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2021 Audi SQ5 revealed overseas with updated looks

The facelifted 2021 Audi SQ5 has been officially unveiled.


While the regular Audi Q5 range received its mid-life facelift in late June, we’ve been patiently waiting for details and images of the refreshed SQ5 performance flagship – until now, thanks to Audi’s US division.

Under the bonnet is the same 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine that powered pre-facelift SQ5 models, developing 260kW of power and 500Nm of torque.

Drive is routed to the tarmac through an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Audi USA claims a 0-60mph (97km/h) sprint time of 4.7 seconds – 0.4 seconds quicker than the 2020 model, despite identical outputs – towards an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h.

 

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It’s expected the 255kW/700Nm 3.0-litre mild-hybrid turbo-diesel V6 currently offered in Europe – and soon to reach Australian shores, as the pre-facelift SQ5 TDI Special Edition – will carry over unchanged to the updated SQ5, given the related, recently-updated S4 and S5 models offered in Europe feature the same powertrain with identical outputs.

Adaptive dampers and speed-sensitive electric power steering are standard, with adaptive air suspension, variable sports steering and a ‘sport’ limited-slip rear differential available from the options list.

Alloy wheels ranging from 20- to 21-inches in diameter are on offer, which hide 350mm front and 330mm rear ventilated sports brakes with optional red-painted calipers.

Visual differences between the SQ5 and standard Q5 S Line models are minor, consisting of a tweaked front grille with S badging, and quad exhaust tips. The similarities continue inside the cabin, with S-branded sports seats and available carbon-fibre-look trim the only additions.

 

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Standard features on US-spec models include a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, three-zone climate control, LED headlights and tail-lights, ambient LED interior lighting, keyless entry, leather trim and autonomous emergency braking.

Higher-spec models add adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, a 12.3-inch ‘Virtual Cockpit’ digital instrument cluster, matrix LED headlights, OLED tail-lights, a head-up display and a Bang & Olufsen premium ‘3D’ sound system – it's expected many of these features will be standard-fit on entry-grade, Australian-delivered SQ5 models.

 

When will the 2021 Audi SQ5 come to Australia?

While the updated Audi SQ5 is now on sale in the US, the brand's Australian arm remains tight-lipped on local timing for the facelifted performance model, with its focus currently set on the launch of the diesel-powered, pre-facelift SQ5 TDI in November.

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Alex Misoyannis

Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family.

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