With the updated Audi Q5 confirmed for South Africa in 2021, attention turns to the performance derivatives. Audi recently revealed its SQ5 and here's all you need to know about it.

The facelifted Audi Q5 brings some fresher looks, clever lights and the cabin receives a more modern infotainment system. Revealed back in June 2020, the facelifted Audi Q5 range is due to land in SA in 2021. Thecurrent engine offerings for the Q5 will carry over which means the Q5 will be offered with a choice of a petrol and diesel engine and all Q5’s feature Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive.

In terms of engines, aturbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine in the Q5 45 TFSI offers 185 kW and 370 Nm of torque, while diesel fans can go for the2.0-litre turbodiesel engine in the Q5 40TDI, with outputs of140 kW and 400 Nm. What if you wanted more?

The recently-revealed Audi SQ5 TDI comes out swinging with a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel motor, packing a 251 kW and 700 Nm punch. Audi reckons it'll sprint to 100 kph in just 5.1 seconds and will carry on to a limited top speed of 250 kph. Power reaches all 4 wheels via an 8-speed tiptronic gearbox.

You may assume a TDI motor may not sound desirable, but Audi reckons its actuator in the exhaust system will give it a proper sound. The engine has been thoroughly revised, with forged steel pistons, upgraded injectors, uprated intercooler and a lighter compressor wheel in the turbo. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system has also been added.All of this means sharper performance, increased responsiveness and improved efficiency.

Interestingly, there's yet to be any mention of the petrol-powered derivative. Audi's RS and S division usually offers customers the choice of either a diesel-powered SQ5 or a petrol-powered SQ5. In South Africa, currently, the SQ5 is only offered in petrol flavour, with a meaty turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 delivering 260 kW and 500 Nm. 0-100 was dispatched in 5.4 seconds and it too had a top speed of 250 kph.

We'll update this post if we get confirmation from Audi South Africa regarding SQ5 availability. The Audi SQ5 is a rival to the BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43.

Further Reading

Audi Q5 Sportback takes on BMW X4

Facelifted Audi Q5 For SA in 2021

New Audi Q5 (2017) Launch Review

Audi SQ5 quattro (2017) Review

Audi Shows Storming SQ5 TDI