AUDI SQ5 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Audi didn’t want its customers in tears when it launched the third generation of the Q5 SUV in September 2024 for the 2025 model year, so it also unveiled the more potent version of it, the SQ5.

While the Q5 was Audi’s best-selling model worldwide in 2023, the German premium automaker didn’t rest on its laurels and continued developing the lineup. Furthermore, it didn’t use an older platform to cut corners and lower R&D costs. Instead, it used the Premium Platform Combustion one featured on the 2025 Audi A5 lineup. However, unlike the rest of the Q5 range, the SQ5 was more special. Since it was the most potent member of the family, it also featured significant improvements in all areas to match the vehicle’s performance.

Like the rest of the range, the 2025 Audi SQ5 featured the carmaker’s latest development version of the singleframe grille. It was shorter and broader and sported a hexagonal mesh pattern. In addition, customers could get the car with a blacked-out four-grille badge instead of the traditional chromed one. A pair of Matrix-LED headlights with signature lighting for the daytime running lights flanked it. Below them, the automaker installed a pair of tall side scoops that created the air curtain to lower drag resistance.

The 2025 Audi SQ5 followed the same design principles as its predecessors. It featured a low and long hood, suggesting that a longitudinally mounted engine was underneath it. It was continued by a raked windshield and a slightly sloped-down roofline. At the back, a raked-forward tailgate adorned by a roof spoiler emphasized the car’s sporty character. Furthermore, the automaker installed standard 20-inch light-alloy wheels with an option for a 21-inch set, depending on the market. On the sides, customers could get the vehicle with a blacked-out trim package that replaced the chromed accents around the windows with black ones for a meaner appearance.

Inside, the automaker focused on technology. Fronting the driver was an 11.9-inch screen for the instrument panel, followed by a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. Unfortunately, there were no physical buttons for anything. In addition, a 10.9-inch touch-sensitive display was available in front of the side passenger, who could use it for playing music, watching movies, or seeing the navigation. However, the driver couldn’t see that screen for safety reasons. The front bucket seats had high-bolstered areas in base specifications, while a set of Alcantara-wrapped ones featuring SQ5 inserts were available. There was room for three adults on the rear split-folding (40/20/40) bench seat in the back. However, legroom for the middle-seated one was limited because of the transmission tunnel.

The car manufacturer installed the already-known 3.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine under the hood of the 2025 Audi SQ5. In the previous generation, the automaker offered the car an oil burner for the European market and a gasoline one for U.S. customers. But that was in the past. The third generation of Audi’s compact-sized SUV offered the same powerhouse for everyone. That engine was paired as standard with a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox that sent its power in all corners via an electronically controlled all-wheel drive system.

Based on the regular Audi Q5, the SQ version was the most powerful version for the German compact SUV on the market.

The compact-SUV premium segment evolved, and customers started to ask more from their vehicles. Soon, the manufacturers began to give them what they wanted. Mercedes-Benz introduced an AMG version for the GLC, BMW brought the X3M40d, Jaguar came up with the F-Pace R, and Audi put the S before the Q.

Unlike its main rivals, Audi was the only one to offer the sportiest version of its compact SUV only with a diesel engine.

From the outside, the SQ5 looked almost like a regular Q5 with an S-Line package. There was a different front bumper with larger air intakes and big side-scoops. The "singleframe" design concept brought a massive grille at the front covering almost the entire area between the hood and the lower side of the bumper. Like any other S version, it featured silver casings for the door-mirrors. At the back, the designers installed four chromed oval exhausts.

For the interior, Audi already offered various trim-packages for the Q5, but the SQ5 was fitted with more standard features. The bucket-seats with high bolstering provided comfort and side-support for fast cornering. Like its siblings, it featured the Audi Virtual Cockpit TFT display in the instrument cluster and the big infotainment unit placed on top of the dashboard. The flat-bottom steering wheel was enhanced with the SQ5 badge on it. An aluminum-look trim on the center console and door panels improved the sporty look of the interior.

Under the hood, Audi installed a 3.0 V6 diesel engine. Apart from the turbocharger, the carmaker installed an electric-powered compressor (EPC), which builds pressure faster with an electric, 48v, motor.

The sporty version of the Q5, the SQ5 brought extra power and a more aggressive exterior design.

The hot-hatch featured chrome bits and fake exhausts to match the car’s true sporty natures.

Inside the SQ5, things were not very different from the regular Q5. Plenty of standard features were controlled by the easy to use dial.

Audi held its benchmark for the solid interior feel they offered to their customers.

The SQ5 ran on a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that developed 354 hp that made it a fast car. Sporty and engaging, the SQ5 was equipped with adaptive dampers and a standard all-wheel-drive system.

Compared to the competitors on the market, such as the Jaguar F-Pace or the BMW X4M, the SQ5 might have felt less sporty, however, it was offered for a better price.

The SQ5 was offered in two trim levels, the Premium Plus and the Prestige.

The base trim level came with 20-inch alloys, a tweaked suspension, automatic xenon headlights, LED running lights, automatic wipers, a sunroof and a power lift gate, as well as aluminum roof rails and heated, power-folding mirrors.

The top of the range came with adaptive cruise control, dynamic steering, adaptive headlights, heated and cooled cupholster and rear door sunshades.

The standard safety equipment included antilock brakes, stability and tractio control, front and side airbags, as well as optional rear side airbags.

A blind spot monitor, with front and rear parking sensors, as well as a rearview camera were available with the Technology Package that was optional on the Premium Plus and standard on the Prestige trim level.

Audi introduced the SQ5 in 2013, trying to win the hearts of those who craved for hot-hatches but still needed more room for the family.

The German automaker offered the SQ5 powered by a gasoline or a diesel engine. The former was created for those willing to hear the whining sound of a supercharger, while the latter was destined for those looking for more smiles per mile to the gallon. Nevertheless, both versions shared similar underpinnings and unique aesthetic upgrades compared to the regular Q5. Still, it didn't look that much different on the outside from its standard siblings but fitted with the S-Line package. Yet, it provided a better interior and higher performance.

Audi improved the look of the SQ5 compared with its non-S siblings by lowering the ground clearance by 30 mm (1.8"). Moreover, it added a set of 20" light-alloy wheels with an option for a set of 21 inches. Furthermore, the front fascia was slightly different, with the broad single-frame grille surrounded by a chromed rim and adorned with platinum gray horizontal slats and the SQ5 badge. The back of the car also showed some character with its silver underbody shield and the four oval exhausts that flanked it.

Inside, the carmaker mixed luxury with sportiness nicely by wrapping the cabin in leather and offering a set of sports seats at the front. In the back, there was room for three grown-ups, yet the middle-seated one had trouble finding a place to place their feet due to the transmission tunnel.

Powering this compact upscale crossover was either a supercharged gasoline engine or a turbo-diesel. Both versions featured a similar three-liter displacement and were paired with a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox that sent power in all corners. In specific countries, only the oil burner was available.