2024 Audi SQ5: All-New Update Audi SQ5 Compact SUV Exclusive Review

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2024 Audi SQ5 is working on the next-generation SQ5, but it’s unclear what will drive it.

The third-generation Q5 and SQ5 ranges are expected to be the last to offer both petrol and diesel engines, as Audi plans to stop selling cars with internal combustion powertrains outside China by 2033.

It will also find itself sharing a showroom with the upcoming e-Tron Q6 electric SUV, based on a platform co-developed by Audi and Porsche.

The regular Q5 has been spied on testing, but this prototype appears to be an SQ5 based on quad exhaust outlets and slightly larger brakes.

All-New Audi SQ5 Sporty Crossover Review

With Audi already working on the third-generation Q5, which will replace the current generation that premiered at the 2016 Paris Auto Show, and entering production one year later, it’s only natural that the SQ5 will follow suit.

Seen in sunny Spain undergoing hot weather testing, this highly camouflaged prototype looks a bit more aggressive than the regular model. For one, it has four exhausts, a clear indication that we are indeed looking at the SQ5.

The wide grille, although not as large as its predecessor, is flanked by a pair of sleek LED headlights. It has a vertical air intake below it, and a middle one, with an apron-like section at the bottom of the bumper.

At the rear, the reflector is smaller than before, and the license plate holder is still in the center of the tailgate. Don’t mind the weird taillights though, they’re temporary.

2024 Audi SQ5 Specs

The SQ5 is currently available in Australia exclusively with a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 featuring a 48V mild hybrid system and outputs of 251kW and 700Nm.

It was previously offered a 3.0-liter turbo-petrol V6 with 260kW and 500Nm. This powertrain continues to be offered in markets such as North America.

Whatever engine the SQ5 uses next, it will most likely use a mild hybrid system. Audi, however, is expected to introduce a twin-turbo V6 plug-in hybrid powertrain in hotter models like the next RS4.

It is understood that the next-generation Q5 and SQ5 will use an updated version of the existing MLB Evo platform, much like the next-generation Audi A4 that has been spied on before.

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2024 Audi SQ5 Interior

Our spy photographer couldn’t get close enough to the examiner to take some pictures of the interior. Nonetheless, it is believed to be similar (if not nearly identical) to the S4. The tablet-like infotainment system is partially visible if you zoom in on certain images, and sits next to the digital instrument cluster which has a freestanding design.

While our photographers were unable to capture the interior of this prototype, it will likely feature a design similar to the new A4.

Next-generation sedans and wagons have been spied on featuring larger touchscreens incorporating climate control, and sitting next to a standalone digital instrument cluster.

2024 Audi SQ5 Exterior

The exterior of the SQ5 appears to be an evolution of the current car’s design, with a similar silhouette.

2024 Audi SQ5

The wheelbase appears to be slightly longer, which can result in more passenger and cargo space. The headlights appear to be production-ready LED units, although the taillights are prototype units.

2024 Audi SQ5 Engine

You might be wondering what the upcoming SQ5 is hiding under the hood, and it’s possible that the same engine as the S4, V6, might be helped by a mild hybrid system, with up to 370 hp, if the latest reports hold the water.

That would be an increase of about 20 hp or so over the current iteration, which is capable of hitting 60 mph (97 kph) in 4.7 seconds.

Its launch date is unknown, but it is expected to premiere sometime in 2024, which will make it a 2025 model by the time it gets its US visa.

READ NEXT: 2024 Audi Q5: All-New Audi Q5 Compact Sport Luxury SUV Review

2024 Audi SQ5 Release Date

The next Q5 and SQ5 are expected to debut in 2024, with the Sportback’s ‘coupe SUV’ body style expected to follow the conventional wagon.

While camouflage camouflages most of the SQ5’s body, it looks like there will be more subtle side creases than in the current car.

The current generation Audi Q5 has been on sale locally since 2017 and gets a refresh in 2021. It remains one of the best-selling midsize luxury SUVs in Australia, with 1861 sales through the end of June 2022 including the SQ5.

2024 Audi SQ5 Price

The Audi Q5 2024 could arrive at US dealers in the first half of 2024. The Audi Mexico plant, located in San José Chiapa, specializes in the production of the Q5 and will produce the third-generation SUV. Expect prices to start at around USD 45,000.

2024 Audi SQ5

People also ask Audi SQ5 2024

Q: When was the Audi SQ5 redesigned?
A: 2018 has been by far the most revolutionary year for the Audi Q5, with Audi bringing a complete redesign inside and out.

Q: Is the Audi Q5 being redesigned in 2023?
A: The Audi Q5 2023 and 2023 Q5 Sportback are the default models, and no major changes are expected for the new model year.

Q: Is the Audi Q5 the same as the SQ5?
A: The Q5 2021 and SQ5 2021 have the same profile, dimensions, and contours on all surfaces, but have distinct accents.

Q: What does the S in SQ5 stand for?
A: The RS is Audi’s highest performance ‘top-tier’ trim level, positioned clearly above the “S” (“Sport”) specification level of Audi’s regular model lineup.