Audi’s SQ5 Sportback makes its Singaporean debut

Hot on the heels of the Audi SQ7 launch earlier this week, we now have another new “S” badged crossover in Audi’s range coming in the form of the smaller (and less pricey) Audi SQ5 Sportback.

Obviously, being the top of the line S model of the Q5 range, it has to look the part. The Sportback coupe-SUV silhouette helps give it a svelter appearance. But along with that and the SQ5’s numerous sporty bits and bobs, you do get larger intakes flanking the large singleframe grille, massive 21-inch rims with painted 6-piston callipers, matte black aluminium garnishes across the window frames and bootlid, and a rear diffuser with quad exhaust tips.

However, the cabin isn’t as sporty as the exterior embellishments would suggest. You get a few “S” badges dotted about the interior including the sill plates, sportier quilted seats and contrast stitching. No Alcantara or RS-ery here.

The trim inserts for the dashboard and door cars are finished in brushed aluminium as standard, though one could outfit their SQ5 with gloss black inserts to match the exterior trimmings, or even in carbon fibre. So, not vastly different from the standard Q5 then, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Under the hood lies a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 mated to an 8-speed tiptronic transmission sending power to all four wheels. The SQ5’s output is rated at 350 horsepower and 500Nm of torque with a 0-100km/h sprint time of 5 seconds, and it’ll go up to a top speed of 250km/h before the electronic limiter steps in.

The SQ5 comes with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system as standard, which modulates torque between the front and rear axles where necessary. The car’s dampers can be regulated for varying levels of manoeuvrability through the car’s six dynamic handling profiles. Buyers can also opt for S-specific adaptive air suspension for a 7th allroad profile, which can adapt the car’s ride height in real-time.

At the time of writing, the Audi SQ5 retails for S$397,877. But if you’d like something faster that can ferry 7 occupants at speed, maybe the Audi SQ7 would be up your alley.

PHOTOS Audi