The New Audi SQ5 TDI Has Landed As A 342bhp Mild Hybrid

The V6 diesel-powered SQ5 has adopted 48V electrics from the SQ7 and an electric compressor to help reduce low-rev turbo lag
The New Audi SQ5 TDI Has Landed As A 342bhp Mild Hybrid

The new Audi SQ5 TDI is here, and it has adopted clever electrical technology from elsewhere in the range, Audi has confirmed.

The 342bhp diesel V6 is unchanged in essence, internally toughened but cranking out the same 516lb ft as the ‘Plus’ variant of the outgoing car. Top speed is still a limited 155mph, while it will pass 62mph from rest in 5.1 seconds. These are impressive numbers for a two-tonne SUV, but the main news is elsewhere.

The New Audi SQ5 TDI Has Landed As A 342bhp Mild Hybrid

Audi has given the updated SQ5 the 48V electrical system from the SQ7, albeit ‘refined’ and improved to provide emissions-reducing mild hybrid assistance and to power an electric compressor to assist the turbo.

At engine speeds below 1650rpm, when the turbo starts to spool, a heavy squeeze of the accelerator awakens a 7kW electric motor, spinning it to 65,000rpm in three tenths of a second. Shoving 1.4 bar of pressure downstream into the engine, it effectively plugs the boost gap and enables the eight-speed automatic gearbox to maintain a higher, more efficient gear.

The New Audi SQ5 TDI Has Landed As A 342bhp Mild Hybrid

The 48V system also allows for engine stop-start operation on the move at up to 14mph, allowing you to coast with all the powered ancillaries – like the steering and brakes – still fully operational. Useful, that.

A sound actuator in the exhaust generates a nicer noise than the typical diesel moo. The gear ratios are relatively short and close at the lower reaches of the range, for improved acceleration, but tall at the top for efficient cruising. More interestingly, the permanent all-wheel drive biases 60 per cent towards the rear in normal conditions; in special circumstances it can send up to 70 per cent forwards or 85 per cent to the back.

The New Audi SQ5 TDI Has Landed As A 342bhp Mild Hybrid

There’s an optional active differential for the rear axle. It’s a torque vectoring arrangement Audi has used for years, which sends more power to the outer rear wheel when powering out of tight corners. In our experience it’s damn effective.

Elsewhere it’s as-you-were. The standard wheels are 20s, with larger options on the list of extras Audi will happily sell you. The MMI interface still operates through a crisp 12.3-inch widescreen and there’s the expected plethora of driver aids, both standard and optional. Prices will start at €67,750 euros, but it remains to be seen what effect Brexit has on UK prices.

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Comments

GTRTURTLE 🔰 🐢(Oo \ S K Y L I N E / oO) (Koen

In reply to by Elliot.J99

naahhhhhhhhhhh, they probably added grip

02/21/2019 - 18:48 |
2 | 0
Saber Ali

Or pay 2k more and have a 510hp Stelvio Quadrifoglio that goes 0-60 1.4 seconds faster…

02/21/2019 - 19:20 |
60 | 0

And breaks every 2k miles

02/21/2019 - 21:24 |
6 | 26

Or buy a Giulia Quadrifoglio, which is lighter, cheaper, more nimble, and better looking

02/22/2019 - 11:48 |
12 | 0
Ryan Allsobrook

I work for Pirelli and we had 5 of these lined up late last year to have tyres put on. They were nice enough but I honestly think those fake exhaust points look horrible. Theres no need for them in the top of the range model and I still dont understand why manufacturers think they’re a good idea

02/21/2019 - 19:26 |
26 | 0

Manufacturers, take note!

02/22/2019 - 00:52 |
0 | 0
Chewbacca_buddy (McLaren squad)(VW GTI Clubsport)(McLaren 60

I’m surprised it isn’t fwd in normal conditions like most modern Audi’s

02/21/2019 - 21:07 |
0 | 0

Id be surprised if it was, like no audi should

02/22/2019 - 08:18 |
0 | 0
DL🏁

FAKE EXHAUSTS. 🤢

02/22/2019 - 08:10 |
0 | 0
Jakob

That colour looks really cool. British Racing Green on a German car may be a bit unusual, but I like it.

02/22/2019 - 08:21 |
0 | 0
Lauge

They are not even trying to make those fake exhausts look good anymore. Looks so dumb.

02/22/2019 - 08:40 |
0 | 0