Diesel-powered cars may be a dying breed in Europe, no thanks to the stricter emission standards, but Audi has nonetheless given its 2021 SQ5 Sportback a low-revving oil burner.
Announced last month, the performance coupe-SUV recently became the subject of the Euro reviewers at Automann-TV who among other things, wanted to see how it sounds.
We will get to that part in a few moments, but first let’s see what lies under the hood. Popping it open will reveal a 3.0-liter V6 with a traditional exhaust-driven turbocharger aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that supports an electric compressor system that kicks in to boost performance. The engine features several new and modified internals over last year’s SQ5 SUV, for a total output of 336 HP (341 PS / 251 kW) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque available from 1,750 to 3,250 rpm.
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In a straight-line acceleration, the coupe SUV from Ingolstadt, which uses an eight-speed tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive, needs 5.1 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) and will reach a limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).
Besides the potent V6, the 2021 SQ5 Sportback TDI boasts upgraded brakes, S sport suspension with damper control, standard 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 255/45 rubber or optional 21-inch rims, and a sporty yet discreet body kit that separates it from the rest of the 2021 Q5 Sportback lineup.
In Germany, the 2021 SQ5 Sportback TDI has a starting price of €72,050 ($87,142), including tax, €2,150 ($2,600) more than the normal-body SQ5 TDI, and while you cannot have it in this configuration in the US, you can get the SQ5 Sportback with a 3.0-liter gasoline engine that develops 349 HP and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm). That one needs 4.7 seconds to sprint to 60 mph (96 km/h), has a 155 mph (250 km/h) limited top speed, a 4,400 lbs (1,995 kg) towing capacity and a $56,100 MSRP.