[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/performance\/audi-sq5-critics\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/performance\/audi-sq5-critics\/","headline":"Audi SQ5 – what the critics think","name":"Audi SQ5 – what the critics think","description":"The original SQ5 represented Audi\u2019s first ever diesel-fueled S model when it arrived with a thumping 309bhp three-litre V6 oilburner in 2013. Fast forward to summer 2017 and the second generation SQ5 has just gone on sale and the diesel has been ditched, not unsurprising following the Dieselgate scandal that continues to plague the VW Group. This time, the high-performance mid-size SUV uses a newly adopted petrol-powered 349bhp V6 TFSI. With 500Nm of torque available, it can thunder to 62mph […]","datePublished":"2017-07-18","dateModified":"2025-10-03","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/AudiUK00016974AudiSQ5TFSI.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/AudiUK00016974AudiSQ5TFSI.webp","height":799,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/performance\/audi-sq5-critics\/","about":["Audi","NEW RELEASES","OFF ROADING","PERFORMANCE CARS"],"wordCount":691,"keywords":["Audi","Audi SQ5","Performance SUV","porsche macan","SUV"],"articleBody":"The original SQ5 represented Audi\u2019s first ever diesel-fueled S model when it arrived with a thumping 309bhp three-litre V6 oilburner in 2013.Fast forward to summer 2017 and the second generation SQ5 has just gone on sale and the diesel has been ditched, not unsurprising following the Dieselgate scandal that continues to plague the VW Group.This time, the high-performance mid-size SUV uses a newly adopted petrol-powered 349bhp V6 TFSI. With 500Nm of torque available, it can thunder to 62mph from a standstill in 5.4 seconds, which sounds quick – and it is – but it\u2019s actually a third of a second slower than the preceding SQ5. Eek!At least it looks dapper with 20-inch wheels capped with five twin-spoke alloys, striking LED headlights and a twin exhaust.The UK motoring press recently got their hands on the new SQ5, so what do they make of it?PerformanceCar Magazine\u2019s Ian Adcock was struck by the SQ5\u2019s 349bhp power output. \u201cThat figure would have been unthinkable just a few years ago in a blown petrol engine\u201d he wrote before noting the advances that have been made in internal combustion engine technology\u201d.So does it translate to a bracing straight line sprint? Apparently so. Adcock confirms that \u201cperformance is strong, but not earth shattering\u201d.Autocar\u2019s Nic Cackett wasn\u2019t impressed by the SQ5\u2019s slower 0-62mph time, especially considering the fact that the standard Porsche Macan was conceived with a sub-five-second sprint.Sam Naylor from Auto Express reckons that performance \u201cisn\u2019t lacking\u201d but bemoans the fact that the SQ5 has to be \u201cworked much harder\u201d to reap the same kind of sensation enjoyed in the torquier diesel SQ5.In a straight line, the SQ5 is undoubtedly quick, but in the corners, the car lacks agility, Sam writes.He adds that the eight-speed auto gearbox isn\u2019t as responsive as the VW Group\u2019s brilliant DSG dual-clutch box and feels \u201creluctant to change down when you really need it to\u201d.RideCar Magazine found that on the 20-inch rims that come as standard, the SQ5 rode calmly, but they drove it on Germany\u2019s super smooth roads; it may not be such a joy on Britain\u2019s rougher surfaces.Meanwhile, Autocar pointed out that the SQ5\u2019s height and bulk mean you can\u2019t really drive it like a two-seater in the same way you can with the Macan.Auto Express noted that at speed, the SQ5 feels unsettled, which is the same with its standard Q5 brother. However, despite falling short of the ride quality in Mercedes\u2019 GLC, it was calm and quiet at cruising speeds.InteriorAutocar reckons the SQ5\u2019s cabin feels expensive \u201calmost everywhere\u201d, thanks to its \u201csolid and smooth switchgear and gleaming satin chrome\u201d.AutExpress hailed the interior as \u201csuperb\u201d and \u201cone of the best in its class\u201d, due to the neat, clean design, high-quality materials, 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument dials and finely tuned 8.3-inch infotainment system.They go on compliment the plush comfortable seats and the amount of room in the rear.PriceAudi wants at least \u00a351,200 for its SQ5 – a couple of grand more than the GLC 43 and close to \u00a33,000 more than the Macan S, which is widely deemed to be the real leader in the performance mid-size SUV market.Auto Express also believes the SQ5 is quite pricey, with the GLC 43 offering better value as well as a more fun and refined experience at high speeds.Should I buy one?Not unless you really want one.The verdict across the board is so-so with three star reviews from Auto Express and Evo, while Autocar awarded it an extra half-star.Autocar\u2019s chief tester Matt Saunders reckons the car tries to be too many things to too many people, and as a result \u201cbites off more than it can chew\u201d.Car Magazine\u2019s Ian Adcock doesn\u2019t seem to think that the \u00a350k-plus asking price nor the remote-feeling steering will get in the way of the SQ5 continuing to make up a fifth of Q5 sales.He signs off with: \u201cFor many, this will be the new benchmark in the sporty middleweight SUV sector”."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Performance","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/\/performance\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Audi SQ5 – what the critics think","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/performance\/audi-sq5-critics\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]