Based on the
recently face-lifted Q5, the SQ5 TDI is powered by the twin-turbo 3.0-liter diesel V-6 in the
A6 TDI Avant. The turbo-diesel engine makes 313 hp at 4500 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque from 1450 to 2800 rpm. That’s too much torque for Audi's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which is why an eight-speed torque-converter automatic is used. Audi estimates the sprint from 0 to 62 mph will take just 5.1 seconds, while top speed is a governed 155 mph. These figures stand in remarkable contrast to the SQ5 TDI's consumption habits—the SUV gets 33 mpg in the European cycle, a figure that sounds realistic based on our experience with an A6 Avant featuring this very powertrain.
