Audi SQ5

The cabin of the 2024 Audi SQ5 comes with diamond-stitched Nappa leather seats and upholstery. It's easily among the best interiors in its segment. The dashboard gets textured, squishy plastics. Everything feels solid inside the cabin. Carbon inlays add a subtle but sporty ambience to the interior. Even the physical buttons and switches are precise and easy to operate. There are a number of convenient storage spaces, including a large glovebox, door cubbies that can store bottles, a pair of cupholders, and a large center cubby that doubles up as an armrest. The rear seat gets an armrest too. The dashboard is dominated by a free-standing 10.1-inch infotainment screen that runs on Audi’s MIB-3 software generation.  Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display is standard on all versions of the SQ5. There's 500-liter of boot space with all seats up. 

Audi announced the SQ5 Sportback model in the autumn of 2020 and claimed that the car will conform to the latest SUV design standards and will be in the mould of the Audi e-tron Sportback and the Q3 Sportback. The 2024 Audi SQ5 has a swoopy look, a fast-dropping roofline and a curved silhouette. The 2024 Audi SQ5 is marginally longer at kerb than the standard Audi Q5, because of a revised bumper design. It's a bit more aerodynamic as well. The car of course dresses its part with blacked-out details, a unique mesh grille, and larger 21-inch wheels. The car gets all-around LED lighting.

The cabin of the 2024 Audi SQ5 is a fine balance of practicality and premium bits. There's a lot of legroom and headroom in the two front seats. Both are electrically adjustable, gets heating and cooling function, and lumbar support. At the back, there’s enough space to accommodate three adults. But anyone in the middle will be forced to straddle the large transmission tunnel that runs along the centre of the floor. The outer seats at the back are much more accommodating if there are only two passengers. offering sumptuous headroom and legroom even for taller occupants. The rear seat is 40:20:40 foldable and easy to drop down. The seat also slides and reclines, allowing a more relaxed travelling experience. Air suspension is not available in the Audi SQ5, not even as an option. The expensive Vorsprung is optional for those who want a smoother ride. The adaptive suspension doesn’t handle too well the extremes of vertical load when set at its stiffest. But it still manages to absorb most bumps and thuds. 

The 2024 Audi SQ5 is hauled by a twin-turbocharged, six-cylinder, 3.0-litre petrol engine that produces 354 PS/500 Nm. The motor is mated to an eight-speed Quattro automatic. The powertrain doesn't offer the most engaging drive but it's good on most parts. It's a very predictable, stable, and effective car. The performance can be adjusted via the various drive modes. The steering wheel is medium-light but responsive.  

The 2024 Audi SQ5 comes with a navigation system and rearview camera as standard. The Vorsprung package adds a 360-degree camera along, lane-keep assist system, and adaptive matrix headlights. Standard safety equipment includes multiple airbags, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking. 

At a starting price of AED 339,900, the 2024 Audi SQ5 is priced higher than most of its rivals. It offers a comfortable and well-balanced ride. The cabin comes with great equipment. The seats are nicely cushioned and reduce fatigue during long trips. Overall, the 2024 Audi SQ5 is a premium car that offers practical benefits.