Audi began making the Q5 compact luxury crossover in 2008, first unveiling the production model at the Beijing Auto Show that same year. Initially offered with a 2.0-liter TFSI, 2.0-liter TDI, and 3.0-liter TDI powerplant, the Q5 got a facelift in 2012, at which time the engine lineup was greatly expanded. A year later, Audi introduced the SQ5 performance variant. Engine options included a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 diesel, making the SQ5 TDI the first Audi S model to offer an oil burner, as well as a boosted 3.0-liter gas engine. Now, following the release of the second-gen Q5 at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, Audi has introduced the second-gen SQ5 at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show. The updated fun-to-drive luxury crossover enters the 2018 model year with higher performance hopes thanks to new adaptive air suspension, as well as a smattering of extra peak power from a new turbo V-6. The styling was also updated, while a slew of available driver’s assist features and modern infotainment round out the changeover.

Let’s talk about what’s under the hood first. Replacing the outgoing 3.0-liter TFSI is a different, “all-new” 3.0-liter TFSI. With direct injection and a turbo strapped on, the new powerplant makes 354 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, besting the old engine by 5 horsepower and 23 pound-feet, respectively. While five ponies isn’t exactly something the write home about, the extra torque produced low in the rpm band should make a notable impact when it comes to driving dynamics. As before, an eight-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox handles the cogs, while standard quattro AWD makes the traction.

To put the torque to better use, Audi also updated the suspension at both ends. Under the nose is a new five-link set-up, featuring lightweight construction and more precise inputs. The steering can be also be optioned with a dynamic ratio, which will either vary the steering quickness based on speed (higher speeds equal a slower ratio, lower speeds have a quicker ratio), or based on driver-selectable settings.

Enthusiasts looking to max their Audi’s fun factor should investigate the available S sport package. This option throws on a new rear differential specifically designed for sporty driving, with active torque distribution that can send nearly all available rear torque to one side or the other, making for a more engaging experience behind the wheel. And, for the first time ever on the SQ5, 2018 models with the S sport package will come equipped with a new sport adaptive air suspension system.

Read on for all the details.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 Audi SQ5.

Audi Adds More Fast To The SQ5

Sport Adaptive Air Suspension

Probably the biggest news in this generational changeover is the available adaptive air suspension. As a replacement for the standard adaptive suspension components, the air ride system can quickly and easily adjust the ride height by as much as 30 mm (1.18 inches). That means you get a lower and meaner height for aggressive driving, or, if so inclined, a higher stance for off-roading. The air suspension can also adjust the damper firmness, as controlled by the standard Audi drive select system. Available settings include “Comfort,” “Auto,” “Dynamic,” and “Individual,” all of which should be pretty self-explanatory.

Tweaked Styling

As far as aesthetics are concerned, the SQ5 is more or less visually identical to the standard issue Q5 that was just revealed in Paris a few months back. That means you get the characteristic Q language roundness, plus a wavy shoulder line that plumps up the fenders a bit. Up top is a coupe-like roofline. In front is the dominating Singleframe grille, finished in platinum gray with aluminum-colored horizontal slats. More aluminum colorization is used for the side-view mirrors, while the 3D headlights utilize LEDs for illumination. More LEDs are used for the taillights.

A Larger Cabin Space And The Latest Infotainment

Inside, you’ll find an easily recognizable layout, with simplified controls (read – fewer hard buttons) and a prominent display high and center on the dash. The front seats get nice side bolsters, as well as available diamond stitching for the upholstery, while trim materials include brushed aluminum and available carbon fiber. More importantly, there’s more space on the rear bench, with both leg and shoulder room now expanded. The rear cargo area is also bigger when the second row is folded down flat.

Infotainment controls use MMI touch technology and handwriting recognition. Bang & Olufsen provide the tunes with 3D sound capability, while smartphone support includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Behind the steering wheel is the available Audi virtual cockpit, the brand’s digital gauge offering, which also gets a special “sport” display setting that expands the tachometer and speedometer, while adding a boost gauge and lap timer. Google Earth assists in navigation, and there’s 4G LTE connectivity.

Looking Forward With Driver’s Assists

Finally, no modern luxury mobile would be complete without a few autonomous features thrown into the mix. For the 2016 SQ5, Audi pre sense city comes as standard, which includes automatic emergency braking when detecting a potential collision with vehicles and pedestrians at speeds up to 52 mph. There’s also standard Audi side assist (basically blind spot monitoring), rear cross traffic assist, and pre sense rear for backside collision detection. Optional features include adaptive cruise control with an automatic stop and go feature, which will apply the brakes and throttle in heavy traffic situations at speeds up to 40 mph. It’ll even assist with the steering.

Drivetrain Specifications

Exterior Dimensions

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