Currently reading: Updated Audi SQ5 TDI arrives with performance boost, new tech

Hot diesel SUV, priced from £56,600, gains styling, interior and powertrain tweaks for 2021

Audi has updated its SQ5 performance SUV for 2021, ushering in performance improvements, design tweaks and new technology throughout. 

Following the lead of the standard car, the SQ5's subtle styling changes include new vertical air intakes at the front, a lightly reshaped grille and a tweaked rear end. 

The SQ5 TDI retains its mild-hybrid 3.0-litre V6, but revisions to the engine itself, as well as to the energy recuperation system, are claimed to boost efficiency and performance. 

The outgoing car's aluminium pistons, for example, have been swapped for lighter forged steel items that are claimed to reduce heat loss and "ensure combustion is faster and more efficient" with the aid of newly introduced stepped recesses.

Additionally, the fuel injectors are said to operate with greater precision and a shortened air intake for the intercooler helps the turbocharger to build boost more quickly. 

Power output is slightly down, at 336bhp, compared with the current car's 342bhp, but Audi claims the 516lb ft of torque is available across a wider rev range - 1750rpm to 3250rpm - and peak power arrives earlier than before. The SQ5 can still dispatch the 0-62mph sprint in 5.1sec and achieve an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. 

As for the 48V mild hybrid system, tweaks to the electrically powered compressor - which drives the turbocharger when exhaust gas flow is too low - mean the turbo's performance is more noticeable at low speeds and during step-off acceleration.

Audi claims the revised powertrain "substantially undercuts the limits of the new Euro 6d ISC-FCM AP emissions standard" and brings a "dramatic reduction" in NOx emissions, with the introduction of selective catalytic reduction for the exhaust system. The SQ5 TDI can achieve 34.4mpg on the WLTP cycle and emits 216g/km of CO2. 

As before, the SQ5 is equipped with a performance-oriented suspension tune that drops the ride height by 30mm compared with the standard car and brings six available drive modes: Auto, Comfort, Efficiency, Dynamic, Off-road and Individual. Top-rung Vorsprung trim features a sports differential for torque distribution across the rear axle. 

Inside, the updated SQ5 receives Audi's latest-generation MMI 10.1in touchscreen, which runs the new MIB 3 infotainment software and can also be controlled using voice commands or buttons on the steering wheel. Vorsprung trim adds a head-up display, Bang & Olufsen sound system, panoramic glass sunroof and electrically adjustable steering wheel. 

Prices begin at £56,600 for the standard SQ5 and rise to £71,750 for the Vorsprung edition. Details of the updated Q5 TFSI e - equipped with a 362bhp petrol-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain - have yet to be revealed.

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Felix Page

Felix Page
Title: Deputy editor

Felix is Autocar's deputy editor, responsible for leading the brand's agenda-shaping coverage across all facets of the global automotive industry - both in print and online.

He has interviewed the most powerful and widely respected people in motoring, covered the reveals and launches of today's most important cars, and broken some of the biggest automotive stories of the last few years. 

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Deputy 12 November 2020

Heated Steering Wheel yet?

I wonder if Audi UK product management have ever been further north than their Milton Keynes HQ.  It's crazy that German spec cars have all the winter options but not UK ones, an Audi UK choice.  That is why I currently have a BMX X3M with lovely warm wheel sat on my Yorkshire driveway.....

artill 12 November 2020

216g/km from a tall diesel

216g/km from a tall diesel golf! well done VAG thats impressively bad

xxxx 12 November 2020

Whos bad

artill wrote:

216g/km from a tall diesel golf! well done VAG thats impressively bad

It's not golf size for a start and is 216g/km that bad for a large 4wd diesel suv that can hit 60 in 5 seconds. What are you comparing it to

artill 12 November 2020

xxxx wrote:

xxxx wrote:

artill wrote:

216g/km from a tall diesel golf! well done VAG thats impressively bad

It's not golf size for a start and is 216g/km that bad for a large 4wd diesel suv that can hit 60 in 5 seconds. What are you comparing it to

XXXX, its not like you to defend a VW diesel. I hate this sort of thing so i have no idea what else is out there. Surely Tesla make something better, and more up your steet?

xxxx 12 November 2020

Tesla, ehhh

artill wrote:

xxxx wrote:

artill wrote:

216g/km from a tall diesel golf! well done VAG thats impressively bad

It's not golf size for a start and is 216g/km that bad for a large 4wd diesel suv that can hit 60 in 5 seconds. What are you comparing it to

XXXX, its not like you to defend a VW diesel. I hate this sort of thing so i have no idea what else is out there. Surely Tesla make something better, and more up your steet?

Not defending just pointing out your inaccuracies. In short, if you have no idea, your words, why post.