The 2021 Audi Q5 range
will continue to be topped by the SQ5, and judging by the latest spy shots, the
go-fast version of the premium-compact SUV is almost ready for its debut. Spied
undergoing testing with no camo whatsoever, the model adopted a slightly
different look compared to the regular Q5, comprising of the aluminum add-ons
surrounding the otherwise identical grille and fog lamps.
The same trim was used on the lower
central part of the front bumper and on the side skirts, mirror caps, roof
rails and at the back, between the taillights and separating the diffuser from
the bumper. Elsewhere, it sports quad exhaust pipes and an identical
roof-mounted wing, as well as the same wheels as the facelifted Q5. Nonetheless,
this is still a prototype, so the final production version might look a bit
different.
A 3.0-liter TFSI V6 gasoline engine will
continue to power the SQ5 in North America, pumping out 349 HP and 500 Nm of torque. Compared to its predecessor, the 0-96 km/h sprint has been improved by 0.4 seconds, to 4.7 seconds.
Pricing for the 2021 model year will start
at US$ 52,900 on this side of the ocean, US$ 9,600 more than the entry-level Q5 45
TFSI quattro, and US$ 1,000 more than the Q5 55 TFSI e quattro plug-in hybrid, in
Premium trim. For the Premium Plus and Prestige you are looking at a minimum of US$ 57,300 and US$ 62,500 respectively. The SQ5 will also soldier on in Europe, where
it will likely be joined by a diesel-powered variant, packing a 3.0-liter V6
TDI mild-hybrid that is good for 342 HP and 700
Nm in the current iteration.
