2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback

The 2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback is offered in three different trims; Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. The different trim levels offer varying levels of equipment and luxury, but the powertrain and mechanicals mostly remain unchanged on all three. All models are available in the Quattro AWD configuration with a 3-liter turbocharged V6 engine. The base model starts at $57,300, while the Prestige costs $65,700 at the least. The Audi SQ5 Sportback has some standard features that are not seen in other luxury SUVs. 

The 2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback has a power panoramic glass that offers unrestricted views of the sky. It also offers features like leather/Dinamica seating, a power tailgate, and a three-zone automatic climate control system from the base variant itself. The cabin is spacious and the dashboard is high-tech, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen that has integrated smartphone connectivity as standard, while features like wireless charging, Audi virtual cockpit, and navigation are offered on higher trims. 

The exterior is designed with a smooth angled rear end like seen in fastback. It also has LED headlights and taillights, and the top-end trim is fitted with Matrix design headlamps and used OLED technology in taillights. The 2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback comes with a decent list of standard safety features that includes seat belt pre-tensioners, emergency braking systems, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, rearview camera, Audi side assist, and lane departure warning. It also has airbags, as well as child door locks, and tire pressure monitoring.

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The top-end Prestige trim from the 2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback is an excellent choice because it has a lot of technological features that justify the price. For example, the Prestige trim comes with the Navigation system, Head-up display, and Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System, apart from the basic standard infotainment features which include a wireless charger, and Audi Connect that allows you to use an iPhone or Android device to make phone calls, send text messages, use Google Maps and access your Internet radio stations. There are also plenty of different advanced driver assistance features on this trim, including adaptive cruise control, a top-view camera, Active lane assist, Active side Assist, Park Assist, and much more that collectively form a group of semi-autonomous driving features.

2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback Release Date

The German automaker Audi has announced the lineup modifications for the year 2022. The company has not specified the exact Sportback release date but it is expected to be in the mid or late of the year 2021. The Audi SQ5 Sportback is available for build on the official Audi website. The 'Build section' on the website is currently featuring three trims and prices ranging from $57,300 to $65,700.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback has an impressive powertrain. The power plant is a 3.0L TFSI engine that produces 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. This engine is capable of achieving a top speed of 155 mph. The SQ5 also comes with the Quattro all-wheel-drive system, Audi Drive Select, and Audi's Tiptronic automatic transmission. This engine is coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission and offers a 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds. This Sportback can also cover a quarter-mile distance in just 13.7 seconds.

The Audi's Quattro system is a dynamic all-wheel drive to give the driver more control. Also, you can opt for the all-season tires, but it takes the edge off the top speed bringing it down to 130 mph. The Audi SQ5 Sportback has a lightweight multi-material structure and an electronic Quattro all-wheel-drive system that helps in better handling and stability during high-speed cornering. For superior sporty handling and performance, one can opt for the S Sport package which gives sport tuning to the drive-by adjusting things like damping and rides height. 

The transmission shifts seamlessly and the steering feedback is quick. The Audi SQ5 Sportback offers a standard feature that is rather popular with modern car drivers: suspension that adjusts to the driver's style, i.e. adaptive damping suspension which can be further customized by replacing with the available sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension. The suspension is tuned to be more comfortable for long distances but still keeps the car sporty. The Audi SQ5 Sportback offers an advanced experience for drivers who want to have a slightly sporty experience behind the wheel of a luxury vehicle. With this car, the driver's skills will truly be tested as they shift between driving modes.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, which is a bit more than the Porsche Macan S engine horsepower and torque. However, the Audi SQ5 Sportback’s 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds is much less than the Porsche Macan’s 3.9 seconds. The other two competitors, i.e. BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 are also more powerful as well as faster than the Audi SQ5 Sportback, but none of those too cannot reach the Porsche Macan time limit. The Porsche Macan S also has the highest top speed limit at 160mph, while the other three competitors can go as fast as 155mph only.

The fuel economy of the SQ5 and the SQ5 Sportback does not differ much from each other due to the common powertrain combinations. The SQ5 Sportback, as the name mentions is a sporty hatch, which is why you can’t expect phenomenal mileage figures from it. It still performs satisfactorily when it comes to fuel economy putting down 19mpg within the city and 24mpg on highways. This combines to an average of 21mpg which is decent considering the power and acceleration figures. 

The BMW X3 M40i is a great option for those who want to save on gas. The inline engine has a combined fuel economy of 21mpg within the city, 27mpg on straight highways, and 23 miles per gallon. The Porsche Macan S also does well in the area of fuel efficiency with a combined fuel economy of 232 miles per gallon. After that, the Audi SQ5 Sportback and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 tie up at decent fuel economy with a combined fuel economy of 21 miles per gallon. Thus, the BMW X3 is the best option for enthusiasts who have some frugal inclination as well.

The 2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback's interior is built with the same commitment to quality, design, and materials as every other new Audi. The 2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback is looking for an upscale, confident customer with a taste for the luxury and premium feel. The Audi SQ5 Sportback has a look and feels that's been carefully crafted to be a step up from what came before it. That's why it has introduced all-new Carbon Atlas inlays in the interiors. The other materials used in the trim such as leather/Dinamica seating with cloth headliner complement the look of the cabin. 

Controls are well-placed and ergonomically designed for ease of use. The center console and infotainment system are placed within easy reach of the driver. The 2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback has some great features and a great drive for all the people. The interior is where you find a lot of things happening, with a power panoramic sunroof and seats that are positioned to give you optimal support for your back and legs. 

There is also a lot of legroom for the driver and passenger. All trims feature the center console which frees up a cup holder to keep beverages or take away in-car clutter. The heated front seating, climate control system, and adaptive air suspension will let you drive in comfort and style. The seats are wrapped in real leather/Dinamica as already mentioned earlier and designed to have the perfect amount of cushioning so that you can feel like you're in a chair as opposed to a car. And because they're heated, you can use them on cold days.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback, BMW X3 M40i, Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, and Porsche Macan S are all sporty two-row SUVs that offer a good amount of interior space. The Audi SQ5 Sportback offers the most spacious interior with plenty of headroom, shoulder room, and legroom in both rows. But it has compromised on the cargo room due to its sloping roofline. 

The BMW X3 M40i is a close second to the Audi, only due to the 35.5 inches of legroom at the rear which Audi tops at 37.8 inches. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 also offers as much interior space as the BMW X3 M40i and Audi SQ5 Sportback, and it is well packaged in terms of room figures after Audi SQ5 Sportback again due to the BMW rear legroom. Yet the BMW X3 M40i leads on the front of cargo space offering 28.7cu-ft which is much bigger than the rest. Some standout interior features of the Audi SQ5 Sportback include:

• Carbon Atlas inlays
• leather/Dinamica seating 
• Cloth headliner
• Heated front seating, 
• Climate control system
• Beverage holders

How intuitive is the car’s infotainment unit?

Drivers will appreciate the Audi SQ5's tech-savvy infotainment system. The gorgeous interior of the 2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback is complemented by modern amenities which will provide drivers with ultimate infotainment. The 10.1-inch central touchscreen on the dashboard and 7-inch driver information display behind the steering wheel, offer access to a variety of applications that are found through a scrolling menu. "Audi Connect" is a key feature that many drivers will enjoy, which enables them to connect to their phones to stream content and receive updates and messages. This feature will be compatible with both Apple and Android users. There is also a Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound system featured on the Audi SQ5 Sportback top-end variant that delivers a soulful audio experience.

For higher trims, it will also provide a navigation system to get location-based data including live traffic updates and suggestions for the best route to your destination. The 12.3-inch HD Audi Virtual Cockpit is a feature on the Audi SQ5 Sportback that enhances the driving experience. The top trims are also loaded with the latest in display technology like the Head-Up Display that provides the driver with all necessary information without ever having to look away from the road. It also features a top-view camera that will help you navigate through tight spaces and difficult parking situations with ease. That said, drivers will experience a cabin filled with realistic imagery and information, giving them the power to control the car's features with the slightest turn of their wrist. The standout infotainment features include:

• 10.1-inch central touchscreen
• 7-inch driver information display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 12.3-inch HD Audi Virtual Cockpit(trim-based)
• Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound system(trim-based)
• Head-Up Display(trim-based)

The Audi SQ5 Sportback is an SUV that appeals to drivers who like the style of a Sportback but desire the utility of an SUV. It is not a new car for this year, but it is still worth noting. The 2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback has an aggressive look with a sweeping roofline. 2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback also has the same honeycomb grille and Audi Design character lines that flow from one side of the car to the other. The 2020 SQ5's exterior is based on the latest design language that includes the honeycomb grille with LED headlight units, whereas higher trims get the Matrix headlights.

The taillights of the 2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback are very nice with modern look, stylish lines, and have dynamic turn signal indicators. The Prestige models go a step further and encompass OLED taillights which are used for best illumination. The power panoramic sunroof is a standard feature on the Audi SQ5 Sportback. The standard 20-inch 10-spoke star design wheels are platinum finished, which along with the aluminum exterior window surrounds give subtle shine and more sportiness to the Sportback style. There are 8 exterior color options to choose from including an exclusive special paint color that can add up to $3,900 to the budget. 

The Audi SQ5 Sportback comes in at an even 65.3 inches tall, which is 2.8 inches higher than the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 and 1.4-1.5 inches higher than the BMW X3 M40i and Porsche Macan S. But the width of the Audi SQ5 Sportback is less than both the BMW X3 M40i, Porsche Macan S, and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 which are 1.5+ inches wider. 

The Audi SQ5 Sportback also has a 111.2 inches wheelbase that’s shorter than the BMW X3 M40i and the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 which are 112.8 inches and 113.1 inches respectively, yet Audi SQ5 Sportback is roomier in both rows. The Audi SQ5 Sportback's overall length is 185 inches, which is 2.4 inches shorter than the BMW X3 M40i and 1.4 inches shorter than the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. The 2022 BMW X3 M40i drives at a height of 8.2 inches which is the highest clearance, while the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 has the lowest ground clearance of 6.7 inches. The highlight exterior features of the 2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback include:

• Power panoramic sunroof
• Honeycomb grille 
• LED headlight units
• 20-inch 10-spoke star design wheels
• Matrix headlights(trim-based)

The NHTSA and IIHS safety ratings for the 2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback are not yet available. The previous model year of the Audi SQ5 Sportback too was not rated, yet the Q5 which is a distinct cousin had a 5 out of 5-star rating from the NHTSA, and a "Good" score as well as ' Top Safety Pick+' badge from the IIHS. Audi has taken great care to make sure the new SQ5 Sportback is as safe as it is stylish. 

With their patented Audi pre-sense system, drivers will be alerted of impending accidents and protected with adaptive airbags. They also have an adaptive suspension that lowers the ride height in order to provide the driver with an optimal view of the road. Drivers will have their pick between three different drive modes. With a standard safety feature like lane departure warning, the new Audi SQ5 Sportback is engineered to keep you and your passengers safe. 

This system alerts drivers if the driver starts to sway the car away from the current lane on freeways or highways. Other safety features include front and rear parking sensors, Audi Side-Assist, and a rearview camera. The 2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback has additional safety features on higher trims, specifically many driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control, Audi active lane assist, top-view camera system, and Park Assist. The standout safety features of the 2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback include:

• Lane departure warning
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Audi Side-Assist 
• Rearview camera
• Cruise control

2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback vs 2022 BMW X3 M40i

The BMW X3 M40i is a much better choice than the Audi SQ5 Sportback. Although Audi is also more affordable than the Beemer, the BMW X3 M40i is a better SUV for anyone who wants a quicker yet more economical drive. If you’re looking for a compact SUV with excellent performance and a high-quality interior, get the BMW X3 M40i.

2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback vs 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43

The Audi SQ5 and Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 are both luxurious crossover crossovers with plenty of power, but the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 is the better of the two, as it has a more powerful engine, yet fuel economy in line with the Audi SQ5 Sportback. But the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 is higher priced than the Audi SQ5 Sportback.

In fact, the top-end Sportback model costs more or less similar to the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 base price. Thus if you want to do penny-pinching in this segment Audi SQ5 Sportback would sound great, but for hardcore performance, the Audi cannot stand as a substitute for the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43.

2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback vs 2022 Porsche Macan S

The Audi SQ5 Sportback is a crossover that has a nice and aggressive look. The Audi SQ5 is the best choice when it comes to decent performance, technology, and comfort. If you are looking for a sporty SUV, then the Porsche Macan offers you a more sophisticated drive experience and technology.

The Porsche Macan on the other hand is more attractive to a wealthier demographic. Porsche Macan is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a crossover with uncompromised high performance and all the latest tech features. 

The new Audi SQ5 Sportback offers a more luxurious and premium experience than ever before, with the carbon fiber introduction in interiors. The Audi SQ5 Sportback is less priced than rivals and has a generous list of standard offerings. But in terms of performance, it lags behind the rivals. No one could resist turning heads to the magnificent looks of this sporty crossover. That said, the 2022 Audi SQ5 Sportback, if viewed all together, comes forth as a valuable well-rounded package that ticks off everything in the list of luxury sport crossover buyers.