2021 Audi SQ5

After ditching its powerful diesel engine a while ago, the SQ5 is currently only available with a turbocharged V6 engine. The 2021 Audi SQ5 competes with other performance-oriented crossovers like the BMW X3 M40i, Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, and Porsche Macan S.

Like the regular model, the SQ5 is also available in three trim levels. The base Premium model is loaded to the brim with standard features like 20-inch wheels, tri-zone climate control, powered liftgate, leather upholstery, front sports seats with heating, a huge 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, and more. Upgrading to the Premium Plus trim further adds a massive panoramic sunroof, Audi’s digital cockpit instrument cluster, wireless charging, and plenty of driver assistance tech.

Sitting at the top of the range, the Prestige trim is the epitome of luxury with heated seats all around, sound-insulating front windows, ambient lighting, head-up display, unique OLED taillights, and a 19-speaker premium audio system from Bang & Olufsen.

Which Trim should you buy?

At a starting price of $58,090, the 2021 Audi SQ5 Premium adds a lot more features than the regular Q5 and is the one to pick. It gets all the usual features including plenty of luxuries like a powered liftgate, Tri-zone climate control, a capable infotainment system, sports seats with leather upholstery, and a lot of active safety features. Shelling out more for the higher trims is only recommended if you need more advanced driver-assist tech.

The Audi SQ5 continues to get the turbocharged 3L V-6 engine as standard, which now produces more power at 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through a slick 8-speed automatic gearbox that handles the power well. Compared to the regular model, the SQ5 gets a sport-tuned suspension and supportive sports seats to keep you in place through the corners. As expected, the SQ5 is more sporty and fun to drive but surprisingly, it’s still comfortable. In regular mode, the engine does settle down, making the SQ5 easy and comfortable to live with daily.

Pin the throttle, and the SQ5 reaches 60 MPH in just 4.7 seconds and crosses the quarter-mile in 13.4 seconds, which is commendable for such a large and heavy SUV. Although the power output remains the same, Audi has fiddled around with the gearbox and launch control system with new ratios, making the new model a lot quicker than before.

Although all 4 SUVs blast past 60 MPH under 5 seconds, the BMW X3 M40i edges past the others with a time of 4.4 seconds. Both the Audi SQ5 and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 offer similar performance, while the Porsche Macan S beats them both to the quarter-mile.

How well does the 2021 Audi SQ5 handle?

Flick the mode selector to Dynamic and the SQ5 shows its true character. Although the handling doesn’t match rivals like the Porsche Macan and BMW X3, the SQ5 still holds its own through the corners with its sport-tuned suspension and well-weighted steering. Being an SUV, there is body lean through the corners but it is well contained. In Dynamic mode, the 2021 Audi SQ5 changes directions quickly and is quite fun to drive.

But when you’re ready for a relaxing drive back home, the regular comfort mode slows everything down and the SQ5 suddenly becomes a comfortable highway cruiser that can munch miles all day long. The optional air suspension system further enhances comfort. All models get Audi’s signature Quattro all-wheel-drive system as standard, which makes the SQ5 handle well even in tricky conditions.

Braking Performance

With massive 13.8-inch rotors at the front and 13-inches at the rear, the SQ5 sheds speed surprisingly well for a large SUV. Braking is progressive and there is plenty of feedback through the pedals.

Drop the anchor at 60 MPH and the SQ5 comes to a halt in just 104 feet which even puts some performance cars to shame.

WIth large braking hardware and low curb weight, the Audi SQ5 sheds speed quicker than all of its rivals. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 comes a close second with even bigger hardware, while both the BMW X3 M40i and Porsche Macan S take a bit longer.

There are no surprises in terms of efficiency, and being a high-performance SUV, the 2021 Audi SQ5 is a lot less efficient than the regular Q5. Economy figures stand at 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. With an 18.5-gallon tank, the SQ5 gets a healthy highway range of 444 miles for long adventures.

The BMW X3 M40i not only offers class-leading performance but is also the most efficient performance SUV in its class with a combined rating of 23 MPG In comparison, the Audi SQ5, Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, and the Porsche Macan are a lot less efficient, delivering 20 MPG combined.

Unlike the regular models, all SQ5s get standard Nappa leather upholstery with comfortable sports seats at the front. As expected for an SUV of this price range, the interior is draped in high-quality materials from the dashboard to the door pads. Build quality is also top-class with no uneven panel gaps and a solid robust feel to all the controls and switchgear. In fact, the SQ5 interiors look and feel more luxurious than the more expensive Porsche Macan and BMW X3. The dark interiors match the SQ5 well and get a sporty design with the infotainment display sitting at the top and the climate controls neatly sectioned off below the A/C vents.

You sit higher up in the SQ5 improving visibility and there is plenty of adjustability on offer to find a comfortable driving position. The cabin is wide enough for three adults to sit comfortably at the rear with an impressive 38 inches of legroom. Trunk space is better than average at 25.9 cubic feet which should satisfy most customers. To increase space further, the rear seats can be folded flat.

The 2021 Audi SQ5 offers more interior space than all its competitors, especially in the second row. But in terms of cargo space, the BMW X3 outmatches both the Audi and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 with 28.7 cubic feet on offer. The Porsche Macan is the least practical of the four with limited interior and cargo space.

Some notable interior features include:

• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Digital instrument panel
• Panoramic sunroof
• Wireless charging pad
• Head-up display
• Interior ambient lighting

What’s there to keep you entertained?

With the latest updates, Audi has finally given the SQ5 range their latest MIB3 infotainment system which is controlled through a massive 10.1-inch touchscreen display. The new system is a lot slicker and easier to use and Audi has ditched the touchpad controls for a touchscreen interface.

All the expected features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and more as standard. Lower trims get a 10-speaker audio system as standard, while the range-topping Prestige trim gets a 19-speaker audio system from Bang & Olufsen.

Some notable infotainment features include:

• A 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite and HD radio
• 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system
• Head-up display
• Built-in navigation

Like the interiors, Audi has done their part to distinguish the SQ5 from the regular models with sportier design elements like quad exhaust tips, and massive 20-inch wheels. The SQ5 looks elegant from all angles with plenty of cuts and creases for a modern look. The blacked-out front grille with subtle SQ5 badging, sleek headlights and black skid plates make the SQ5 look a lot more menacing than the regular model.

A prominent shoulder line extends from the headlights all the way to the tailgate, highlighting the flared wheel arches. At the rear, the quad exhaust tips further distinguish the 2021 Audi SQ5 from the standard models. Higher trims also get unique OLED taillights that get a unique startup sequence.

In terms of sheer size, the Audi SQ5 slots neatly between the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and BMW X3 with average dimensions and a slightly shorter wheelbase. The BMW X3 is the biggest crossover of the lot, while the GLC 43 is the most compact. Dimensionally, the Porsche Macan is similar to the Audi SQ5 since they’re both based on the same platform.

Some notable exterior features include:

• 20-inch wheels
• Quad exhaust tips
• Panoramic sunroof
• OLED taillights
• Sporty gloss-black design elements

The Audi SQ5 is based on the modern MLB platform that also underpins the Porsche Macan crossover. The SQ% aced both the NHTSA and IIHS safety tests with top marks overall and also earned itself the “Top Safety Pick+“ award.

For 2021, Audi has added a lot more safety features as standard including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear-end collision mitigation. Higher trims also get adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, surround-view camera, traffic sign reader, and an automated parking system.

Some standard safety features include:

• Front and rear parking sensors
• Rearview camera
• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane departure warning

2021 Audi SQ5 vs 2021 BMW X3 M40i

With better performance, efficiency, and excellent handling, the BMW X3 is clearly the better pick of the two for enthusiasts. The X3 also gets better cargo capacity compared to the SQ5.

However, with the recent update, the SQ5 gets a lot more features and offers better quality interiors than the BMW X3. The Audi also matches the BMW in terms of infotainment with the new MIB3 interface. Overall, the BMW X3 makes more sense for customers looking for more driving pleasure, while the SQ5 is an all-rounder with plenty of grunt.

2021 Audi SQ5 vs 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC

Even with all the recent updates, the Audi SQ5 still cannot match the elegance and comfort of the GLC 43. While the SQ5 is firm and sporty, the GLC is focused more on comfort and ride quality. In terms of features, they’re evenly matched, but the SQ5 offers more space on the inside and is the more practical pick of the two.

The GLC is also very expensive and doesn’t bring a lot to the table to justify the higher price, especially when compared to the SQ5. Overall, if you’re looking for luxury and comfort, the GLC is the better pick of the two.

2021 Audi SQ5 vs 2021 Porsche Macan S

The Porsche Macan can be considered as a more exotic and sporty version of the SQ5 as they’re both based on the same platform with similar powertrains. However, Porsche has always focused on performance before all else, and the Macan is a testament to that.

The legendary PDK gearbox runs rings around the Audi and the Macan is easily more athletic. Bot, as expected, Porsche drops the ball in terms of practicality. The Macan gets a cramped interior with abysmal cargo space and also suffers in terms of ride quality and comfort compared to the SQ5.

With all the new updates and features, the Audi SQ5 is more appealing than ever before. It still manages to turn heads with its handsome design and unique tech like OLED taillights. The SQ5 is also very balanced in terms of ride quality and performance. However, because of this, it is not as fun-to-drive as the BMW X3 or as comfortable as the GLC 43. The SQ5 is also rather expensive and doesn’t feel as luxurious or well-appointed as some of its rivals. If you’re looking for a luxury crossover that balances both comfort and performance, the 2021 Audi SQ5 should be considered.