The Audi SQ5, if we’re honest, wasn’t the obvious place to start one Audi S-brand performance revolution, let alone two.
Because, while it’s a classy, practical and desirable family 4x4, which has comfortably been dominating rivals such as the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60 on both European and global sales, the Audi Q5 has also always been a slightly soulless car to drive. Competent, refined and secure, but just a bit dynamically ordinary.
Nevertheless, the SQ5 was not only the firm’s first S-badged SUV, but also its first S-brand diesel, and its success bred the more hardcore RS Q3 and the brutally quick Audi SQ7.
It is powered by the 335bhp, 516lb ft twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 diesel from the Audi A6 and A6 Allroad and that mighty multi-cylinder diesel certainly makes the Q5 quick. Audi’s claim is for 0-62mph in a smidge over five seconds, in a class where the fastest BMW X3 only just squeezes in under six seconds, and most other rivals struggle to beat seven.
But in reality, the SQ5’s performance doesn’t feel quite that outstanding. This is a brisk drive, but the car’s short-shifting, occasionally slipping eight-speed automatic gearbox and very linear power delivery do kill the performance drama a little.
Audi’s chassis modifications are just as important as the contents of the engine bay. And what’s notable in this department is that Quattro GmbH — Audi’s usual go-faster department — hasn’t been involved. Although with the emergence of the Audi Sport division, you can't help feeling this won't be the case when the second generation SQ5 rolls around.
