattro all wheel drive is standard, as is a torque vectoring system to enhance agility. The SQ5 is equipped with a sport suspension, and stands on 20-inch aluminum wheels with 255/45 rubber a combination also available on lesser Q5 models. But the optional 21 inch wheels are available exclusively on the SQ5. Really, the visual differences between a Q5 equipped with the S-line package and this new SQ5 are rather subtle, which befits a true representative of Audis S range. The SQ5’s body panels are unchanged differences include a unique grille design with glossy double blades, aluminum look side mirror caps, an altered rear bumper, and quad exhaust tips.
The SQ5 will be powered by the all new V-6 turbo-diesel engine boasting two turbochargers which Audi has been working on for various models in the lineup. This engine produces a total of 313 hp and 479.42 lb-ft of torque between 1,450 and 2,800 rpm. This power is enough to sprint the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds and up to a top speed of 155 mph, but also deliver a fuel economy of 32.67 US mpg.
Compared to a standard Q5, the new SQ5 TDI version will be distinguished by a platinum gray single-frame grille with galvanized double bars in an aluminum-look finish, a new roof spoiler, and modified bumpers. The new Audi SQ5 TDI will go on sale in the first quarter of 2013, with prices starting at €58,500, about $78,000 at the current exchange rates.
The Audi SQ5 TDI handles the sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.1 seconds, and its top speed is 250 km/h (155.34 mph). Its combined fuel consumption is only 7.2 liters per 100 km (32.67 US mpg) on average - a value that is also enabled by contributions from the thermal management, energy recovery and start-stop systems as well as the regulated oil pump. An eight-speed tiptronic that shifts quickly and smoothly and the quattro permanent four-wheel drive transfer the engines power to the road.
The stiff S sport suspension lowers the body by 30 mm (1.18 in), and size 255/45 tires are mounted to the 20-inch wheels in five parallel spoke design. Audi can also deliver 21-inch diameter wheels and size 255/40 tires as an option. The black brake calipers on the front wheels are decorated with S badges. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system is standard. Among the special design details, the platinum gray single-frame radiator grille with its galvanized dual struts in aluminum look, the roof spoiler and modified bumpers are especially eye catching.
The exterior mirror housings are designed in an aluminum look; xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights are included as a standard feature, and the exhaust system dominates at the rear with four elliptical tailpipes. Audi also offers the optional crystal effect exterior colors Estoril Blue and Panther Black on the new top model. The interior is designed in black, and a silver headlining is optional. The electrically adjustable sport seats are upholstered in Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara, which are available in three colors. Trim panels consist of brushed aluminum, or CFRP, piano finish black or aluminum beaufort as options.
Audi pulled the wraps off of the 2013 SQ5 TDI at the 24 Hours of Le Mans today, marking the first time the German automaker will make an S-branded SUV and an S car powered by diesel fuel. Unlike the RSQ3 that debuted at the Beijing earlier this year, Audi intends to put the SQ5 TDI into production and begin European deliveries early next year. Most importantly, the SQ5 is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo diesel V-6 that produces 313 hp and a reasonably massive 479 lb-ft of torque that peaks as low as 1450 rpm. The compact crossover will make the sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.1 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Audi also claims that it will be able to return the equivalent of 33 mpg on the European cycle and tow up to 5291 lbs. An eight speed automatic transmission sends that power through the brand’s Quattro all wheel drive system to all four wheels, with automatic torque vectoring between wheels. Source: neocarsuv.com, autocarrelease.com.
