Audi SQ5 arrives in Australia from $89,400

Audi Australia has launched the world’s fastest diesel-powered SUV and the company’s first TDI S model, the Audi SQ5. Priced from just $89,400 plus on-roads, the SQ5 is powered by a high-performance 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 diesel engine producing 230kW and 650Nm @ 1,450-2,800rpm.

Mated with a quick shifting 8-speed tiptronic transmission driving the quattro permanent four-wheel drive system, it propels the SUV from 0-100km/h in just 5.1 seconds and on to its top speed of 250km/h. Despite the SQ5’s potent performance, it sips just 6.8L/100km on average, thanks to thermal management, energy recovery and an engine start-stop system.

The SQ5’s driving dynamics benefits from stiffer S sport suspension that lowers the body by 30mm, as well as standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system.

Among the design details that set the SQ5 apart is the platinum grey single-frame grille with its galvanised dual struts in aluminium look, the roof spoiler, chunkier bumpers, quad-elliptical tailpipes and 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 255/45 tyres.

The sleek and sporty interior is designed in black, with an optional silver headlining. The electrically-adjustable sport seats are upholstered in fine Nappa leather, and are available in three colours. Interior inlays consist of brushed aluminium, or carbon atlas, piano finish black and aluminium beaufort as options.

The scales of the instruments are grey and their needles are white, while the pedals and shift paddles glisten in an aluminium look. Features such as the S gear shift knob, S badges on the door sill trims, on the start button and on the specially-shaped steering wheel, the S welcome screen and the light package accentuate the interior with special highlights.

As befitting its top of the range status, the SQ5 has a high level of standard equipment, including MMI Navigation plus, reverse camera, flat-bottom sports steering wheel, tyre pressure monitor and electric driver and passenger seats with memory function.

The first 60 vehicles to arrive in Australia will be very highly specified Launch Edition models, and are available in a choice of four colours: Glacier White, Ice Silver Metallic, Monsoon Grey and Panther Black

Costing an extra $14,720, the Launch Edition package brings 21-inch alloy wheels, dynamic steering, Bang & Olufsen audio system, Digital radio, High Beam assist, adaptive headlights, seat heating for front and outside rear passengers, carbon atlas inlays, privacy glazing, luggage rail system, partition net and alarm.

Audi also offers optional crystal effect exterior colour – Estoril Blue (shown here) and Panther Black – for this new top model.

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