X

The Audi SQ5 TDI combines mild-hybrid tech with an electric compressor

By using electricity, Audi claims to have practically eliminated turbo lag.

jake-holmes
jake-holmes
Jake Holmes
While studying traditional news journalism in college, Jake realized he was smitten by all things automotive and wound up with an internship at Car and Driver. That led to a career writing news, review and feature stories about all things automotive at Automobile Magazine, most recently at Motor1. When he's not driving, fixing or talking about cars, he's most often found on a bicycle.
Jake Holmes
Audi SQ5 TDI
1 of 10 Audi

Audi's latest performance crossover combines diesel tech with a mild-hybrid system and an electric compressor.

Audi SQ5 TDI
2 of 10 Audi

The electric compressor works to provide boost pressure to the engine at low speeds before the traditional turbo spools up. That can dramatically reduce turbo lag.

Audi SQ5 TDI
3 of 10 Audi

Total output from the powertrain is 347 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.

Audi SQ5 TDI
4 of 10 Audi

A mild-hybrid system, meanwhile, uses a 48-volt battery and can allow the car to coast for up to 40 seconds at a time with its engine turned off.

Audi SQ5 TDI
5 of 10 Audi

Chassis upgrades include a suspension that rides 1.2 inches lower than a standard SQ5, 20- or 21-inch wheels, adaptive dampers and enlarged brakes with 14.8-inch front discs.

Audi SQ5 TDI
6 of 10 Audi

Visual differentiation on the outside comes in the form of LED lighting, aluminum-look finishes, unique wheels, large air intakes and a rear diffuser.

Audi SQ5 TDI
7 of 10 Audi

The all-wheel-drive system can send as much as 85 percent of available power to the rear wheels for sporty handling.

Audi SQ5 TDI
8 of 10 Audi

An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard.

Audi SQ5 TDI
9 of 10 Audi

Interior upgrades include leather and Alcantara seats, as well as brushed-aluminum trim and stainless-steel pedals.

Audi SQ5 TDI
10 of 10 Audi

The Audi SQ5 TDI goes on sale in Germany this summer. It won't be offered in the US.

More Galleries

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features and Settings on Your iPhone
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features and Settings on Your iPhone

18 Photos
Go Inside the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: See How the New iPhones Look and Work
iphone 15 in different color from an angled view

Go Inside the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: See How the New iPhones Look and Work

21 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos
Yamaha motorcycle and instrument designers trade jobs (pictures)
yamaha01.jpg

Yamaha motorcycle and instrument designers trade jobs (pictures)

16 Photos
CNET's 'Day of the Dead Devices' altar (pictures)
dia-de-los-muertos-3318-001.jpg

CNET's 'Day of the Dead Devices' altar (pictures)

9 Photos
2007 Los Angeles Auto Show: concept cars
conceptss01_440.jpg

2007 Los Angeles Auto Show: concept cars

14 Photos