At the forefront of the range is the Audi SQ5 Sportback TDI. Its cultivated three-liter diesel engine produces an output of 251 kW (341 PS), the powerful torque of 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) is constantly available from 1,750 rpm to 3,250 rpm. An actuator in the exhaust system lends the sound tone and richness. Performance: 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 5.1 seconds, top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph) (electronically limited). A small, light compressor wheel rotates in the turbocharger of the V6 diesel engine, getting up to speed especially quickly – an important factor for the spontaneous and powerful development of torque. The intercooler now runs via a new, indirect water-air cooler in the inside V of the engine. The quick build-up of the boost pressure benefits from the short intake air routes. The 3.0 TDI has been made even better in many details. The pistons have been changed from aluminum to forged steel. This new material reduces heat losses and because of its strength does not incur any weight penalty compared with aluminum pistons The solenoid valve injectors are able to inject the fuel with a constantly high level of precision because a new piezoelectric sensor monitors the closing of the needle. It can perform up to eight individual injections per work cycle and also meter minimal fuel quantities with high precision.
Distinctive details help the Audi SQ5 Sportback TDI leave an even more powerful impression. Vertical brackets give structure to the large side air inlets on the front bumper. Filigree bars connect large octagonal honeycombs with each other in the octagonal Singleframe grille. Audi LED headlights are installed as standard, Matrix LED headlight with automatic high beam and dynamic turn signals are available as an option. The rear bumper integrates a bracket in matte aluminum, under which the diffuser insert and four chrome-plated oval tailpipe trims can be found. The new digital OLED technology can be chosen for the rear lights. The interior of the Audi SQ5 Sportback TDI is designed in black or dark gray colors, the illuminated aluminum door sill trims are decorated with S logos. There is a choice of three upholstery options for the electrically adjustable sport seats with the embossed S logos. Contrasting stitching adorns the seats and the steering wheel; a massage function and seat ventilation are available on request. Brushed aluminum is standard for the inlays, the alternatives are two carbon designs and a piano finish.
The suspension of the Audi SQ5 Sportback TDI is able to handle the performance of the powerful diesel drive with supreme ease. Five-link suspensions direct each of the four wheels. 20-inch wheels with 255/45 tires are standard, but 21-inch wheels from Audi or Audi Sport GmbH are available as an alternative. Six-piston brake calipers made of aluminum and brake disks with a diameter of 375 mm (14.8 in) are mounted on the front axle. The S sport suspension with damper control lowers the body by 30 mm (1.2 in) compared with the Q5 Sportback and offers an especially wide spread between comfort and dynamism. Along with the optional sport differential, engine, steering and the automatic transmission, the controlled dampers are integrated in the standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system, which allows the driver to manage the character of these systems via six profiles. A seventh profile (allroad) is added if the adaptive air suspension with S-specific tuning is on board – the air suspension adapts the body’s ride height to the driving situation at the time. Dynamic steering is another optional module.
The 3.0 TDI brings with it two technologies that reduce fuel consumption and enhance spontaneity. The 48 V mild hybrid system (MHEV) recovers up to 8 kW of power when decelerating. With the electricity from the lithium-ion battery, the CUV can coast for up to 40 seconds with the engine off, after which the belt-driven starter-alternator comfortably restarts the engine. Another building block in the 48 V network is the electric powered compressor (EPC). When moving off and accelerating from low rotational speeds, it accelerates the build-up of the boost pressure and ensures that the 3.0 TDI responds spontaneously. As with the 3.0 TDI version of the Q5 Sportback, a fast and smooth-shifting eight-speed tiptronic handles the power transmission in the S model. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive transfers the torque variably as needed to the front and rear axles. The outside rear wheel is also given more torque when accelerating out of tight radii in order to further increase the dynamism. As in all TDI engines, Audi employs the twin dosing technology with two SCR catalytic converters in the Q5 Sportback for the aftertreatment of the exhaust gas. The first of these catalytic converters lies directly behind the manifold in the exhaust line and serves as a particulate filter at the same time; the second is located away from the engine under the vehicle floor. With the two catalytic converters, different operating situations and a wide temperature window for the exhaust gas can be covered. Thanks to the twin dosing technology, the SQ5 Sportback TDI also comes in well below the limits set by the new Euro 6d ISC-FCM emission standard.
