It might be confusing to try and follow Audi's current fuel policy for the S performance models, some of which started off life as petrols and then switched to diesels, and then some which were diesels became petrols and so on, but the updated SQ5 performance SUV remains resolutely a TDI. Here's the rundown on what has changed.
MHEV tech and less power
Under the bonnet, the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel continues to see service, where it has... er, lost power, actually. Down from its previous peak of 347hp, the new SQ5 makes a slightly lower 341hp maximum, although the ultimate torque remains the same at 700Nm. Despite this 6hp deficit, brought about by changes to the drivetrain and exhaust to meet emissions regs, the updated SQ5 loses nothing on the oft-quoted performance metrics, running the 0-100km/h sprint in exactly the same 5.1 seconds as its predecessor and capable of a 250km/h limited top speed.
But there's a lot going on here mechanically, as Audi has taken great steps to make the V6 TDI ever more efficient. Its pistons are now made of forged steel, rather than aluminium, which doesn't incur a weight penalty but which allows for faster and more efficient fuel combustion. There's a new piezo sensor in the solenoid injectors of the fuelling system, while the SQ5's intercooler has been switched from its previous air-to-air unit mounted in the bumper, to a revised indirect water-to-air 'cooler in the inside of the V of the engine. As this results in a shorter intake path, turbo boost should build up more quickly, minimising any lag. Even the turbo itself has a smaller and lighter compressor to let it spool up to full operating speeds as rapidly as is possible, and as if all of that wasn't enough then know that the exhaust manifold has increased insulation and the SQ5 now has a 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system, making it an MHEV - this runs, among other things, an electrically powered compressor (EPC), another lag-reducing item which was first seen on the SQ7. Expect the MHEV tech to salvage 0.7 litres/100km of additional diesel on the SQ5.
Fresh-faced looks
Elsewhere in the Audi SQ5 2021MY, two selective catalytic reduction (SCR) converters are bolted into the exhaust system, necessitating a 24-litre AdBlue tank in the hot SUV - but this allows it to meet tough Euro 6d ISC-FCM AP emissions standards. The eight-speed Tiptronic torque-converter transmission and the prerequisite quattro all-wheel-drive system are both retained for the improved car, with a standard torque-split of 40:60 front-to-rear in normal driving. A maximum of 70 per cent of grunt can be directed to the nose of the SQ5, with up to 85 per cent being shunted rearwards if conditions allow. An optional Sport Differential can be fitted to the Audi SQ5, to further sharpen its manners in the corners, while suspension is handled by an S-tuned Sport set-up with a 30mm lower ride height than a regular Q5 with in-car adjustable dampers as part of Audi Drive Select. This is the standard arrangement, with adaptive air suspension another cost upgrade that owners can specify.
In the arches are 20-inch alloy wheels, with 21s an option, and behind those are powerful brakes with six-piston aluminium callipers gripping 375mm discs on the leading axle. So, beyond all these details, it's the looks which we must focus on next. Up front, the Singleframe grille has less chrome brightwork around it and in the large side air inlets flanking it, there are vertical fins incorporated into the design. Fresh daytime running light signatures can be espied in LED headlights, while round the back there's the option to have organic LED (OLED) technology in the clusters if you want. There's also a matte aluminium strip in the bumper, but what's this? Look in the diffuser and you'll spot four tailpipes poking out, replacing the egregious 'fake' efforts on the old SQ5. Don't get your hopes up too much, though, because these exhaust exits are most likely the dummy items you'd spot on the S6 TDI. Harrumph.
Inside the SQ5, buyers will enjoy a sporty ambience with Dinamica microfibre or Nappa leather as an upgrade, plus brushed aluminium inlays. For the driver, there's a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch MMI infotainment screen supplementing it. The SQ5 will also pack many advanced driver assist safety (ADAS) systems, beyond the usual high-end toys of an S-model Audi. The 2021MY Audi SQ5 TDI will launch on European markets in the first quarter of next year.