ABT Sportsline->ke1753 has released an updated program for the Audi SQ5 made up of some of the company’s famous aerodynamic kits and improvements on its existing engine modification for the crossover. Back in 2013, ABT Sportsline released a similar kit for the SQ5->ke1666 that featured many of the same components included in the new program. It may be recycled from a technical standpoint, but since the SQ5 has undergone stylistic changes of its own, this new kit is all about giving the SUV->ke145 a different and a more up-to-the-times presentation than its predecessor.

As usual, ABT Sportsline focused its attention on three things: the body, engine, and the suspension of the SQ5. Each section of the crossover received its own upgrades. The body, for instance, gets an aero kit that improves the SQ5’s appearance. Likewise, improvements on the suspension provides enhanced driving dynamics. Even the crossover’->ke288s new 3.0-liter TDI diesel engine has its own engine modification that pushes its power output past the tuner’s previous modification for the SQ5.

All together, the new tuning kit puts the SQ5 in a totally different light. It may still be Audi’s resident high-performance diesel crossover, but all the aftermarket add-ons given to it by ABT Sportsline shows that there are still enough ways to bring more out of the SQ5. The kit itself isn’t going to turn the crossover into something radically different or out of its character, but with all the pieces in place, that might as well have been the reason for the kit.

Continue reading to learn more about the Audi SQ5 By ABT Sportsline.

Exterior

The German tuner is always good on its word so when it promises an aerodynamic kit for the SQ5, it delivers the goods. The front section of the SUV is defined by a new front grille with vertical bars, replacing the standard cross-pattern grills of the standard model. Front skirts have also been installed to add more character to the profile while the fender extensions help give a more pronounced and muscular look. The door strip attachments are another nice addition, albeit a little inconsequential. The new rear wing, though, is more than just a cosmetic addition. It also helps create downforce, keeping the SQ5 firmly planted on the ground -- even as it travels at high speeds.

Rounding out the exterior upgrades is a new set of wheels created by ABT Sportsline. Available wheel designs include CR, DR, ER-C, and FR, while available sizes vary from 20-, 21-, or 22-inch. Customers can also opt to avail of the entire wheel-and-tire combination. ABT is offering a choice of Continental or Pirelli sports tires in 255/45 R20, 255/40 R21, 255/35 R21 and 265/35 R22 sizes.

Interior

Interior modifications to the Audi SQ5 are limited to the usual floor mats and trunk mats, both of which come with embroidered logos of ABT Sportsline. This isn’t at all surprising because the German tuner has never been one to pay much attention to the interior of its programs.

Drivetrain

ABT Sportsline’s performance program for the SQ5 is geared on giving the SUV more power. So, the company went to work, tuning the 3.0-liter TDI diesel engine with its existing “New Generation” tuning program to increase its output from the standard 313 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque numbers to an impressive 360 horsepower and 517 pound-feet of torque. For those looking for an extra punch of power, the German tuner is also offering a modified version of the upgrade that adds five more horsepower to the equation, bringing the total output to 365 ponies and 524 pound-feet of torque.

The improved power on the SQ5 is reflected in its performance times. According to ABT CEO Hans-Jurgen, the program for the SQ5 helps the SUV do 0-to-62 mph in under five seconds, with a new top speed of 161 mph.

Safety

Work on a car’s suspension is never sexy, but its still important. ABT Sportsline certainly sees it that way, which is why the company fitted the SQ5 with wheel spacers that range anywhere from 1.18-, 2.0-, and 2.8-inches per axle. The German tuner also installed height-adjustable suspension springs that can lower the SUV’s ride height by as much as 1.18-inches on the front and 1.4-inches at the back.

Competition

Porsche Cayenne Diesel by TechArt

Diesel SUVs have become a particularly attractive segment for aftermarket tuners. The Audi SQ5 is just one example of this. Another SUV that’s been getting a lot of love from tuners is the Porsche Cayenne Diesel. One program, in particular, stands out, even though the kit itself has been around since 2013.

As adept as ABT Sportsline is in building programs for Audis, the same can be said for TechArt and Porsche. Back in the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, TechArt presented an impressive tuning kit for the Cayenne Diesel -- one that came with a comprehensive aerodynamic kit, a refitted interior, a massive engine upgrade, and even a nice lighting package made up of either LED or halogen lights.

TechArt’s performance modifications on the Cayenne Diesel were the highlights of that particular program. The German tuner (yes, there are a lot of them in Germany) used its TA 058/SD1 power kit to bring the SUV’s output up to 420 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque, significantly more than what ABT Sportsline could get out of the SQ5’s diesel engine. Despite the improved power and the number of aero kits on the Cayenne, its 0-to-62-mph time only comes in at 5.2-seconds, two-tenths of a second slower than the SQ5. The top speed is the same story as the Cayenne Diesel, upgrades and all, can peak at 159.07 mph, a tick below the claimed 160-mph top speed of the SQ5.

Read our full review on the Porsche Cayenne Diesel by TechArt here.

BMW X3 XDrive 35D

From a purely competitive standpoint, the Audi SQ5 knows that for it to succeed, it’s going to have to take on one of the market’s most popular models, the BMW X3. In this instance, the X3 xDrive35d is the perfect rival for the SQ5 TDI, largely because both models use the same fuel type.

Outside of their similarities of the diesel engine, the X3 xDrive35d does have a few shortcomings compared to its rival. The BMW crossover, for example, is powered by a 3.0-liter, turbocharged, inline-six that pumps out 309 horsepower and 456 pound-feet of torque.That’s a long way from the SQ5’s standard output of 340 horsepower and 517 pound-feet of torque. But, despite being a little slower than its Audi counterpart, the X3 xDrive35d does have a better return on efficiency. BMW even claims that the X3 xDrive35d only needs about six liters of fuel to be able to cover a little over 60 miles.

Pricing for the BMW X3 starts at €57,100, which would is around $64,700 based on current exchange rates.

Read our full review on the BMW X3 XDrive 35D here.

Conclusion

It’s the kind of program that you’d expect from ABT Sportsline. Some tuners make their bones on over-the-top kits because that’s their style. ABT Sportsline isn’t like those tuners. Its kits are defined for their efficiency and functionality, free of any fluff. The company has used that approach to its advantage and you can clearly see it on this updated program for the Audi SQ5. Every new component was put in place for a specific purpose, and together, they work hand-in-hand in giving the Audi SUV improvements across the board.

So if you want a program for your SQ5 that’s about as business-like as it can get, ABT Sportsline is the tuner to call.