• New EPC-boosted 48v MHEV 3.0 TDI V6 TDI delivers 251kW/700Nm
• Sansom: "The new SQ5 TDI represents an icon in its finest form ever"
• Audi SQ5 TDI with appealing equipment upgrades, priced at $104,900*

Zetland, May 28, 2021 – The new, refreshed Audi SQ5 TDI has arrived in Australia, the latest generation of the brand's iconic performance SUV. The new SQ5 TDI is sporty, powerful and efficient, thanks to a new 3.0 TDI V6 engine. A striking design refresh also accompanies appealing equipment upgrades, positioning the new SQ5 TDI as a very special vehicle.

"The new SQ5 TDI represents an Audi icon in its finest form ever," said Paul Sansom, Managing Director of Audi Australia.

"The instant success of the recently returned SQ5 TDI special edition models confirm the continued appeal of a high-performance TDI engine in this segment. The new-generation 3.0 TDI V6 brings the very latest technology to deliver crushing performance, with impressive efficiency and very low emissions."

In its latest version, the three-litre V6 engine boasts an output of 251 kW and 700 Nm of torque. The wide engine-speed range can be used continuously between 1,750 rpm and 3,250 rpm. The 3.0 TDI develops its power earlier and more forcefully than before. It accelerates the top model of the Q5 product line from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Fuel consumption is 7.0 litres per 100km, with CO2 emissions 185 g/km. An actuator in the exhaust system gives the V6 a distinctive and sonorous sound and is controlled via Audi drive select.

Many details of the V6 3.0 TDI have been revised. The pistons are no longer made of aluminium but of forged steel– the new material reduces heat losses. Due to the higher strength, they do not incur a weight penalty compared with the aluminium pistons. A stepped recess in the piston makes combustion faster and more efficient. The solenoid injectors used to inject the fuel operate with consistently high precision thanks to a new piezo sensor that monitors the closing of the needle. They can perform up to eight injections per work cycle, with injection quantities that are scalable with even greater precision. The maximum injection pressure is 2,500 bar.

The intercooler has been changed over from an air/air cooler in the bumper to an indirect water/air cooler in the inside V of the engine. The shortened intake air paths help to build up boost pressure quickly. The indirect intercooler is more effective and can even heat the intake air shortly after the engine is started in cold ambient conditions in order to reach the ideal combustion temperatures more quickly. This offers the advantage since exhaust gas cleaning responds more quickly

The turbocharger now features a smaller and lighter compressor wheel that gets into gear with exceptional speed – a key factor in the engine's spontaneous and high torque build-up. The exhaust manifold benefits from improved insulation. Thanks to this measure, the exhaust gas reaches the optimum temperature more quickly after a cold start.

The 3.0 TDI brings two technologies that reduce consumption and improve the engine response. The 48-volt mild hybrid system (MHEV) integrates a belt alternator starter (BAS), a lithium-ion battery that provides buffer storage, and a 48/12-volt voltage converter. When the car decelerates, the MHEV system recovers up to 8 kW of power. The sport SUV can coast for up to 40 seconds with the engine switched off – after which time the powerful BAS conveniently restarts the engine. The MHEV system has the potential to reduce customer fuel consumption by up to 0.7 litres per 100 kilometres.

The second technology component is the electric powered compressor (EPC), which helps out whenever the exhaust gas flow provides too little energy to drive the turbocharger. A compact electric motor, which also uses the compact 48-volt system, accelerates the compressor wheel of the EPC to 65,000 rpm in roughly 300 milliseconds. The EPC is now used more frequently and across a broader engine map. It supports a more spontaneous engine response when the vehicle moves off as well as when accelerating from low engine speeds. The optimised interaction between the EPC, MHEV, turbocharger, the engine itself, and the tiptronic transmission, supports this effect.

For exhaust gas aftertreatment, Audi uses twin-dosing technology: two SCR catalytic converters working together. The first of these is located directly behind the manifold in the exhaust gas system, where it also functions as a particulate filter. The second is located further away from the engine under the vehicle floor. Both catalytic converters complement each other's effects because they cover different operating situations and exhaust gas temperature windows. The SCR catalytic converters are supplied with the AdBlue urea solution from a 24-litre tank. Thanks to twin-dosing technology, the SQ5 TDI comes in substantially below the latest Euro 6d emissions standards, which also stipulates a dramatic reduction in NOx emissions in the WLTP real-world test cycle.

To harness the engine's power, the SQ5 TDI is equipped with a fast-shifting eight-speed tiptronic transmission, directing power to the road via Audi quattro permanent all-wheel drive for superb handling and traction. The self-locking centre differential is able to direct 40 percent of the torque to the front axle and 60 percent to the rear in normal driving conditions, with up to 85 percent directed to the rear wheels if the road conditions demand it. The standard adaptive suspension with damper control sits the SQ5 30mm lower than the Q5 and ensures the perfect combination of ride comfort and dynamic performance, while the optional air suspension adjusts the ride height of the body through five levels depending on the driving situation. Additionally, the optional quattro sport differential can provide further adjustment, directing almost all of the rear axle's torque to either wheel during particularly dynamic driving.

The SQ5 TDI exhibits class-leading safety, equipped with an extensive range of driver assistance systems that contribute to its 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Standard safety features include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, active lane assist, collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic assist, park assist, hill descent control, hold assist, as well as a comprehensive suite of parking sensors including the 360-degree and rear view cameras.

The new, sportier design of the SQ5 TDI exudes a powerful stance, with striking details that give it a rugged appearance. This is complemented by attractive, Audi Sport 21-inch alloy wheels in 5-twin-spoke V design that house distinctive S brake calipers painted in a red high-gloss finish. Vertical fins provide structure to the large side-air inlets on the front bumpers. In the octagonal Singleframe grille that is specific to the S models, large octagonal honeycomb sections are linked by narrow bars. These have an aluminium finish, as do the fins on the air inlets.

Matrix LED headlights are now standard, with continuous automatic high beam,dynamic turn signals and dynamic animations when locking and unlocking. Digital OLED rear lights are an option. At the rear, a matte aluminium strip is integrated in the lower bumpers, below which are the diffuser insert and four chromium-plated oval tailpipe trims. Customers have a choice of nine exterior paint finishes. The black styling package, which adds sporty accents, is available on request.

Further design innovation helps make the SQ5 TDI a seamless and convenient travel companion for busy, contemporary lifestyles: such as the hands-free electric tailgate and the simplicity of convenience keyless entry and start. The rear-window privacy glass keeps glare out, yet the touch of a button allows full sunshine to flood in, thanks to the panoramic sunroof.

Inside the cabin, the new SQ5 is endowed for comfort and versatility with intuitive new technology, offering seamless integration of the Audi smartphone interface via Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. Unique displays in the standard Audi virtual cockpit plus provide all necessary information for the driver, enhanced by the new 10.1-inch high-resolution MMI touch display. With its crystal clear 1,540 x 720 pixel resolution, the beautifully crafted display is seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, and is only 13mm slender. Despite this, it is a powerful platform that commands all manner of convenient 'touch or talk' driving, infotainment and connectivity functions.

Additional features include Audi phone box light with the convenience of wireless charging for mobile phones (with Qi standard) and two simultaneous Bluetooth connections, Digital DAB+ radio and 4 USB outlets (two in the rear).

For the first time ever, the new SQ5 offers the convenience of Audi connect plus functionality, with the integration of online traffic, weather conditions, fuel prices, parking information and Google Maps into the Q5 driving experience, together with additional functions enabled through the myAudi smartphone app like remote lock/unlock, service request, emergency call and more, thanks to the embedded SIM card.

Additionally, the SQ5 TDI is equipped with the Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system (19 speakers, 755W), and head-up display for enhanced safety and visibility.

Luxurious and sporty, the interior of the SQ5 TDI boasts ambient lighting with the choice of over 30 different colour tones, allowing the driver to tailor the ambience to suit their mood. Heating in the front seats provide unmatched comfort for the driver, while the 3-zone climate control feature allows passengers to regulate the temperature in the rear row.

On top of this, the rear seat can be split 40:20:40, and slides fore/aft to create additional legroom during longer journeys. Fine Nappa leather sport seats with diamond stitching, along with the multifunction leather steering wheel with electric adjustment and shift paddles underscore the athletic character of the SQ5 TDI. 

The new SQ5 TDI is offered with the comprehensive five-year Audi service plan package, priced at $2,940.

Pricing*

 (*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)

– ENDS –

The Audi Group, with its brands Audi, Ducati and Lamborghini, is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium segment. It is present in more than 100 markets worldwide and produces at 17 locations in 12 countries. 100 percent subsidiaries of AUDI AG include Audi Sport GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy).
In 2019, the Audi Group delivered to customers about 1.846 million automobiles of the Audi brand, 8,205 sports cars of the Lamborghini brand and 53,183 motorcycles of the Ducati brand. In the 2018 fiscal year, AUDI AG achieved total revenue of €59.2 billion and an operating profit before special items of €4.7 billion. At present, approximately 90,000 people work for the company all over the world, more than 60,000 of them in Germany. Audi focuses on sustainable products and technologies for the future of mobility.