Audi revealed the all-new 2018 SQ5, the sportiest
variant of the German SUV yet, powered by a new turbocharged V6 engine. Under
the bonnet of the 2018 Audi SQ5 lies an all-new 3.0-litre TFSI V6 engine that
produces 350 hp and 369 lb-ft of peak torque between 1370 and 4500 rpm and
is paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
As you would expect, the company’s trademark Quattro
all-wheel drive system is standard, with customers given the option of the S
sport package which includes a sport rear differential to further boost the
dynamic handling character of the new SQ5. 0-60 mph comes in 5.1 seconds.
Front and rear suspension is newly developed, with a
redesigned front five-link setup to improve the steering precision. But Audi is
now offering -for the first time in an SQ5- a sport adaptive air suspension
which drops the height by 30 mm in auto mode and allows the driver to adjust
both the ride height and the firmness of the damping via the Audi drive select.
The range-topping version of the Audi Q5 also offers
two extra drive select modes, allroad and the lift/offroad, next to the
standard comfort, auto, dynamic and individual. The dynamic steering option is
also available to those you want a variable steering ratio that adjusts itself
based on the speed and the selected drive mode.
Outside there are all the usual and latest traits of
an Audi S model, meaning a gray front grille which Audi calls it “Singleframe”
and features double horizontal blades, aluminum covers for the door mirrors and
a rear spoiler. The headlights and the taillights are LEDs with 3D-design
patterns and the trademark dynamic turn signals.
The cabin gains a set of sportier seats with
optional diamond stitching, a flat-bottom steering wheel and matte brushed
aluminum trim as standard or carbon inlays as an option. Tech-oriented
customers will benefit from the latest-generation of the company’s MMI
infotainment which features hand-writing recognition and standard Android Auto
and Apple CarPlay.
The range of driver assistance systems includes
automatic emergency braking system with pedestrian detection, blind spot
monitoring, adaptive cruise control with stop and go and a traffic jam assist
that works up to speeds of 40 mph.
Audi says that the all-new 2018 SQ5 will be
available from this spring.
