2017 Audi SQ5

The main highlights of the 2017 SQ5 are a potent 3.0L V6 engine, large 20-inch alloy wheels, premium Xenon headlights and aggressive sporty exteriors. The car is keeping the sporty legacy of its predecessors in looks and performance. The other highlights include best in class acceleration, ample of cargo space, and luxury interiors with leather upholstery.

2017 SQ5 comes in two trims priced at $53,300 and $60,800 for Premium Plus and Prestige respectively. The standard features offered by the German manufacturer in the base Premium Plus trim include a powerful 354hp V6 engine, 20" alloy wheels with premium summer tires, Flat-bottom three-spoke multifunction sport steering wheel, Automatic dual-zone climate control, and keyless entry and ignition. The other highlights of the base trim are premium leather crafted interiors, brushed aluminum interiors inlays, Automatic Xenon headlights, power folded and heated mirrors, heated eight-way-adjustable power front seats, and a panoramic sunroof on the board.

Trim	Premium Plus	Prestige
MSRP	$53,300	$60,800
Key Features	Flat-bottom three-spoke multifunction sport steering wheel with shift paddles Brushed Aluminum interior inlays Twelve-way power front sport seats, including four-way power lumbar adjustment for driver and passenger with SQ5 logo Audi connect with six-month trial subscription MMI navigation plus with voice control system SiriusXM Traffic with four-year subscription Audi adaptive cruise control BLUETOOTH streaming audio for compatible devices	Layered Aluminum/Black Wood interior inlays Diamond-stitched Fine Nappa leather seats Rear-passenger thorax side airbags Adaptive xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and static cornering lights Manual rear-side sunshades Audi connect® with six-month trial subscription MMI navigation plus with voice control system SiriusXM Traffic with a four-year subscription Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 14 speakers and 505 watts Audi adaptive cruise control BLUETOOTH streaming audio for compatible devices

The upper "Prestige" trim features additional features like a rearview parking camera, front and rear parking sensors, Blind spot monitoring system, adaptive headlights, dynamic steering, and adaptive cruise control. A 7-inch driver display, LTE connectivity, Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 14 speakers and an MMI controller is also standard on the Prestige trim.

The user can opt for the additional luxury package in both trims; the luxury package add ventilated front seats and premium leather to the Interiors including seats. Users can choose among some additional options i.e. 21-inch wheels, rear side airbag, and diamond-stitched leather upholstery along with additional customized paint options.

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The best option is to go for the upper "Prestige" trim as it is equipped with better safety features including parking Assist System, adaptive cruise control, rear side airbags and blind spot monitor on the board along with better infotainment and more premium interiors.

"The 2017 Audi SQ5's supercharged V6 engine is just a pumped-up variant of the regular Q5 3.0T's V6, but it's hard to dismiss the results. By the numbers, it cranks out an extra 82 hp and 51 lb-ft of torque, and that's a difference you'll feel every time you plant your right foot." -Edmunds

Engine and Transmission

2017 Audi SQ5 is equipped with a powerful 3.0L TFSI V6 engine which features best-in-class acceleration and torque counts. The potent V6 engine in the SQ5 produces 354 hp @ 6000 rpm and 346 pound-feet of torque. This engine comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Models	Audi SQ5 Premium Plus	Porsche Macan S	Cadillac XT5 SUV	Infiniti QX50
MSRP	$53,300	$54,400	$39,395	$34,650
Engine	3.0 TFSI 6 Cylinder	3.0L Twin Turbo V6	3.6L V6, DI, VVT	3.7L V6 24-Valve DOHC
Transmission	8-speed automatic	7-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	7-speed automatic
Horsepower	354 hp @ 6000 rpm	340 hp @ 5500 rpm	310 hp @ 6600 rpm	325 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque	346 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	339 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm	271 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	267 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm

No other rival matches the power that Audi SQ5 offers. The closest that comes is the Porsche Macan S that has 340 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. Cadillac XT5 is the least powerful car in the segment.

Acceleration

The premium crossover features agile acceleration results in the segment as it is equipped with a powerful V6. 2017 SQ5 takes just 5.1 seconds in attaining a speed of 60 MPH from still which is aggressive in the segment. The competitors like Cadillac XT5 SUV and Infiniti QX50 lag behind in the acceleration when compared with the 2017 SQ5. Though the Porsche Macan S throws a cut-throat competition to the Audi SQ6 in 0-60 mph acceleration test, it still lags behind in the quarter-mile test.

Models	Audi SQ5 Premium Plus	Porsche Macan S	Cadillac XT5 SUV	Infiniti QX50
0-60 MPH	5.1 sec	5.1 sec	6.6 sec	5.8 sec
Quarter mile	13.1 sec	13.6 sec	15.1 sec	14.3 sec
Engine	3.0L	3.0L	3.6L	3.7L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	9.3	9.3	8.0	8.9

The quarter-mile results are again impressive for the 2017 SQ5, as it takes just 13.1 seconds in measuring a quarter-mile distance. On the other hand, the competitors like Porsche Macan S, Cadillac XT5 SUV, and Infiniti QX50 take 13.6, 15.1, and 14.3 seconds respectively in covering a quarter-mile distance. As the premium crossover, SQ5 is boosted with a powerful engine, it has a high CO2 emission of 9.3 Tons/15K miles in the segment. At last, the 2017 Audi SQ5 impressed us in the acceleration segment with its class-leading performance.

Ride and Handling

2017 Audi SQ5 Premium Plus is boosted with a powerful V6 engine which throws thrilling acceleration in the segment. The car catches the air as you tap the accelerator. When it comes to comfort, Interiors are spacious and comfortable for the premium crossover, especially the front seats are suitable enough for long rides. The shifting was smooth in the 8-Speed Automatic transmission and there are plenty of driving modes to choose from.

The adaptive suspension dampers work well as the crossover doesn’t compromise with comfort even on rugged roads. The rear seats also feature decent and spacious seating. The handling was firm and confident in the 2017 Audi SQ5, the steering is convenient and offers a good grip though it's a bit large in size. The crossover handles the road conditions well and offers a sporty riding experience. The overall riding experience was impressive and thrilling in the segment.

Braking

2017 Audi SQ5 is equipped with large front and rear braking pads of 15 and 13 inches for the front and rear braking pads respectively. The premium crossover features Anti-lock Braking System on the board. The 2017 SQ5 slides 123 inches while decelerating from 60 mph to still which is acceptable considering its huge curb weight of 4442 Ibs.

Model	Audi SQ5 Premium Plus	Porsche Macan S	Cadillac XT5 SUV	Infiniti QX50
Brake Front (in.)	15.0	13.8	13.6	12.6
Brake Rear (in.)	13.0	13.0	12.4	12.1
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4442	4112	3985	3855
60-0 MPH (ft.)	123	119	128	114

The competitors like Porsche Macan S, Cadillac XT5 SUV, and Infiniti QX50 slide 119, 128, and 114 inches respectively in the 60-0 mph deceleration test. The rivals like Porsche Macan S and Infiniti QX50 feature more powerful braking systems when compared with the SQ5 Premium Plus. At last, the Audi SQ5 has below-average braking performance in the segment.

Towing capacity

The premium crossover from Audi has the decent towing capacity as well. It can easily handle any weight up to 440p lbs. The towing capacity is more or less same with the Porsche Macan S which has an additional towing capacity of 9 Ibs when compared with the SQ5.

Model	Audi SQ5 Premium Plus	Porsche Macan S	Cadillac XT5 SUV	Infiniti QX50
Towing Capacity (lbs.)	4400	4409	3500	N/A

The competitors like Cadillac XT5 SUV and Infiniti QX50 lacks in the segment when compared with the SQ5. At last, the 2017 Audi SQ5 Premium Plus offers decent results in the towing capacity segment.

As the mid-range crossover segment is known for its high-performance and utility, the Audi SQ5 is not a fuel-efficient vehicle. The car offers a fuel economy of 17 and 24 mpg on city roads and highways respectively. The Porsche Macan S, another high-performance CUV, features almost the same results as the SQ5. On the other hand, Cadillac XT5 SUV and Infiniti QX50 feature slightly better fuel economies.

Model	Audi SQ5 Premium Plus	Porsche Macan S	Cadillac XT5 SUV	Infiniti QX50
MPG (city)	17	17	19	17
MPG (highway)	24	23	27	24
MPG (combined)	19	19	22	20

The combined average for the Audi SQ5 Premium Plus stands at 19 mpg while the competitors offer average fuel economies of 19, 22, and 20 mpg respectively. The competitors like Cadillac XT5 SUV and Infiniti QX50 are equipped with lower curb weights and fuel-efficient engines when compared with the 2017 Audi SQ5. The fuel offered by Audi SQ5 is acceptable considering its high performance and curb weight.

"The SQ5 has all the classy cabin elements you expect from Audi, along with sport-themed additions like a flat-bottom steering wheel with shift paddles, simulated suede trim and an exquisite leather/aluminum shift knob... It's a well-executed makeover of what is already a very nice interior in the regular Audi Q5."  -Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

Audi SQ5 has a passenger capacity of five. The premium crossover features above-average passenger volume and dimensions of 34.9/57.7/ 41.0 inches for front seats and 39.0/56.4/37.4 inches for rear seats for the head, shoulder, and leg respectively. The front passenger seats are heated and 8-way power adjustable in the premium crossover.

The interiors are well crafted with leather upholstery on the seats as well as on steering wheel with contrast stitching. The other interior features include phone holder, dual-cup holders, dual-zone climate control, three-spoke multifunction sport steering wheel, keyless entry and ignition, and a panoramic sunroof on the board.

Model	Audi SQ5 Premium Plus	Porsche Macan S	Cadillac XT5 SUV	Infiniti QX50
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.4/57.7/41.0	N/A	38.4/58.3/41.2	38.7/54.8/44.3
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.0/56.4/37.4	N/A	36.0/56.2/39.5	N/A

Infotainment System

2017 Audi SQ5 is equipped with the old MMI (multi-media interface) infotainment system along with a 10-speaker sound system on the board. The infotainment is convenient to use but isn't feature rich at all. The basic features like USB input and Bluetooth audio aren't available in the base trim. The main highlights of the infotainment system include Audi connect with a six-month trial subscription, MMI® navigation plus with voice control system, SiriusXM® Traffic with four-year subscription and MMI controller on the board.

Cargo capacity

2017 Audi SQ5 impress us with its huge cargo capacity. The luxury crossover has an ample amount of boot space for all your cargo needs. The cargo volume for the 2017 Audi SQ5 measures at 29.1 ft. cube which is one of the best cargo capacities in the segment. The competitors like Porsche Macan S, Infiniti QX50 feature lower boot capacities of 17.7 and 18.6 ft. cube respectively.

Model	Audi SQ5 Premium Plus	Porsche Macan S	Cadillac XT5 SUV	Infiniti QX50
Cargo Volume 3rd row up (ft.3)	29.1	17.7	N/A	18.6
Cargo Volume 2nd row up (ft.3)	29.1	17.7	30.0	18.6
Cargo Volume rear 2nd  row folded (ft.3)	57.3	53.0	63.0	50.1

The boot is convenient and adjustable in the 2017 Audi SQ5 Premium Plus. It can easily handle cargo of four passengers for a weekend outing. You can easily put two large size cargo bags in the boot. The car also features foldable rear seats which further increase the cargo capacity to 57.3 ft. cube. At last, the premium German crossover is offering good specs. in the cargo segment.

"There's no mistaking the 2017 Q5 for anything but an Audi. The massive trapezoidal grille, well-proportioned rear with twin tailpipes, and tidy dimensions all perfectly capture the Audi aesthetic"- KBB

Dimensions and Weight

2017 Audi SQ5 Premium Plus offers a sturdy build quality along with aggressive styling on the exteriors. The large 20-inch alloy wheels, sparkling silver mirrors, premium Xenon headlights, and aggressively styled large bonnet grills complement the premium looks of the 2017 Audi SQ5 Premium Plus. The dimensions of the premium crossover measure 183, 75.2, and 65.2 in length, width, and height respectively.

Model	Audi SQ5 Premium Plus	Porsche Macan S	Cadillac XT5 SUV	Infiniti QX50
Curb weight (lbs.)	4442	4112	3985	3855
Length(in)	183.0	184.3	189.5	186.8
Width(in)	75.2	76.1	75.0	71.0
Height(in)	65.3	63.4	66.0	62.7
Ground clearance (in)	8.2	7.8	7.8	6.9
Wheelbase (in)	110.5	110.5	112.5	113.4
Track width (in) F/R	64.2/64.0	65.2/65.0	64.4/64.4	60.4/61.0

The premium crossover features best-in-class ground clearance of 8.2 inches while the competitors like Porsche Macan S, Cadillac XT5 SUV, and Infiniti QX50 offer ground clearances of 7.8, 7.8, and 6.9 inches respectively. The offers large wheelbase and track width (F/R) of 110.5 and 64.2/64.0 (F/R) respectively.

Audi SQ5 Premium Plus is equipped with advanced safety features including ESC (Electronic Stability Control), Low Tire Pressure Warning system, ABS and Driveline Traction Control on the board. The other safety features include Anti-lock Braking System and Roll Stability Control (RSC). The upper "Prestige" trim is equipped with additional safety features including parking Assist System, adaptive cruise control, rear side airbags and blind spot monitor on the board.

Safety Features

Standard safety features in the SQ5 include -

• Sideguard Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Roll Stability Control (RSC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
• Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and Pretensioners
• Rear Child Safety Locks
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor

For driver and front passenger safety, there are dual-stage SIDEGUARD Curtain 1st and 2nd Row Airbags with airbag occupancy sensor. Front side airbags are optional in both Premium Plus and Prestige trims. LATCH, rear child safety locks are standard in both trims of Audi SQ5. Unfortunately, rearview camera and smart parking Assist System aren't standard in the premium plus trim; you have to spend extra bucks for that The premium crossover performance well in the NHTSA test and offers above average ratings in the segment.

NHTSA Ratings

Overall rating	4 star
Overall frontal barrier crash rating	4 star
Frontal barrier crash rating driver	4 star
Overall side crash rating	5 star
Side barrier rating	5 star
Side pole rating driver front seat	5 star
Combined side rating rear seat	5 star
Rollover rating	4 star
Side barrier rating driver	5 star
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger	5 star
Combined side rating front seat	5 star
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat	5 star

 

Audi SQ5 vs Porsche Macan S vs Audi SQ5

Both 2017 Audi SQ5 and Porsche Macan S are equipped with powerful engines that produce thrilling acceleration experience. The Audi SQ5 excels in segments like power and torque counts, ground clearance and cargo capacity when compared with the Porsche Macan S. On the other hand, Porsche Macan S outshines the SQ5 in segments like towing capacity, curb weight, and braking. Both the crossovers offer cut-throat competition to each other in the segment.  

Audi SQ5 vs Cadillac XT5 SUV vs Audi SQ5

2017 Audi SQ5 is features better power and acceleration when compared with the Cadillac Xt5 SUV. Audi SQ5 also excels in segments like cargo capacity, ground clearance, braking, and towing capacity. On the other hand, the Cadillac XT5, with a cheaper price tag, outshines the SQ5 in segments like fuel economy, rear leg space and infotainment system.

Audi SQ5 vs Infiniti QX50

There is no doubt that Audi SQ5 has a way more powerful acceleration and power when compared with the Infiniti QX50. The Audi SQ5 excels in segments like cargo capacity, ground clearance, premium interiors, towing capacity and infotainment system. On the other hand, $20k cheaper offer better braking and fuel economy than the 2017 Audi SQ5.  

2017 Audi SQ5 Premium Plus is boosted with a potent V6 engine that shows best-in-class power and torque counts along with agile acceleration performance. The premium crossover will impress with its ample cargo capacity, thrilling acceleration, premium and comfortable riding experience and aggressive sporty exteriors though it lacks in segments like braking, fuel economy and infotainment system when compared with the competitors.