New Audi SQ5 Diesel Unveiled With 342HP Mild-Hybrid V6 TDI

If the petrol-powered SQ5 is too thirsty for your taste, then Audi may have just the right vehicle for you, the new SQ5 Diesel.

Unveiled for the European market, it’s powered by a 3.0-liter V6 TDI, with a mild-hybrid system and an electric powered compressor (EPC). The latter was first introduced in the SQ7 TDI and makes torque available immediately, with no turbo lag, while also keeping revs low and improving fuel consumption.

The V6 diesel produces 347 PS (342 hp / 255 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. It’s married to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission and permanent Quattro all-wheel drive. The self-locking center differential can distribute up to 85 percent of the output to the rear axle, or up to 70 percent to the front, but under normal driving conditions, it has a 40:60 front-to-rear ratio.

Also Watch: Sporty 2018 Audi SQ5 Has All The Premium SUV Bases Covered

The 2019 SQ5 Diesel has a five-link suspension at the front and rear, and can be ordered with the optional sport differential for the rear axle, which actively distributes the torque between the rear wheels during dynamic cornering. Dynamic steering is another optional extra, along with the 21-inch wheels (20″ standard), several driving assistance items and technology features.

Audi’s new sporty SUV has revised bumpers, a grille with double aluminum slats and contrasting trim elements, and S logos on the outside. It also gets standard LED front and rear lights, dynamic turn signals and an exclusive color called Panther Black.

The cabin has a dark-tone look and adds the exclusive S logos, illuminated door sills, leather and Alcantara sports seats with contrast stitching, stainless steel pedals, aluminum-look for the paddle shifters, brushed aluminum inlays and others. Clients can also upgrade to Nappa leather with rhombus pattern, wood applications or carbon inlay.

In Germany, the new SQ5 TDI will have a base price of €67,750 ($76,863) and will arrive at dealers this summer.