Audi Q5 Sportback and SQ5 Sportback

With the release of the facelifted Audi Q5 (Typ FY), it didn't take long before Audi unveiled its newest addition to the lineup, something that hasn't been done since the unveiling of the second-generation Q5 a few years ago. Say hello to the Sportback version of the second-generation Audi Q5.

2022 Audi Q5 Sportback

2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback

The first-ever Audi Q5 Sportback promises to behave just like its regular equivalent despite its sloping roofline and the pricing that is 4,500 Euros more than the standard Q5, 51,950 Euros vs. 47,450 Euros plus additional costs. So, what to expect in the coupe version of the Q5?

At first glance, it looks just like the Q5, which gained a minor change last year, but because this is the coupe version, the Sportback is 15mm longer and 5mm lower, while the total width and the wheelbase remained the same. 

Whichever you look at it, you have to be an egalitarian to judge the way the Q5 Sportback looks, especially the sporty version known as the SQ5 Sportback, which features the same mix of aftershave smell and sweat from its standard SQ5 while donning the coupe look and the price that is 3,050 Euros more than the standard SQ5.

2022 Audi Q5 Sportback interior

2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback interior

The interior works just like the Q5, especially the numerous toys to play on the driver's side except for the implementation of the Amazon Alexa feature that is going to be an overall nuisance for those in its sweet spot. It even seats up to five people as well, but because this is the coupe version, the boot space has been cut by 10L and the high loading capacity has been dropped by 40L as well, but despite being less spacious than the normal Q5, it's still got plenty of room for almost everything, especially the deliveries you're working on if you're a courier boy working from a swanky company.

Under the hood, the Q5 Sportback features almost the same choice of powerplants as the standard version, ranging from petrol, diesel, and a plug-in hybrid. The latter features a 2.0L TFSi engine with an electric motor and a Li-ion battery bolted to it. It produces a total power output of 367PS of power and 500Nm of torque. Mated to a 7-speed DSG, it goes from 0-100kph in 5.3 seconds and has a top speed of 239kph. Fuel consumption is a combined 1.5L/100km based on WLTP standards.

The SQ5, meanwhile, features a 3.0L TDI engine with a 48v mild hybrid system that produces up to 341PS of power and 700Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed AT, it accelerates from 0-100kph in 5.1 seconds, which is faster than the normal Q5 PHEV variant and has an electronically limited top speed of 250kph. I know that most Europeans hate diesel in this new normal but it doesn't hurt driving the SQ5 Sportback in terms of performance.

Because it's lower than the standard Q5, the Sportback version tends to be slightly more grippy than the standard Q5, and looks like Audi's not kidding with it. It's not what you called fun but it feels so generous to drive as most Audis should and with the quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system, it feels like it's ready to take on almost everything. It even comes with an adaptive air suspension for more ground clearance on dirt.

In the SQ5, meanwhile, its sport-tuned dynamics tell a different story but it is still as mild to drive as most Audis should.

Of course, like today's crossovers, the Q5 Sportback comes with numerous driver-assist systems ranging from adaptive cruise assist, predictive efficiency assist, and the Audi pre sense city system, among many others.

The Sportback version of the facelifted Audi Q5 is proof that you can't stop the rise of coupe crossovers because, in the "new normal", crossover utility vehicles are treated like superhero movies and they sell big-time. The Q5 Sportback is one of them and despite being less spacious than the standard Q5, it still wouldn't bother to be bought by anyone who wants a coupe crossover for a change. This is what the new normal feels like.

Photo: Audi AG

Audi SQ5 (Typ FY)

Now based on the second-generation Audi Q5, the all-new SQ5 shows that even a mildly high-performance crossover like this can be a lot more enjoyable to drive as a sportscar while maintaining its daily driver usage as a crossover. So, is the new model better than the previous one? Let's investigate.

2018 Audi SQ5

2018 Audi SQ5

Ever since the second-generation Audi Q5 crossover arrived on the scene several moments ago, I have strong belief that it's amazingly more affordable to buy than the Mercedes GLC, your auntie's next favorite luxury crossover, while it behaves pretty much like the GLC. In this new SQ5 though, this car wants a piece of that action with Mercedes-AMG's GLC43 by doing some similar stuff the GLC43 does in its spare time.

In comparison with the normal Q5, the SQ5 features a much mild and tangy exterior design which is as sharp as a soccer mom in a gym outfit, going out to do some MMAs with some sparring partners or even her next-door neighbor who brings them nothing but Danishes on the silver platter. On the inside, it still feels like a normal Q5. The five-seater capacity, the generous boot space, the MMI navigation plus with MMI all-in-touch, the Virtual Cockpit dashboard, it's all there to keep them waiting.

Time for something that is worth surprising because in the old SQ5, it has a 3.0 TDi engine with two turbochargers that produces 313HP of power and 650Nm of torque. In the new one though, in tune with the times, the diesel engine has been off to the great junkyard in the sky and in place, there is a new 3.0L V6 TFSi petrol engine that powers it, sacrificing torque for added power, 354PS of power and 500Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. With this powerplant along with its quattro permanent AWD, it does 0-100kph in 5.4 seconds and top speed normally limited to 250kph. It may sound quick for an SUV but it's less pulley compared to the previous SQ5 and it's slightly less fuel efficient as well, 8.3 l/100km compared to the old SQ5's 7.2L/100km. When compared to the similarly-sized Mercedes-AMG GLC43, the SQ5 will be getting left behind in the dust bowl in a red state and looks like now it's not the time to explain these two for the time being.

Because the latest Q5 utilizes the same new platform as the latest VW Tiguan, it's now more nimble and more durable compared to the last one, and for the SQ5, the quattro all-wheel drive and its sport-tuned dynamics makes it as lean and as sharp as an Audi S4 in every tangible way. It maybe great to use in any road condition and it can as addicting as a weekend at the arcade but understeering is very likely and even if you try to hard to get this round the corners, it's a distant struggle to get it right and with so much grip, have it your way because it can be very mild and menacing for a crossover like this.

In terms of overall enjoyment as a sportscar, the SQ5 is a royal pain in the arms because it has so much grip in it but as a everyday car, the SQ5 is not half bad, especially when it comes with the same driver assistance tech as the standard Q5.

Should you buy it? The new Audi SQ5 starts at 65,400 Euros, which is four grand more than the more superior Mercedes-AMG GLC43 and for such pricing, it's no doubt that this new SQ5 won't be cutting against its rival to the teeth but it's a fair start. While the transition from diesel to petrol is quite a surprising feat because Audi's had enough of the diesels following scandals that ruined its reputation, how much more does the SQ5 lose apart from its torque? No one knows but explanations are a lot harder than sampling this new model that despite its transition, it never lost some of its impish character from its predecessor and while the GLC43 can beat it in the game of "top trumps", the SQ5 can cheek squeak its way through the end of a week like MMAs in a pajama party. See if I care about it.

Photo: AUDI AG

Second-Generation Audi Q5 (Typ FY)

Slotted below the bigger Q7 full-size SUV, the Audi Q5 is a luxury midsize crossover that appeals more than your auntie's luxury crossover in terms of numerous capabilities this crossover can do and for this second-generation model, there's no denying that the all-new Audi Q5 can pinpoint every potential capabilities that your auntie's crossover can't, especially when your auntie started to own a Mercedes GLC per se. So, will your auntie prefer this one more than the GLC? Let's see...

2017 Audi Q5

The previous Q5 launched in 2008 is basically an Audi A4 with a big body that does nothing more to appease the outdoorsman but rather than the yuppies who prefer taking it on the city centers rather than national parks for business and leisure. For this new model, though, it's becoming personal because apart from the Q7-inspired design that matches its blood with the other Audi SUVs, the new Q5 is all about business and usual, day and night, rain or shine, clean and dirty, no matter the odds.

2017 Audi Q5 interior

2017 Audi Q5 interior

You have to admit that the new interior is basically an improvement compared to the previous model and while it is slightly more spacious than the last one, it's more surprisingly high-tech than ever, meaning millennials can toy around with the features as much as they want before setting off or going out. One such thing is the new MMI with smartphone connectivity that works well with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, giving plenty of reasons to stay connected while on the road, as long as your aware of your surroundings. The new interior looks so promising but the second row seats is somewhat questionable because while you are trying to get inside, it's worth the try to squeezing yourself while getting indulged by that new car smell until some sweaty boys occupying the whole second row and it takes a Febreze to stave them off.

2017 Audi Q5

2017 Audi Q5

At launch, the new Q5 is powered by either a 2.0L TFSi petrol engine or a 2.0L TDi diesel engine, mated with either a six-speed manual, or a seven-speed S tronic gearbox, depending on the model. For now, the most powerful in the range is the 2.0L TFSi with 252PS of power and 370Nm of torque, capable of reaching 0-100kph in 6.3 seconds and onwards to 232kph. The most efficient one is the 2.0L TDi with 4.9L/100km of fuel economy.

Unlike the previous one, the all new Q5 features a brand new platform that is similar to the one used on the latest VW Tiguan, meaning that it's now more nimble and more durable compared to the last one and by utilizing the new quattro drivetrain, it's now more capable to handle situations than ever, making it an all-weather multirole that you can take it anywhere as long as you're curious to drive it. Although, the newly updated dynamics on the new Q5 is quite impressive when you consider it, it doesn't feel as sporty as what the name hoped for and it feels...pretty much more like your auntie's crossover on the weekends.

Keeping up with the demands of times, the new Q5 features a wide array of driver assistance and safety systems. Apart from applying some of the many driver aids that makes it as civilized as an autonomous car of the next decade, the new Q5 comes with the predictive efficiency assistant that allows the driver save fuel by specific information on the car's surroundings. Sounds mind-boggling if you ask but it can be somewhat bland and drivers like to drive the way they like.

The new Q5 starts at 39,500 Euros and by surprise, it's amazingly more affordable to buy than the Mercedes GLC, your auntie's next favorite luxury crossover. Although it's less expensive than the Benz, the new Q5 behaves pretty much like your auntie's luxury crossover, only with the slight difference that makes her want to switch cars. Since the new Q5 is built in Mexico, the current American administration will be unhappy about this one because the dreaded 35% tariff will make this new model more expensive than the last one when it hits the US, unless some measures have to be taken to slip through this new kind of mess. Nevertheless, with less to worry about the new American climate, the new Q5 can have its lush in European soil because this is an Audi and Audi is German whether you like it or not.

Source: AUDI AG

Audi S3 Typ 8V and SQ5

Tonight, or today if you're reading this on the day, or this morning if you woke up, let's talk about the latest A3. Last year, I checked out the all new Audi A3 in the summer and I told that the all new model does look like an enlarged Audi A1 but because of its new MQB platform developed by Volkswagen, it's now lighter, more rigid, and it gets even more emotional in terms of performance and handling. Well, not much. One psychopath per review though. VW Group cars with MQB platform seems to be bringing the future to us but sometimes, it's not quite a dignity if you asked me. Anyway, there's a hotter version of the new A3 and what can I say?

2014 Audi S3

Turn left! No! Turn right! No! Turn left! Turn left! Ahhh!!! Now what an athletic hatchback indeed! Street athlete! It's like it went to the Ironman race! Swimming, cycling, and running! Now that's when blokes get dirty! Hoo-hoo!!

So, welcome, everyone, to the all new S3, Audi's street athlete for the road, redefined. First of all, what Audi did is to take a normal Typ 8V A3, make it more athletic, and then pump up with the long-stroke 2.0 TFSi engine that produces 300HP of power. That's about 20HP less powerful than its rival, the BMW M135i and in a game of catch up, the new S3 is nowhere near as good as the M135i in the corners. Don't think of it as Bruce Forsyth being a Die Hard hero or being inside The Shining. This is more than that. It's like some young woman in her stripey tank top trying to attack you with a P90 machine gun in your head and shoulders. Anyway, while this model's heavier than the BMW M135i, the quattro all wheel drive system really does not scare the driver as much. It's much more grippy but it's a much more stressful to drive.

Pricing? Let's have a look...38,900 Euros for the one with the manual transmission but that car will cost you 1,900 Euros more if a 7-speed double clutch transmission is added. Come to think of it that despite the double clutch transmission added, I would say that it's going to be rubbish, frankly. So, it may look like a half-decent hot hatch but sadly it doesn't feel like a half-decent hot hatchback.

Thing is though, the all new S3 is not the only Audi that doesn't understand my language and confuses me a lot, perhaps, there's another one that is much more confusing than the new S3...

2013 Audi SQ5

It may look like the recently facelifted Audi Q5 but this is, by far out, the most confusing Audi I have ever felt in my life. This is the new SQ5 and that name should have been called the Q5 S like the TT-S but question is...why SQ5? While that question is a bit confusing as of now, the engine that powers it is even more confusing than ever...

It has a 3.0 TDi engine with two turbochargers that produces 313HP of power and 650Nm of torque. I mean yes, this is the first ever Audi S model to have a diesel engine but that only works in European countries because overseas version may get a petrol variant, which sounds lovely but...AHHHH!!!!! WHAT AM I THINKING?!!!!

You know what? Never mind about that but still, Audi said that the zero to hundred kilo sprint takes about 5.1 seconds while fuel consumption combined is about 7.2L/100km. To differentiate the SQ5 from the normal Q5, this model has the platinum gray single-frame radiator grille with its galvanized dual struts in aluminum look, the roof spoiler and modified bumpers, meaning that the crossover that was once a crossover your posh mom would use for grocery shopping, has now turned into a naughty rascal. Imagine your mom driving one of these and when other mommies saw this ride, they would think that you're an inappropriate mother who was raising a spoiled brat for years.

In essence then, both the all new S3 and the all new SQ5 were not in my books because well I was gonna say horrid but such word is not used on such cars. Guess I should better make up a new word that is neither bad, nor good to describe what these two S-model Audis were but in the meantime, these two cars are open for discussion but because I'm ending this discussion right now, guess you'll gonna have to discuss about this car somewhere else.

Photo: AUDI AG

2013 Audi Q5 minor change

2013 Audi Q5

2013 Audi Q5

2013 Audi Q5 interior

Nope...nope...nothing to see here. It maybe a 2013MY Audi Q5 but it's somewhat a bit stale...or is it?

Although, the outside is a little bit somewhat the same, there are some mechanical changes occurred to keep it fresh. It offers three TDi and two TFSi engines available. First off, the 2.0L TDi is available in two flavors; the one with the 143 hp and 320 Nm torque, consumes 5.3 l/100km and emits 139 g/km of CO2, then the one with the 177 hp, 380 Nm torque and fuel economy of 6.0 l/100km. The flagship 3.0L V6 TDi engine packs 245 hp and 580 Nm torque.

For the 2.0L TFSi, this has 225 hp, 350 Nm torque and 7.6 l/100km of fuel consumption. Then, the 3.0L V6 TFSi engine delivers 272 hp and 400 Nm torque.

Most have Audi's quattro technology except for the 2.0 TDi variant, which is available in FF layout. Depending on the variant, you'll have a choice of three transmission types; a 6-speed manual, 8-speed tiptronic transmission, or a 7-speed S tronic.

The Q5 hybrid is also available, using the 2.0 TFSI with 211 hp and 350 Nm and sticks it an electric motor that outputs 54 hp and 210 Nm. Together, they can generate 245 hp and 480 torque.

Scoop: http://paultan.org/2012/04/26/audi-q5-gets-mid-life-updates-adds-hybrid-to-the-range/

Audi Q5 Hybrid

2012 Audi Q5 Hybrid

2012 Audi Q5 Hybrid interior

Audi's first hybrid crossover, the Q5 Hybrid, is a bonafide eco car that competes against the Lexus RX Hybrid and because this hybrid crossover has progressed, it has made to look better, feel better, and perform better than its Japanese rival. Why? The Audi Q5 Hybrid combines performance and economy because of the turbocharged 2.0L engine, the 8-speed tiptronic transmission, and the capability to go from 0-100kph in 7.1 seconds with the top speed of 225kph, unlike the Lexus RX Hybrid, which has a very redundant CVT, 3.5L V6 non-turbo engine, and the will to go from 0-100kph in 7.8 seconds with the top speed of 200kph. Benefited from its turbo engine equipped on the hybrid layout, the Audi Q5 Hybrid really is a progressed hybrid that takes on hybrid conventions that others found out to be dull, boring, and rubbish.

One of the subject, however, is the ecology. If the Lexus RX Hybrid has a combined fuel economy of 15.9km/L (6.3L/100km), the Audi Q5 Hybrid has a combined fuel economy of 14.5km/L (6.9L/100km), meaning that this Ingolstadt-based hybrid has a 1.4km/L gap behind the Fukuoka-made hybrid crossover. Also, the Audi Q5 Hybrid has a CO2 emissions of 159g/km, which is somewhat has a decent gap over the Lexus RX Hybrid's CO2 emissions of 145g/km. Even when both of them are Euro 5 compliant, these two have something good at these categories.

Okay, enough comparing with the Audi Q5 Hybrid against the Lexus RX Hybrid. This sounds a little bit complicating for the car enthusiasts who are looking for luxury hybrid crossovers. Let's see how to distinguish the differences between the Q5 Hybrid and the original Q5 in terms of exterior and interior. You might be easy enough to distinguish the Q5 Hybrid thanks to the "hybrid" badges on the side view and rear view, single-frame grille painted in high-gloss black, 19-inch wheels, and chrome exhaust pipes. On the interior, there is a different instrumental panel that says "charge", "efficiency", and "power" at the left side of the tachometer. With such differences, you are sure enough to know that this is the Q5 Hybrid.

Now for the color variation. The Audi Q5 Hybrid is available in 14 exterior colors such as Amethystgrau Metallic, Arktissilber Metallic, Cuvéesilber Metallic, Eissilber Metallic, Gletscherweiß Metallic, Mondscheinblau Metallic, Monsungrau Metallic, Monzasilber Metallic, Quarzgrau Metallic, Teakbraun Metallic, Daytonagrau Perleffekt, Granatrot Perleffekt, Lavagrau Perleffekt, and Phantomschwarz Perleffekt.

My comment:

It's so nice to see a turbocharged hybrid crossover like the Audi Q5 Hybrid because its philosophy is to combine ecology and performance on this hybrid crossover that performs well than the Lexus RX Hybrid but performance is what the Q5 Hybrid's good at because the Lexus RX Hybrid does quite well at the ecology side.

Photo: AUDI A.G.