I had the pleasure of being one of the first in the USA to test the all new 2014 Audi SQ5 crossover and I have a video to prove it!
Has Audi trumped BMW, Mercedes, Lexus and Land Rover with this latest 'Q'? Does it have the goods to impress the Spies?
Watch our exclusive video review to find out...
Also check out more info on the 2014 SQ5 and our best of breed photos below:
The 2014 SQ5 being sent to the U.S. will feature power via a 3.0-liter TFSI V6 good for 354 horsepower and 347 lb.-ft. of torque. Zero to 60 is expected in 5.1 seconds.
What makes this S-line vehicle special is the typical "S" treatment. Silver mirror caps, an updated grille, new set of wheels/tires, upgraded brakes, a quad-tipped exhaust as well as various interior upgrades — steering wheel, shifter, etc.
Agent 001 recently went to Durango, Colorado to experience the new SQ5. Below you'll find PLENTY of eye-opening shots of snow-capped mountains and some gorgeous red rocks.
2014 Audi SQ5 Photo Gallery
Audi's press release follows:The Audi Q5, which combines the handling of a sport sedan, the higher ground clearance of an SUV, and the cabin of a luxury car, receives several enhancements for the 2014 Model Year.
Two new models – the fuel-efficient Q5 TDI and the highly-anticipated SQ5 – add to the already successful Q5 model lineup, which also includes the 2.0T, 3.0T and Q5 hybrid.
Performance
Brand new to the Q5 model line is the high-performance Audi SQ5, the first-ever S variant of any Audi Q model. The supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI® direct-injection V6 engine achieves 354 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque. Propelling from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds, the SQ5 reaches a top track speed of 155 mph.
Also new for 2014, the highly-anticipated and fuel-efficient Q5 TDI® clean diesel model achieves an EPA estimated 24 city/ 31 highway/ 27 combined MPG. At the same time, the Q5 TDI model– powered by the 3.0 TDI Turbocharged clean diesel V6 engine – generates an impressive 240 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque. The Q5 TDI offers superior handling as well as the utility and practical solutions for recreation and everyday driving.
The Q5 hybrid – the first hybrid model from Audi, which utilizes lithium-ion batteries – will continue to be available in 2014. Power is supplied by a 2.0 TFSI as well as an electric motor, generating a combined 245 hp and 354 lb-ft. of torque. The Q5 hybrid accelerates from 0-60 mph in 6.8 second and has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 city/ 30 highway/ 26 combined MPG.
Featuring the award-winning 3.0T supercharged engine, the Audi Q5 delivers 272 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The fuel efficient and powerful 2.0T engine will continue to be available as the entry to the Q5 model line, now with an increased horsepower of 220.
All engines are mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission and feature the Audi quattro® all-wheel drive system.
Exterior
The Audi Q5 is sporty and sophisticated, spacious and functional. Available in three new metallic colors – Maya Brown, Volcano Red and Lava Gray – the Q5 features dramatic wheels, classy aluminum roof rails and a gracefully-sloped roof. With the distinctive Singleframe® grille and LED daytime running lights, the Q5 has an unmistakable Audi appearance.
The roof rack detection system in the 2014 Audi Q5 is directly linked to the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) unit. When the crossbars are installed, a signal is sent that adjusts driving dynamic relevant parameters according to the center of gravity. When the crossbars are not installed, the ESC program adjusts dynamics to allow for more enthusiastic driving.
New for 2014, the Q5 3.0T and TDI models offer an S line® plus package, which includes 20-inch 5-segment-spoke wheels in Titanium finish, summer performance tires, matte black roof rails, high-gloss Black exterior trim, and more.
The SQ5 will bear all the signature elements of Audi S models, including the Audi Singleframe® grille in Platinum Gray with horizontal twin blades in alu-optic; Aluminum optic exterior mirror housing; and S model specific brakes, side sills, roof spoiler and quad exhaust pipes with finished tips. The SQ5 will have standard 20-inch wheels and is also available with 21-inch wheels.
Interior
Inside, the Audi Q5 is filled with luxurious and functional amenities, including comfortable leather seating surfaces (Milano leather seats when equipped with comfort seats), an eye-catching mix of aluminum accents and all-natural walnut trim, and an optional specially designed thermo heated/cooled cup holder that helps maintain the desired temperature of your beverage with the touch of a button.
With reclining seats, independent climate controls, and ample head and leg room, the Q5 comfortably seats five passengers. The rear seats easily can be folded together with the use of a convenient single release feature that increases the cargo capacity from 29.1 to 57.3 cubic feet.
The SQ5 has a distinctive and sporty interior, with a three-spoke multifunction flat-bottom steering wheel with alu-optic shift paddles and contrast stitching, Gray instrument face with white needles, pedals with aluminum inserts, and SQ5 specific leather/aluminum shift knob. Leather seating surfaces are standard (Milano leather seats when equipped with comfort seats), and a Fine Nappa interior and comfort package is available. Additionally, Layered Aluminum/Black wood decorative inlays are also available in the SQ5.
Technology and driver assistance
The Q5 model line not only offers ideal functionality, performance and efficiency, but also advanced technology and driver assistance features.
For 2014, Audi advanced key (keyless start, stop and entry) is now included in all Premium plus and Prestige trim lines.
Premium plus models now have Audi side assist – which helps monitor blind spot areas, as well as fast-approaching vehicles, at a range of approximately 150 ft. to the rear of the car – available as a standalone option (delayed availability).
The convenience package – which includes Audi music interface, HomeLink®, Bluetooth®, and driver information system – is now standard on 2.0T models.
The Q5 model’s optional Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 14 speakers (standard on the Q5 hybrid), standard Audi music interface with iPod® integration and standard Bluetooth® wireless technology help enhance the overall driving experience.
Audi connect®
The 2014 Q5 offers the award-winning infotainment system Audi connect® when MMI® Navigation plus is ordered. Audi was the first global auto manufacturer to offer factory-fitted in-vehicle Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling the Audi connect system to deliver connectivity to up to eight wireless devices. With Audi connect – offered complementary for six months and available for as little as $15 per month thereafter – the onboard Audi MMI Navigation system is enhanced with Google Earth™ maps for a true aerial view of the route. Audi connect also features real-time localized weather, news and live fuel prices; Google Voice™ Local Search for detailed information about travel destinations, such as restaurant or hotel hours, pricing and customer reviews; and the myAudi Destination feature, which allows users to log on to Google Earth from virtually any location in the U.S. and download up to 50 destinations to the vehicle. Audi also offers real-time Sirius XM® Traffic information via enhancements to the Audi MMI Navigation plus system.2014 Audi SQ5 Photo Gallery
