With a bolder look, a more potent engine and a variety of new tech touches, the 2018 Audi SQ5 was revealed in the Motor City. This Gen II iteration of the hottest Audi Q5 SUV ups its performance game and is destined to serve as a fitting range topper to the all-new 2018 Audi Q5 family when it arrives in showrooms this spring.
Displaying a more aggressive look, the SQ5 cranks up its curb appeal with a platinum gray finish on its signature Single Frame grille and aluminum accents on its double horizontal intake blades and exterior side mirrors as well as an S model rear roof spoiler. It also comes standard with sculpted, three-dimensional LED headlamps and LED taillights that feature dynamic turn signals.
Also: Check out all the latest news from the 2017 Detroit Auto Show
The new Audi SQ5 offers more dynamically, as well. For openers, its new 3.0-liter TFSI turbocharged V6 promises improved off-the-line snap. While making 354 horsepower – same as the supercharged 3.0-liter engine it replaces, this new six churns out 369 lb-ft of torque compared to its predecessor’s 346. More importantly, that peak twist on hand from 1,370-4,500 rpm and not the 4,000-4,500 rev window of its predecessor. Once again, the engine is backed by a paddle-shift 8-speed Tiptronic automatic. While the new SQ5 features the latest version of Audi’s Quattro AWD system, harder-core enthusiasts can add more responsive dynamic steering as well as opt for the available S Sport Package that includes a Quattro Sport rear differential capable of actively splitting torque from side to side as traction conditions warrant.
Enhanced handling
Like its 2018 Q5 kin, the new Audi SQ5 benefits from a new 5-link front/rear suspension that provides greater comfort and control. For the first time, Audi will offer it with an optional sport adaptive air suspension. Also part of the S Sport Package, the setup can lower the ride height by 1.2 inches compared to the standard adaptive suspension. The air suspension also adds Allroad and Lift/Offroad modes to the basic Comfort/Auto/Dynamic/Individual settings in the Audi Drive Select system.
Also: Check out all the latest news from the 2017 Detroit Auto Show
Inside, the new SQ5 leverages the extra room for people and cargo that resulted from the basic Q5 redesign with its own distinctive touches that include a flat-bottom multifunction sport steering wheel, unique trim and standard front sport seats. It, too, offers a full range of upgrades from Audi’s trick Virtual Cockpit – with an SQ5-exclusive sport display mode — and a Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System to Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go. Highlighting the SQ5’s long list of standard driver assists are blind-spot monitoring and Audi Pre Sense City that provides automatic emergency braking at speeds up to 52 mph. Pricing, packaging and EPA numbers for the 2018 Audi SQ5 will be released closer to its official on-sale date.
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