2014 Audi SQ5 testdrivenow.com Video Review

2014 Audi SQ5 Video Review

As the breadwinner of the Audi lineup the Q5 carries a lot of weight as it’s one of only 2 Audi models that sell over 3,000 units per month. So it’s no surprise then that the Q5 lineage continues to expand; now with 4 variants including this new supercharged high-performance SQ5.

Turbocharged, supercharged, diesel-powered or gas-electric hybrid, Audi is ready to sell you a Q5 with a powertrain matched to your tastes, even if the flavor you seek is Sriracha spicy. This first-ever S designation of any Q model doesn’t pull any punches, utilizing the brand’s lusty 3.0-liter supercharged V6 which produces 347 pound-feet of on-demand torque. This 354 horsepower motor is mated to an 8-speed automatic and a rear-biased version of quattro all-wheel drive to provide the tractive forces to better explore the Q5’s nimble chassis.

The SQ5 is an addictive machine, responding effortlessly to commands. The cockpit-like snug fit, comfortably sculpted seats and thick rimmed but desirably small steering wheel provide the perfect handshake. And with Drive Select you can choose just how athletic you want your drive to be. Driving a small crossover shouldn’t be this much fun.

Most of these types adhere to a utility first, fun somewhere a distant 3^rd formula but the SQ5 moves the element of excitement to the forefront. Now, that doesn’t mean it punishes you with a brittle ride or hampers your ability to do the things that small crossovers do so well, but slicing through city traffic and heading out for a drive through the hills are skills the SQ5 adds to its resume. A sporty but unobtrusive soundtrack plays from the quad exhaust outlets as dynamic mode puts the SQ5 on notice that it’s playtime. These optional 21” Star-design wheels come fitted with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT performance summer tires, adding outstanding dry-road grip and steering feel. Zero-to-60mph is reduced from the 7-second time in the Q5 2.0T to 5.1-seconds here – an impressive number. The SQ5 is a point and shoot machine with a pleasing dynamic range that you’ll never tire of driving.

Inside, the front seats feel like they envelop you and Audi’s MMI controls have gotten better each year, making the infotainment system easier to navigate and packing it with more and more features – like a 3G Wi-Fi hotspot and Google Earth maps; both part of Audi connect – a monthly subscription service provided by T-Mobile and priced from $30 per month. The panoramic roof keeps it feeling spacious and airy while the rear seats slide and recline, affording an adult-friendly space for 2 + a child. And levers in the cargo area assist in dropping the rear seats which then need to be clicked down into place. Even the roof rails are smart by recognizing when crossbars are installed and then adjusting the Electronic Stability Control for the higher center of gravity. Starting at $52,795, options on my tester helping complete the stellar SQ5 look include Fine Nappa leather seats, Carbon Atlas inlays and this extra charge Monsoon Gray metallic paint. There’s also a scaled-down $800 Bang & Olufsen Sound System and side assist, leading to an as-tested price of $61,795. Gas mileage on premium is rated at 16mpg city/23mpg highway and my weekly number leaned toward the higher end.

The SQ5 injects a livelier model into Audi’s burgeoning small crossover lineup and does so with gusto.

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