Audi SQ5 Sportback TDI | Fake It Till You Make It
Has Audi embodied a perfect dilemma with the SQ5 Sportback TDI? Offering a brilliant diesel powerplant in an age where diesel is something blasphemous.
Facelifting the Audi Q5 meant the introduction of the Sportback body option for the brand's mid-sized SUV. A reclining roofline for those who prefer aesthetics over practicality, setting buyers back € 2.100 (BE). So the car in this review is the first-ever Audi SQ5 Sportback to roam the roads of our planet but it isn't the first SQ5. Audi has been offering this Q5-lineup flagship since the first generation of their mid-sized SUV, the SQ5 joining the lineup in 2013. Ever since its launch, the SQ5 came with a V6 diesel for the EU market and shortly came as a V6 petrol here too. Flash forward to the second generation and the brand from Ingolstadt hasn't changed tactics when it comes to the powerplant. At a first glance that is, because the car's 3-liter diesel V6 has been highly optimized in terms of power and efficiency. And there's the first dilemma: to diesel or not to diesel in today's climate-focused world? Without a doubt, the last option according to Audi, and for good reason. Diesel might be blasphemous for some, it allows this 2 metric tonne SUV to emit a mere 186 - 185 grams of CO2 per kilometer. And the NOx emissions? Addblue and two SCR catalytic converters drop it to an all-time low.
But before wondering off into a debate about climate change, I'll leave the low CO2 emissions of the Audi SQ5 TDI for what it is. Instead, we'll focus on the nearly magical optimization Audi has managed with that V6. Audi introduced a so-called EPC, an electric-powered compressor, in the SQ7 a while back. Now that the second Q5 platform runs a 48-volt system too, it adopted the EPC. Rather than just exhaust gasses propelling the turbo, this system pressurizes the engine's intake with 1.4 bar in the blink of an eye (0.3 seconds). But that system is nothing new for the facelift? Correct, but there are two other tricks that make a difference: a shorter intake trajectory due to an indirectly cooled intercooler, and there's a lightweight compressor wheel. And that's where Audi stops telling the story and lets the numbers speak. Sort of. Where the 2019 SQ5 TDI's 700 Nm came in at 2500 rpm, the updated V6 offers that same amount at only 1750 rpm! Horsepower is actually down 6 points to 341 PS and the zero-to-a-hundred has remained unchanged at 5.1 seconds. If you're still with me on this one, you'll have realized that the power delivery has completely changed in comparison to the pre-facelift model. Audi's engineering tweaks have resulted in an engine that seems to pull relentlessly whenever you give it just the slightest hint of acceleration. The eight-speed Tiptronic almost instantly slips into the right gear when you push the paddle to the metal, as Audi has created a unique gearshift strategy to fit the new power curvatures. The way this diesel engine delivers momentum to the car at any speed is downright impressive.
Fake it till you make it
But sadly this high efficiency comes at a price. And the exhaust was the part of the car that had to suffer from it. As a 24 liter Addblue tank had to be fitted into the car in a rather unfortunate spot, the double-sided exhaust of the first generation was no longer an option. Audi chose to fit a set of 4 fake, chrome-surrounded exhaust tips to the back of the SQ5 Sportback TDI. I'll let you form your opinion about this matter but for me as an automotive enthusiast, it did hurt. And whilst we're on the subject of fake, that brings me to the so-called sound actuator that comes as standard on this car. In fact, Audi has been offering this since the first SQ5 TDI. Diesel engines simply don't have a pleasant exhaust note, Audi solved this by adding a sound box to the exhaust system. It mimics an exhaust note and does so with deep bass notes. Entertaining? Yes, but I couldn't find the controls to turn it off. The sound is, like in the majority of cars these days, also augmented through the speakers.
But the moment you get behind the wheel, the sting of those fake exhaust tips slowly fades which each haul of the engine. And with each corner too, as the optional sport differential (€ 1.600) is quite literally an understeer killer. Audi's AWD system is already good at modulating torque between the front and the rear axle, this differential adds modulation to separate wheels. During dynamic cornering, you can feel the system shift torque to the rear outer wheel. This pushes you into a corner when entering it and allows you to accelerate out of the corner earlier. Audi's progressive steering was also fitted to this SQ5 Sportback, a € 1.190 system that adds intelligent modularity to the steering ratio. In order to achieve this modularity, Audi uses an ingenious principle that makes use of a gearbox in the steering column itself. An elliptical gear combination allows for a gear reduction, altering the steering output. The effective output is then electronically controlled to finetune the behaviour of the steering. The system can prevent understeer during cornering and on the Autobahn it can prevent unsteadying driver input from messing with the straight-line trajectory. How does it feel? Direct enough, yet it won't hide the fact that you're driving a big SUV. But there is a (yes optional again) system that seems to work magic on that turf. Adaptive air suspension with S-specific tuning will set you back another € 1.170 but like the other two options mentioned above, is an absolute must-take option. It seemingly transforms the body roll to a minimum while cornering and offers comfort at long drives.
Broad Spectrum
And it's precisely that broad spectrum that the Audi SQ5 covers so damn well. It will offer a high-quality dynamic drive (for an SUV) as well as a premium comfortable long one.
I'm a devoted fan of diesel drivetrains and Audi's V6 has to be one of the best diesel engines I have ever driven. In addition to that, Audi has managed to make this SQ5 Sportback an enjoyable driver's car. A lack of understeer, direct steering, and neutral chassis behavior came as a pleasant surprise. Comfort is what the SQ5 does well too, never being too stiff or firm when commuting. The SQ5 Sportback starts at € 83.173,56 (BE) and in this trim will set you back € 100.640,00.
If you're looking for a more detailed take on the interior, please take a look at our review on the Audi Q5 45 TFSI.
