2023 Audi SQ5 Performance

All SQ5 derivatives for 2023 are powered by Audi's sonorous 3.0-liter V6 engine which utilizes turbocharging to produce 349 hp and 369 lb-ft. The quattro all-wheel-drive system has plenty of grip, allowing the SQ5 to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. This matches the 385-hp AMG GLC 43, but both are beaten by the 382-hp X3 M40i, which requires a mere 4.4 seconds to cover the same ground. As is the case with most German performance vehicles, the top speed is limited to 155 mph - opting for all-season tires reduces this to 130 mph.

Through the corners, the SQ5 struggles to keep up with competitors, lacking the crisp steering feel of rivals, with the X3 M40i having the edge in a set of bends. To liven the Audi up, an optional torque-vectoring rear differential can be fitted, giving it a more athletic feel. But this sits at odds with the comfortable demeanor the SQ5 SUV possesses and, besides, the rear-biased quattro setup (a standard 40/60 front/rear split) is entertaining enough, with its ability to send 85% of the torque to the rear wheels.

We'd advise taking a test drive to decide whether the new SQ5 SUV can satisfy your performance needs. Still, it is practical, boasting 4,400-lbs of towing capacity - better than the 3,500-lbs rating in the AMG competition and matching the X3.

The turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 TFSI engine under the hood of the SQ5 is beautifully refined and barely audible when commuting at regular speeds. The eight-speed automatic gearbox is a masterpiece, with imperceptible shifts contributing to a relaxed driving experience. In town, it is responsive and remains so on the highway. Passing is done with ease; flex your right foot and, aside from a whisper of turbo lag, the SQ5 will jettison you past slower-moving traffic without fuss. Acceleration from a standstill is less violent than its rivals, setting off with minimal drama.

The refined "cruiser" persona can easily make way for a more spirited one by shifting the SQ5 into Dynamic mode. While still hushed, the exhaust system becomes more pronounced, allowing you to revel in the melodious song and the full effect of 349 hp and 369 lb-ft. A manual shift mode adds to the driving experience and works rather well. While both the SQ5 and X3 M40i utilize the same ZF-sourced eight-speed transmission, it feels far smoother in the BMW. Overall, the Audi's 'box is better suited to daily driving than the nine-speed gearbox from AMG.

According to the EPA, the 2023 SQ5 is on par with rivals when it comes to gas mileage. Rated at 19/24/21 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles, it matches the GLC 43's 20 mpg combined rating. By comparison, the BMW X3 M40i has the best gas mileage, with an impressive 21/26/23 mpg. With an 18.5-gallon gas tank, the SQ5 is theoretically capable of a 388-mile range in mixed conditions. The automaker recommends premium gasoline for the turbocharged V6 mill.

If efficiency is your concern, the fully electric (and cheaper) Q4 e-tron would be a better buy. However, a middle ground can be found in the similarly priced Q5 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid. While it has zero sporting pretensions, it is more powerful than the SQ5, with 362 horsepower, and boasts superior fuel economy with the EPA rating the plug-in hybrid at 61 MPGe combined.