Audi pumps up SQ5

AUDI is introducing a beefier version of its SQ5 mid-size SUV, with a power and torque-boosted SQ5 TDI Plus joining the range of S-badged vehicles in Australia in the first half of next year.

With an extra 20kW and 50Nm at its disposal, the new Q5 flagship takes the 3.0-litre V6 diesel output to 250kW and 700Nm of torque, but cuts fuel consumption to 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres – a saving of 0.2L/100km over the regular SQ5.

Acceleration to 100km/h from standstill is unchanged, taking 5.1 seconds, while the limited top speed of 250km/h also remains the same.

Audi Australia corporate communications general manager Anna Burgdorf told GoAuto the company was excited about the new addition to the Q5 range, adding that Australia is the right market for a new high-performance SUV option.

“It's a great opportunity for Australia as our Q5 is such a strong vehicle in our range and the SQ5 is the biggest-selling variant for Q5,” she said. “It means this new opportunity will work really well in this country as it's a brilliant package.”

Plus versions of the SQ5 are recognisable by gloss black low-lighting to the 21-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, while gloss black mirror caps and roof rails replace the matte silver versions of the standard SQ5.

From the back end, the SQ5 Plus sets itself apart from the rest of the range with two pairs of Siamesed exhaust tail-pipes compared with the separated versions on the lower-powered SQ5.

The new variant also introduces the German car-maker's first sport rear differential for the Q5 family. The special diff allows greater flexibility of power distribution between the rear wheels for a more sporty drive.

Customers can also select a new paint colour with Macaw Blue available exclusively for the Plus, although the one shown here wears 'crystal effect' Ara Blue.

On the inside, the SQ5 Plus interior is dressed up in Nappa leather with contrasting diamond-patterned silver stitching, unless the Macaw paint is optioned, in which case the stitching is matching blue and extends to the leather steering wheel, gear-selector lever and floor mats.

The Macaw Blue package will be limited to 100 vehicles and adds €12,000 (AU$19,000) to the €67,700 (AU$109,000) European asking price. Local pricing and specification will be confirmed closer to the new variant's launch date.

The regular SQ5 has been attracting a strong following as the best-selling Q5 variant in Australia, selling for $91,700 before on road costs.

Last month, Audi confirmed it will introduce the first Plus addition for Australia with a performance-boosted version of the already potent S8 large luxury sedan arriving in here about the middle of next year.