Spy photographers have snapped the redesigned Audi Q5 on a handful of occasions and now the hotter SQ5 has come out to play. Caught wearing extensive camouflage, the prototype has a sportier front fascia that appears to be shared with the standard model. It features a wide grille with three dimensional accents that form a mesh-like structure. Elsewhere, there are vertical intakes and sleeker headlights with a curvaceous design. They’re joined by a lower intake, which is much larger than the one used on the current model.
Moving further back, we can see
streamlined bodywork and a more angular beltline. The rear end appears
evolutionary, but this prototype is notable for featuring a four-tailpipe
exhaust system that signifies it’s an S variant.
Spy photographers haven’t gotten a look
inside the redesigned Q5 yet, but the model is expected to follow in the
footsteps of the upcoming A4. As a result, the crossover will likely come
equipped with a freestanding digital instrument cluster and a tablet-like
infotainment system. The latter is far larger than the current 10.1-inch
display and it should be joined by slender air vents, a minimalist shifter, and
a new steering wheel.
Speaking of the A4, it’s natural to assume
the S4’s V6 engine will be shared with the redesigned SQ5. Details are lacking,
but the current crossover uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder that
produces 349 hp and 500 Nm of torque. This
enables the model to accelerate from 0-96 km/h in 4.7 seconds,
before hitting a top speed of up to 250 km/h.
While specifications for the new SQ5
remain a mystery, rumors have suggested the model could be equipped with a
mild-hybrid system. We can also expect a performance boost with some suggesting
the crossover could have up to 370 hp. Of course, that number
should be taken with a grain of salt and we’ll learn more details in the
future.
