The high-performance version of Audi's compact Q5 crossover, the SQ5 offers genuine thrills to go with its family-friendly interior. Buyers who don't want to sacrifice sport for utility will find SQ5 easy to love.
The SQ5 enters 2015 with minor trim revision only.
At the heart of the SQ5 is a supercharged 3-liter V6 that cranks out 354 horsepower. To handle all that thrust, you get a sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes, selectable driving modes and summer performance tires on 20-inch wheels. Outside, SQ5 wears special body trim to differentiate it from the standard-issue Q5.
The SQ5's inspiring performance comes standard. Its level of luxury and convenience depends on which trim you select:
Comes with heated front sport seats clad in leather and faux suede, a panoramic sunroof, tri-zone climate control, Audi's MMI control interface, a power tailgate, keyless ignition, Bluetooth phone and audio, and a 10-speaker sound system with satellite radio. Optional on the Premium is the MMI Navigation Plus package, which adds a navigation system, digital audio storage, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors and a suite of online services known as Audi Connect.
Gets all of the Premium Plus's equipment, including MMI Navigation Plus, along with blind-spot monitoring, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, rear window shades, and a heated and cooled cupholder up front. The Driver Assist package adds adaptive cruise control and selectable-assist steering, while the Comfort package gets you ventilated front seats and upgraded leather upholstery.
All models can get a handful of individual options, including 21-inch wheels, a rear entertainment system and rear thorax airbags.
The SQ5 performs just as well as in Premium Plus form as it does in Prestige trim, yet the price difference of about $8,000 is nothing to sneeze at. The upgrade simply isn't worth it in our view.
