If you’re in the market for a luxury performance crossover SUV, the 2024 Audi SQ5 and SQ5 Sportback are vehicles that should be on your radar. Audi has consistently impressed with its SQ5 lineup, offering a blend of style, power, and comfort. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve deep into the 2024 Audi SQ5 and its Sportback variant, exploring everything from their specifications and features to their performance and pricing.
Audi SQ5 Overview
The Audi SQ5 is the sportier and more performance-oriented sibling of the standard Audi Q5. It stands out with a unique mesh grille pattern, blackout details, and larger wheels that give it a more aggressive and distinctive appearance. Inside, carbon inlays add a sporty touch, and leather sport seats provide both comfort and support. Audi’s excellent digital cockpit is also available, bringing advanced technology to the forefront.
One of the standout features of the SQ5 is its robust powertrain. Under the hood, you’ll find a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine that delivers an impressive 354 horsepower, outperforming the base Q5 by a substantial margin. This power translates to strong acceleration and confident highway passing. While it may not be as track-focused as some of its competitors, like the BMW X3 M or the Porsche Macan, the SQ5 prioritizes comfort, making it an excellent choice for long family road trips.
What’s New for 2024?
For the 2024 model year, Audi has introduced some significant tech and feature updates to the SQ5:
- Adaptive cruise control with adaptive cruise assist is now standard, improving the SUV’s driving assistance capabilities.
- Lane-keep assist is also included as standard, enhancing safety during highway driving.
- A heated steering wheel with Hands-on Detection (HoD) is now available, keeping your hands warm in colder weather.
- Remote start is newly accessible through the myAudi app, which now integrates with third-party services such as Spotify and Amazon Music.
- Arkona White replaces Ibis White as the exterior paint option.
Pricing and Trim Recommendations
The 2024 Audi SQ5 is available in various trim levels, each offering a different set of features. Here’s a breakdown of the starting prices for each trim:
- Premium: $58,195
- Sportback Premium: $61,595
- Premium Plus: $62,195
- Sportback Premium Plus: $64,595
- Prestige: $67,295
- Sportback Prestige: $69,695
We recommend the Premium Plus trim as the best value in the lineup. It includes a panoramic sunroof, a leather package, a top-view camera, a premium Bang & Olufsen stereo system, and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display. These features enhance both comfort and convenience, making it a well-rounded choice.
Engine and Performance
Under the hood of the 2024 Audi SQ5, you’ll find a potent turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine that generates 354 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels through Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system. The Quattro system can distribute up to 85 percent of the torque to the rear wheels, enhancing stability and traction.
While the SQ5’s acceleration is brisk, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds, it’s worth noting that some of its competitors, like the Mercedes-AMG GLC43, can achieve even quicker acceleration. The SQ5’s steering is precise and well-weighted, but its chassis prioritizes a comfortable ride over razor-sharp handling. For most buyers in this segment, the SQ5’s straight-line speed and smooth ride are more than satisfactory. However, if you prioritize ultimate driving dynamics, the Porsche Macan might be a better fit.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
In terms of fuel efficiency, the SQ5 is rated at 21 mpg combined by the EPA, which is slightly lower than the base Q5’s 25 mpg. While the performance comes at a small cost in terms of fuel economy, it’s a trade-off many enthusiasts are willing to make. In real-world testing, the SQ5 Prestige model surprised with an impressive 28 mpg on the highway, beating its EPA rating. It falls in line with its competitors, so you won’t be punished for enjoying the performance.
Interior Comfort and Cargo Space
Whether you opt for the standard SQ5 or the Sportback version with its sloping roofline, you can expect a well-crafted interior. Heated, power-adjustable front seats are standard, and you can upgrade to diamond-stitched quilted-leather upholstery for a touch of luxury. The heated steering wheel is now standard in every 2024 SQ5, along with three-zone automatic climate control and Audi’s practical and attractive design.
In terms of cargo space, the SQ5 offers a 27-cubic-foot cargo area, which is competitive in its class. However, it falls slightly short compared to the Porsche Macan’s 18-cubic-foot luggage compartment. If you choose the Sportback variant, you’ll sacrifice a bit of storage space behind the rear seats, but it offers a more stylish and coupe-like appearance.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The SQ5 comes equipped with a comprehensive infotainment system. Standard features include two USB ports, three 12-volt outlets, and support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless Apple CarPlay integration is also included. The Premium Plus and Prestige trims come with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display, which offers advanced features like navigation and a satellite street view of directions. While the system is generally user-friendly, additional USB ports for rear-seat passengers would be a welcome addition.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Audi prioritizes safety, and the 2024 SQ5 is no exception. It comes with a range of driver-assistance features, including:
- Standard adaptive cruise control
- Standard front and rear automated emergency braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
Additionally, the SQ5 offers optional safety technologies such as lane-keep assist to further enhance driver confidence on the road.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Audi provides a standard warranty package in line with industry norms:
- Limited warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Conclusion
In the competitive world of compact performance SUVs, the 2024 Audi SQ5 and SQ5 Sportback stand out as well-rounded choices. They offer a compelling blend of style, power, and comfort, making them suitable for daily driving and long road trips. While they may not be the most track-focused options in the segment, their impressive performance and well-appointed interiors make them sensible choices for those seeking a performance luxury crossover.
In summary, the 2024 Audi SQ5 and SQ5 Sportback are well-equipped, comfortable, and capable vehicles that continue to uphold Audi’s reputation for quality and performance. Whether you prioritize style, power, or comfort, these models offer a balanced overall package that’s hard to resist in the luxury SUV market.
