Picture this: a spanking new Audi Q5, gleaming like a freshly polished chandelier, ready to take on the road. Not just any Q5, mind you – we’re talking the third generation, a SUV that looks like it’s spent a year studying fashion in Milan and has come back to show off. And then there’s the SQ5, the version that’ll put your license at risk faster than a herd of rampaging bulls in Pamplona. This, dear readers, is Audi’s latest stab at proving they’re still the boss in their own premium house. And honestly? They’re bloody close.
Let’s start with the looks. The Q5 doesn’t scream for attention – it whispers, but with the kind of confidence that makes you sit up straight and pay notice. The design is sharp, unmistakably Audi, with a dash of modernity to keep it fresh. The SQ5 piles on the testosterone: broader shoulders, a grille that says “move it, peasants,” and an exhaust that growls like a baritone with a hangover. It’s not a full-on revolution, more an evolution – like that dull cousin who suddenly rocks up in a leather jacket and a Harley.
Under the bonnet – or rather, where the bonnet used to mean something – lies the real tale. The Q5 comes with a sensible 2.0-litre four-cylinder, petrol or diesel, juiced up with a mild hybrid system Audi calls “MHEV plus.” Sounds posh, doesn’t it? In reality, it’s a little extra kick without forcing you to sell your soul at the petrol station. But let’s be real: the tame Q5 is just the starter. The SQ5 is the main course. A 3.0-litre V6 pumping out 367 hp and 550 Nm of torque – enough to fling you from standstill to “oops, where’s my license?” in 5 seconds flat. It’s a mechanical masterpiece that sings like it’s straight out of a German opera, with a Quattro system dishing out grip like a conductor waving his baton at a symphony.
On the road, the Q5 is a gentleman: refined, comfy, and perfect for the daily trudge to the office or the supermarket. Flick it to ‘Comfort’ mode, and it’s as docile as a lamb fresh from a warm bath. But the SQ5? That’s a different animal. Switch to ‘Dynamic,’ and the steering sharpens, the suspension tightens, and the exhaust starts grumbling like it’s picking a fight with the neighbors. The new platform makes it surprisingly engaging – you feel what the wheels are up to, giving you the guts to attack corners like you’re in a car chase movie. Is it an Alfa Romeo Stelvio? No, that’s still the driver’s champ. But this SQ5 gets damn close, and that’s a compliment Audi can chisel into their wall.
Inside, it’s classic Audi: a cockpit that looks like it was crafted by Swiss watchmakers. Everything feels solid, expensive, and exactly how you’d expect a premium SUV to be. The Virtual Cockpit is a digital masterpiece, and the fit and finish are so good you almost forget you’re in a car and not some swanky lounge. The options list is longer than a Tolstoy novel, and your wallet will whimper if you get too trigger-happy with the extras. Still, at 52,850 euros, you’ve got an entry-level model, and even with a few add-ons, it’s a steal compared to the competition. The SQ5 kicks off at 82,950 euros, and trust me, it’s worth every penny if you fancy a car that can pamper you one minute and thrill you the next.
It’s not all roses, though. This is Audi’s last big hurrah for the combustion engine, and you can hear the clock ticking. Hybrids and EVs are lurking around the corner, and in Belgium, plug-in tax perks are waving at you like a cheeky mate. The Q5 squares up against heavy hitters like the BMW X3, Mercedes GLC, and Volvo XC60, and while it’s fresh and modern, those others aren’t exactly collecting pensions. But where the Q5 – and especially the SQ5 – shines is character. It’s not a bargain-bin Atari like the Stelvio, but a high-tech bruiser that delivers.
So, the verdict? The Q5 and SQ5 are like a fine whisky: one’s smooth and sophisticated, the other’s got a kick that jolts you awake. Audi proves they still know how to build a SUV that hits both your brain and your pulse. Is it the best in its class? Not quite, maybe, but it’s damn close – and sometimes, that’s enough to rule the roost at home. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to check if my license is still valid.
