There are numerous actually good, actually highly effective SUVs on sale as we speak. The issue is that lots of them demand sacrifices of key options you usually need in a very good SUV, like consolation, effectivity, and refinement. That is not the case of the brand new 2021 Audi SQ5, which thoughtfully combines efficiency and luxurious in a trendy, well-rounded package deal.
The compact Audi affords a punchy six-cylinder engine, good-looking and understated styling, and an incomparably upscale cabin loaded with a few of the newest and best know-how. When you can stand to lose a couple of horses – and save numerous {dollars} by comparability – the refreshed 2021 Audi SQ5 is better-rounded than a few of these brasher substitutes (together with its RS Q8 and RS Q3 siblings).
Mid-Vary Efficiency Charmer
Powering the 2021 Audi SQ5 is a punchy turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 good for 349 horsepower and 369 pound-feet, whereas an eight-speed automated and Quattro all-wheel drive sends energy to all 4 corners. To be truthful, these numbers are equivalent to final yr’s mannequin – however a minimum of Audi fiddled with the engine administration system to by some means subtract 0.4 seconds from the zero-to-60 time, dropping it from 5.1 to 4.7 seconds.
And the SQ5 does really feel genuinely fast. With a devoted launch management system and all-wheel-drive that produces unbelievable quantities of grip, this Audi will simply shove you and your passengers into the leather-based seatbacks on the way in which to 60. Plus the tremendous torquey V6 produces max twist at a really early 1,370 RPM; this engine has a ton of low-end punch but nonetheless loads of energy at greater speeds for issues like freeway passes – and it sounds nice. The one minor niggle is the eight-speed automated, which is fast in Dynamic mode however is usually a bit sloshy in any other case.
Audi fiddled with the engine administration system to by some means subtract 0.4 seconds from the zero-to-60 time, dropping it from 5.1 to 4.7 seconds.
Each model of the SQ5 will get a typical adaptive suspension, however the even niftier Sport Adaptive air setup adorns our tester. A function as a part of the $3,000 non-obligatory S Sport package deal, the superior air setup cushions and dampens bumps higher than most conventional adaptive suspensions ever might. It additionally provides a torque-vectoring rear differential that undoubtedly makes the SQ5 really feel extra dynamic.
On the few twisty roads and freeway on-ramps we do discover, the SQ5 feels very agile; it’s gentle on its ft and can dive into turns shortly, with only some minor physique actions of word. The steering has a light-weight really feel that provides nice suggestions from the highway to your fingertips, and within the sportiest Dynamic mode, the suspension is taut and responsive. That stated, you don’t wish to drive all over the place in that setting it’s too stiff for day by day commuting.
The SQ5 is a strong cruiser on the freeway, but it surely’s barely harsher than some alternate options even within the softest suspension setting. Bumps and undulations are apparent, and the cabin isn’t completely quiet; noticeable wind and tire noise penetrate from the skin. There’s additionally a devoted Allroad mode for off-road driving that features hill descent management, however the low-profile tires and stiff journey definitely don’t really feel up for the duty. Even rocky pull-offs adjoining to the freeway felt like an excessive amount of for the SQ5. However hey, for a efficiency crossover akin to this, these are small sacrifices.
‘S’ For ‘Sharper’
The visible updates to the outside of the 2021 SQ5 are refined however make all of the distinction. The brand new headlights are barely taller than the earlier set and sport a brand new daytime operating gentle design. The grille is greater and bolder as properly, ditching final yr’s horizontal slats for a brand new honeycomb sample. And there are contemporary wheel choices throughout the board. Our tester wears 21-inchers (a $1,000 choice) which might be solely out there with the Black Optic package deal ($1,150 further), which provides darkish finishes to the wheel inserts, grille, and facet mirrors. You probably have the cash to splurge on these two upgrades, achieve this. The SQ5’s huge directional wheels and darkened winds up the aggressive issue even additional.
The cabin of the Audi SQ5 is extra considerably overhauled and far improved over its predecessor. Quilted Nappa leather-based ($1,000) covers the Sport seats, Alcantara strains the door panels, and a $500 Carbon Atlas inlay accents the sprint. Plus there is a greater 10.1-inch display atop the sprint, changing final yr’s 7.0-inch unit. However littered among the many high-end stuff is pretend leather-based on the middle console and door armrests, and a Volkswagen-esque onerous plastic door pull that makes the in any other case upscale cabin really feel a bit extra economical than it most likely ought to. It is a $70,000 automobile as-tested, in spite of everything.
Save 1000’s On A New Audi SQ5
MSRP $ 53,895
MSRP $ 53,895
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However we won’t fault the SQ5’s up to date tech. The now-larger touchscreen has a clear dwelling structure with crisp graphics and a satisfying haptic click on when you choose something – though it does completely ditch the MMI dial. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay additionally joins the fray for 2021 and labored virtually faultlessly in our brief check, and the identical 12.3-inch digital cluster and a head-up show carries over. The crisp, extremely configurable cluster within the SQ5 is a pleasant function that clearly shows choices like audio, navigation, and driving knowledge with out having to dig into the central display.
Your entire Q5 vary additionally will get extra superior security options for 2021, SQ5 included. Issues like entrance and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and the Audi Pre Sense Metropolis suite (which incorporates automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection) all come customary. This mannequin will get extra superior options like energetic lane help and adaptive cruise with distance management at no further price, plus trim-exclusive choices like Matrix LED headlights and traffic-sign recognition. And as anticipated, all of those security options work properly on the highway with little concern.
The Smarter Alternative
Though some corporations do supply hotter alternate options, do not be swayed by velocity – the 2021 Audi SQ5 is the proper center floor. This crossover’s sturdy mid-range efficiency will fulfill the common shopper, whereas the broader platform ticks all the suitable containers for spectacular luxurious and trendy tech at a aggressive value. The SQ5 additionally begins at an affordable $52,900 for 2021 – extra inexpensive than a comparable BMW X3 M40i or a Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. Though the Audi does get fairly expensive fast with choices.
Transferring as much as the range-topping Status trim will price you a further $9,600. After including within the S Sport package deal ($3,000), 21-inch wheels ($1,195), the Black Optic package deal ($1,000), and some different choices, our automotive prices $71,790 as examined. Not precisely low cost, however nonetheless extra inexpensive than some hotter alternate options. So whereas it will not be the quickest small crossover you should purchase, the SQ5 is certainly extra well-rounded, reasonably priced, and nonetheless fairly darn enjoyable.
