Audi’s mission to expand its range of ‘S’ model vehicles has just kicked up a gear, with the new SQ5 TDI Plus set to be introduced in October. As you can probably guess, the SQ5 TDI Plus will offer more power and more equipment over the regular SQ5 TDI.
Compared to the regular car, the twin-turbo diesel 3.0L V6 under the bonnet of the SQ5 Plus will chuck out a handy 250kW (340hp) and a meaty 700Nm (516lb-ft) of torque – some 20kW (27hp) more power and 50Nm (36.9lb-ft) more torque. Audi says this was achieved by means of increasing the pressure of the diesel injection system. The added bump to power and torque levels means the SQ5 Plus will take you and your family from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in around 5.1 seconds, and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Drive it normally and it promises to use just 6.6L of fuel per 100 kilometres (35mpg) – fast enough to push your back into the seat yet it won’t murder your wallet at the bowser.
As per all Audi S models, the SQ5 TDI Plus puts that power to the road via an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, except this time it now has a sports rear differential which can actively distribute percentages of power to either side as required – a first for any model in the Q5 family. The SQ5 TDI Plus also comes with gloss black 21-inch cast aluminium wheels in 5-twin-spoke star design from Audi Sport with size 255/40 R21 tyres. The gloss black theme continues elsewhere, with Audi using it on the exterior mirror housing, door handles, roof edge spoiler and also on the rear diffuser. Audi have also tweaked the rear of the SQ5 Plus, too, by adding two clasps that join the four exhaust tailpipes in pairs.
Inside, the sliding rear seat bench increases variability and enlarges the luggage compartment, if necessary. The armrests in the door trims are upholstered in leather. The Nappa leather seats also feature a diamond pattern in silver.
In addition to these features, quattro GmbH has put together the special equipment package “Audi exclusive selection macaw blue”, which is limited to 100 units, for the SQ5 TDI plus. The body is painted in the customized colour macaw blue, crystal effect and the interior comes with sport seats in black fine Nappa leather. Matching the exterior colour, the macaw blue contrasting stitching on the seats, the steering wheel, the selector lever gaiter and the floor mats provides colorful highlights. The inlays in alumina/Beaufort, black, round out the overall concept. The exclusive equipment package can be ordered at launch from a price of €12,000 in the SQ5 TDI plus.
The SQ5 TDI Plus goes on sale in Germany from October 2015 from €67,700.