The 2018 Audi Q5 has been redesigned and it made its debut in the 2016 Paris Auto Show. The new version of the SQ5 variant was highly anticipated by consumers who are driven by performance. There was no idea as to when the vehicle would have been launched.
The surprise that Audi had in store was the SQ5 at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show. The vehicle arrives lighter, more efficient, and with a new approach to achieving adequate power. It is reported that it looks a little spiffier as well, reported Car and Driver.
One can proudly say that the SQ5 has shed a few pounds. To be precised, it lost 77 pounds compared to the previous model. This is not even close to the nearly 200 pounds cut from the 2018 Q5. Audi confirmed that the use of more aluminum in the structure and the fact that the SQ5's engine is 30 pounds lighter than before makes the new vehicles lighter.
Standing at 183.9 inches long overall, the SQ5 is nearly an inch longer than the previous SQ5. At the same time, the 111.2-inch wheelbase is 0.7 inch longer. This makes it 0.7 inch narrower and an inch lower, too.
The SQ5 adopts the base Q5's exterior looks. However, a few changes are incorporated to make it look jazzier. A new edgy appeal is given to the vehicle with more aggressive bumpers. The new trapezoidal grille resembles with the rest of the Audi family, reported Automotive Talkz.
The crossover boasts of a sporty look and a front spoiler. The double aluminum-slatted radiator grille is specific to the S range. The sports models are identified with the help of the red accents. When one takes a look behind, the S brings twin exhaust tailpipes with an aluminum diffuser clasp. The vehicle has LED for both front and rear lights.
The 2018 SQ5 shifts gear to a turbocharger from a supercharger. This is used to feed the 3.0-liter V-6. It has a reworked combustion process that also ups the output. The 2018 SQ5 has the same 354-hp rating as it did with the supercharger. However, the torque figure jumps from 347 lb-ft at 4000 rpm to 369 lb-ft at 1370 rpm.
Audi maintains its claim of the same 5.1 seconds from zero to 60 mph as for the previous SQ5. We have to note that this figure did not match in track testing. The claimed top speed remains unaltered at an electronically governed 155 mph, although we saw only 152 mph in our test of the previous edition.
The torque is delivered to Audi's Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system using an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. A sport differential with torque vectoring comes as an option and this can be adjusted with the car's Drive Select system.
Audi claims that the new SQ5 will get a combined 27 to 28 mpg on the optimistic European test cycle. It is expected that there will be an improvement when the U.S. EPA ratings come out and is compared with the 2017 model's 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. The engine is similar to the one in the latest Audi S4. It employs a higher compression ratio with high-pressure injectors, all in the name of efficiency and reduced emissions.
Both the front and rear of the 2018 SQ5 use five-link suspension setups. The driving dynamics of the vehicle are further dialed in with adaptive damping control. As an S-specific option, an adaptive air suspension allows drivers to change the ride height of the vehicle on command. A sportier feel is rendered by the electrically assisted steering.
It is hard to miss the S-branded illuminated doorsills. The standard seats in the S are upholstered in faux suede and real leather. Both the seats and the steering wheel have contrast stitching. Nappa leather (it feels softer) seats with diamond quilting are provided and it comes with optional massagers. Throughout the cabin, brushed aluminum inlays are standard, with wood or carbon-fiber trim options.
The 2018 SQ5 is filled with technology in order to aid drivers. Among them are adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist for speeds under 40 mph, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, and pedestrian detection with automated emergency braking.
It has not been made official as to what the price of the vehicle is. However, the 2018 Audi SQ5 3.0 TFSI will arrive in German showrooms in the middle of this year and should reach the U.S. market soon thereafter.
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