The 2017 Audi SQ5 has been revealed at the Detroit motor show with a 3.0-litre V6 engine that produces 349bhp and oversteer increasing differential technology.
The car's TFSI unit also produces 369lb ft of torque and can accelerate the hot SUV from 0-62mph in 5.4sec. Top speed is limited to 155mph.
The engine uses a higher compression ratio and high-pressure injectors, as well as a twin-scroll turbocharger to improve efficiency. Audi’s Audi Q5 range-topper is also said to return 34mpg combined according to NEDC tests, and emits 189g/km of CO2.
New for the SQ5 is an optional sport differential, which can send more torque to the outside rear wheel in order to encourage oversteer. The car uses five-link front and rear suspension and sits on 20in alloys as standard - 21in alternatives are optional. Braking is handled by six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers. The fronts bite into 350mm diameter discs.
Driver assist programmes include adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, active lane assist, cross traffic assist, collision avoidance assist and an auto parking function and hill descent control.
As standard, the SQ5 gets top-spec MMI infotainment with an 8.3-inch touchscreen. The system can receive handwritten inputs into its screen as well as gesture control. It also offers LTE internet connectivity.
Optional is Audi's virtual cockpit technology, which uses a 12.3-inch display in place of the car's dials, and can be customised to show different information according to the driver's preferences.
Pricing will be confirmed when the model goes on sale later this month; a slight increase on the old car's £52,300 list is predicted. First deliveries are due to arrive in Britain this April.
