The diesel is currently not particularly popular. Nevertheless, Audi is now launching its S models with a diesel. As SQ5, for example, with a lot of punch.
Audi relies on diesel power for the SQ5 as for the other S models of the brand. After the second generation of the mid-range SUV, which had been available since 2017, first drove with a 260 kW / 340 hp TFSI as the S version, the strength athlete is now returning to its roots from the first generation: a powerful diesel. The decision for a diesel engine is astounding in view of the discussions about the diesel engine, especially since the Ingolstadt-based company has a large share in the increasing skepticism about the low-consumption type of engine. However, in view of the strict and increasingly stringent EU requirements, the consumption advantage and the associated CO2 emissions advantage over petrol engines is reason to put the focus back on diesel. After all, well-heeled customers or those with a lavish company car budget and hungry for performance should continue to be won over.
First, a look at the technical data: The three-liter six-cylinder makes 255 kW / 347 PS. The standard sprint succeeds in 5,1 seconds, the top speed is limited at 250 km / h, the power is transmitted via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Audi "quattro" called permanent all-wheel drive including self-locking center differential ex works. The average consumption is given by Audi with values between 6,6 and 6,8 liters, which corresponds to a CO2 emissions from 172 to 177 g / km. Compared to the previous gasoline offer this is a reduction of about 20 grams. The comparatively good standard values are made possible, among other things, by the use of an 48-Volt system, which is also used for the operation of a belt starter generator. This allows an efficient start-stop system with sailing function and a good recuperation.
Another reason for the diesel can also be seen the lush torque. It is ready between 2.500 and 3.100 revolutions. To prevent turbocharging, the V6 unit has an electric compressor in addition to the conventional exhaust gas turbocharger, which will break in if the exhaust-powered supercharger does not yet have enough pressure.
So far the theory. The driver notices a little of the sophisticated technology and yet somehow much again. That under the hood a technical ballot ball takes place, discreetly in the background. The driver feels the effect exactly. Torque is already available with the first slight gas foot movement. From effort, turbo lag or even little hole is nothing to feel. You have to be careful to keep the horses rushing at a light touch of the gas pedal in city traffic or on limited routes in the bridle and within the traffic regulations.
Of course, they do not want to play, they want to gallop wildly. Luckily, the first test drives offered the opportunity to test the spontaneous response of the engine, the powerful torque as well as the successful suspension tuning in the winding and little-used track. Unproblematic and fast load changes, directional stability and a fast-acting automatic make the turnaround easy, even if you are particularly pleased about the good sports seats with plenty of lateral support. That one sits in a 2-tons SUV and not in a flat sports car, you hardly noticed at this point. Also rolling movements are not discernible. If you register a slightly greenish or pale discoloration in the passenger's face, it probably already helps to switch from the hard-tuned sport mode to the comfort position. The different votes are clearly noticeable - and audible. Penetrates into the inner space during the sporty tightening a rich, artificially generated and V8-like droning sound, the ears of the occupants are spared in comfort mode.
Regardless of which mode you are in, you should be a little bit hardened when looking at the on-board computer. The standard value is clearly missed, even with a leisurely stroll. A high eight is displayed; with sporty ambition driven routes provide double-digit flow (10,2 liters, with increasing tendency) of the fuel.
You should also be tough when studying the price list. Although the available from 67.750 Euro SQ5 is well equipped with 20-inch Alus, a distinctive front bumper, mirror housing in aluminum look, leather sports seats and an electrically opening and closing tailgate neatly, but there is plenty of opportunity for further issues. The virtual cockpit, sat nav, matrix light or the heating for the front and rear seats cause, for example, extra costs as well as metallic paint. It is only a pity that the interior appearance is not completely convincing. The use of much and visible and tangible hard plastic does not fit the claim and the corresponding prices. As the decor inlays in aluminum use little, especially since one wonders when feeling whether it is actually metal or just plastic.