U.S. version of Audi’s SQ5 to run on gas, not diesel

By Stephen Edelstein Published November 22, 2012

Audi unveiled the SQ5, a performance version of its Q5 crossover with a 3.0-liter TDI diesel, at the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race in June, but the company’s plans have changed. Despite a recently announced blitz of TDI diesel models in the U.S., Audi will equip the SQ5 with a gasoline engine for the American and Chinese markets.

Audi isn’t saying why it made the change; the only reason we know about the gasoline SQ5 is because a parts catalog was leaked. What we do know is that, whatever is under the hood, the SQ5 will be the first crossover to wear Audi’s “S” performance badge.

Recommended Videos

As with the SQ5 TDI, the new version’s engine displaces 3.0 liters. However, it comes from Audi’s TFSI line, and has one supercharger instead of two turbochargers. From the specs, this looks like the same engine Audi puts in its A6 midsize luxury sedan.

The gasoline-powered SQ5 is expected to produce 354 horsepower, compared to the TDI’s 313 hp. With the extra power, it should be interesting to see if this SQ5 can best the TDI’s 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 kph) time of 5.1 seconds.

The only available transmission will be a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual, which will send power to all four wheels through Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

If Audi really does sell the SQ5 in the U.S., it will reportedly import the petrol powered model only. That seems like a safe bet on the company’s part: Americans have not given diesel the widespread acceptance it has in Europe, and the SQ5 is already an unusual proposition.

Most performance crossovers are based on larger chassis and use raw power to overcome the laws of physics. The Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5 M, and Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG defy their SUV bulk with mind-bending performance numbers.

The SQ5 will have plenty of power (the most powerful stock Q5 only has 270 hp), but it won’t be as bombastic as those larger crossovers. With its smaller packaging, the SQ5 will be more about finesse and balance.

It will be interesting to see whether this new crossover permutation grows into a new market segment, or whether Audi customers ask for more S4s instead.

Audi has not announced a release date for the SQ5 but, with the Los Angeles and Detroit auto shows coming up, the company has a couple of good opportunities to showcase a new addition to its U.S. lineup.

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Topics

Audi

Computing

Waymo recalled 1,200 robotaxis following collisions with road barriers

Waymo Jaguar I-Pace

Waymo’s autonomous-car technology has made great advances over the years to the point where it’s now allowed to offer paid robotaxi rides in select locations in the U.S.

But the development of the technology is ongoing, and the robotaxi rides continue to gather valuable data for Waymo engineers to pore over as they further refine the driverless system to make it as reliable and efficient as possible. Which is why glitches will sometimes occur.

Cars

Apple CarPlay Ultra looks stunning in Aston Martin supercar debut

Apple CarPlay Ultra

Apple CarPlay Ultra is the next generation of the Cupertino, California-based firm's smartphone projection system for your car, and it's available in new vehicles in the US and Canada.

When we say "new cars", your options are very much limited to one brand... Aston Martin. So you'll need deep pockets if you want to experience CarPlay Ultra for yourself.

Cars

Archer’s flying taxis head to LA for the 2028 Olympics

archer air taxi la28 inglewood aerial a final

Remember the buzz about flying taxis zipping through Paris for the 2024 Olympics? That sci-fi fantasy never got off the ground —Germany’s Volocopter dream was denied certification, leaving fans staring at the same old ground traffic. But now, the skies are opening again for a second shot at glory—this time over Los Angeles.
Archer Aviation, the California-based electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) company, has been named the exclusive air taxi provider for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Archer’s Midnight aircraft, a piloted electric air taxi designed to carry four passengers, will be whisking around VIPs, fans, and stakeholders between venues and key locations like LAX, Hollywood, Santa Monica, and even Orange County. Think 10-20 minute flights that skip the infamous LA gridlock and land you right where the action is—on the roof, basically.
“We want to transform the way people get around Los Angeles and leave a legacy that shapes the future of transportation in America. There’s no better time to do that than during the LA28 Games,” said Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of Archer Aviation.
And Midnight isn’t just a pretty rotor. It’s a whisper-quiet, emission-light aircraft with 12 rotors and a redundant, airline-level safety design.
What’s more, Archer and LA28 are working together to electrify vertiport hubs around the city—think futuristic sky stations—to serve not only Games-time needs but also to plant seeds for a post-Olympic air mobility network.
The air mobility market has been fast developing over the past few years, featuring the likes of Hyundai partnership with China’s XPeng HT Aero and Toyota's backing of Joby Aviation, a U.S. venture. Joby bought Uber Elevate in 2020, hoping to someday pair its air taxis with Uber’s ride-hailing app.
Archer, for its part, has been busy building a strategic partnership with United Airlines, which has already placed orders for the aircraft and is helping with logistics to integrate air taxis into airport-to-downtown travel. More than a demo for the cameras, the LA28 partnership will showcase urban air travel for real-world daily use, starting with one of the most high-profile events on Earth.
After raising false hopes in Paris, the air taxi dream is aiming for liftoff in LA—and this time, it might just stick the landing.