Used 2018 Audi SQ5 Premium Plus for sale 

The compact SUV comes in two trims, namely Premium Plus and Prestige. The base trim is priced at $54,300, while the top trim costs $58,500. Both trims carry the same 3.0L V-6 gas engine. The standard drivetrain is AWD, and the vehicle has an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Audi manages to provide the new generation compact with a variety of features for the customers to be attracted in every which way. From plush interior features like leather upholstery to the powerful 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, the interior of the SUV screams of luxury. the complete host of features offered with the SUV with the two trims are given below-

Audi offers rear sports differential, air suspension, and dynamic steering in the S Sport upgrade package for $3,000. Further, the German company offers the option to get bigger, 21-inch wheels, which gives this already impressive SUV an added imposing stance on the roads. The complete set of the interior, exterior, safety, and other features makes this SUV an appealing proposition in the segment.

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The Prestige trim is the option to go for. Even though the base trim is loaded with standard features, the additional features in Prestige trim like the virtual cockpit, bigger 8.3-inch infotainment screen, the 19-speaker system make it worth spending an extra $4,200. Also, the top trim is offered with better sound insulation for a comfortable journey.

The car comes mated to an Intercooled turbo premium unleaded 3.0L V6 engine, which generates an impressive 354hp and a torque of 369lb-ft. The engine of the SUV is connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission with the exclusive Quattro All-Wheel-Drive as standard, putting out an impressive overall driving performance.

The engine of the 2018 Audi SQ5 is powerful and responsive. It accelerates quickly and is able to deliver maximum torque at a low rev range. The engine’s revving up sound is thrilling and thunderous making its presence felt on the road.

When it comes to competing, the rivals feature mightier engines and better transmission options. For instance, the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 4Matic is equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission system and comes mated to a twin-turbo 3.0L V6 engine producing 362hp. Following Mercedes on the table in the power department is Porsche Macan GTS with 360hp, leaving BMW X3 M40i close to SQ5 with just an edge of 1hp by offering 355hp, while Audi stands last with 354hp.

Acceleration

The 8-speed automatic transmission of the SUV works smoothly in tandem with the engine to offer quick gear changing, which helps in attaining decent acceleration figures.The SUV has a rapid acceleration and goes from 0-60mph in 5.1 seconds.

In the quarter-mile race, the car reaches 102mph to finish in 13.7 seconds. The throttle is quite responsive, but the SQ5’s weight affects its performance, and the car fails to win from any of its rivals.

The BMW X3 M40i, which has the best acceleration in the lot, takes 4.6 seconds to reach the 60mph mark and completes the quarter-mile drag in 13.4 seconds at 102mph. The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 4Matic is able to reach 104mph but finishes at the same time (13.4 seconds) as that of the BMW.

Ride and Handling

The ride experience of the SQ5 feels power-packed and agile, and it manages to do it while maintaining comfort, thanks to the upgraded suspension system. The SUV has the good body control and has a great grip on the road. However, the steering might feel a little less responsive on the corners and gives low feedback. Riding over uneven and bumpy surfaces won’t be an obstacle due to the marvelous ground clearance (8.2inches) of the SQ5, which is the largest in its class.

You can opt for the optional adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning to ease up the driving. The car offers 6 driving modes: Auto, Dynamic, Comfort, Individual, Allroad, and Lift/Off-road. These numerous variations give the rider a lot of options to choose their most suitable adjustments as per their needs.

Braking

Audi features the best brakes in its class. Audi provides with the crossover a 1.8" front brake rotors while 13.0" brake rotors at the back. The  Audi's 4-wheel disc brakes stop the car from 70mph in 148ft. The braking mechanism feels punchy and responsive even after it being the heaviest car in the lot.

The Porsche Macan GTS performs the poorest in braking as it goes from 70mph to standstill in 159 feet. Macan GTS is followed by the BMW X3 M40i, which takes 158 feet to come to halt from 70mph. Audi clearly comes out as the winner in the braking department.

Towing Capacity

Some SUVs are capable of going off-road while some are built for comfort and convenience. The 2018 Audi SQ5 is the one that offers both in a balanced manner i.e. it is an off-roader that offers extreme comfort. The off-roading characteristics of the new luxurious Audi come out in the form of its towing capacity of 4,400lbs. 

 The 2018 Audi SQ5 has a towing capacity of 4,400lbs, which is similar to that of the BMW X3 M40i and Porsche Macan GTS. With a towing capacity of just 3,500lbs, the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 4Matic has the worst towing capacity in the competition.

One cannot expect a lot from a powerful V6 in term of fuel efficiency. Still, the 2018 Audi SQ5 shows a 10 percent improvement in fuel efficiency since last year. The car is neither the best nor the worst in terms of mileage on the table. The vehicle under scrutiny has an efficiency of 19mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and combined mileage of 21 mpg.

Its rival BMW X3 M40i has the best mileage rating in this segment, and it’s rated at 20mpg in the city, 27mpg for highway, and has a combined mileage of 23mpg. Porsche stands last with a combined mileage of 20mpg. Audi and Mercedes hold similar mileage with Audi taking an edge by offering 1mpg extra in city conditions but both of them only offer 21mpg in combined circustances.

The interior of the car feels spacious, and the leather-upholstered seats give the car a lavish vibe. The high-tech virtual cockpit is easy-to-use. The minimalist design decorated with high-quality material is just the right balance, which one can call class, and that is what is offered with SQ5. The controls are placed at the right place for easy access and are responsive too. Doorsill trim and aluminum inlays dashboard scream expensive, and all the detailing gives the car a luxurious feel. 

The cabin space for the passengers is plentiful even for the rear row seaters. The rear row might get a bit congested for three adults, but overall, Audi has plush and comfortable looking interiors. The leather seats are well contoured and provide good support for comfortable long drives. The driver and the front-seat passenger can get the precise seating position as per their requirements using the 12-way power-adjustable front sports seats. The interior also has 4-way power-adjustable lumbar support for the front row. 

There is ample room for leg, knee, and headspace. The front row is very spacious, so getting in and out of the car is really easy. Mercedes offers the best headroom in both the rows whereas Audi manages to offer the best shoulder and legroom in both the rows. Porsche feels a bit behind as it offers the least amount of headroom in the front row.

Cargo capacity

SUVs hold the representation for the right balance of ergonomics, practicality, and luxury. Without compromising the luxury o any level, SUVs are capable of providing practicality too.

The cargo volume of the SQ5 is not the biggest, but it’s certainly not the worst. With the 2nd row up, the car has a boot space of 26.8 ft cube, and when the rear seats are folded, the capacity is increased to 60.4 ft cube. 

With a trunk volume of 28.7 ft cube (without rear seats folded) and 62.7ft cube (with rear seats folded), the best cargo space is offered by BMW X3 M40i on the table. Following BMW is Audi with 26.8 cu-ft. Mercedes and Porsche fail to impress to show their focus on practicality as they only offer 19.4 cu-ft and 17.7 cu-ft of cargo space, respectively.

Infotainment system

The upgraded infotainment system of the SUV is loaded with the latest features and feels convenient and responsive. The base trim has a 7-inch display, while the Prestige trim has a larger 8.3-inch display.

Audi has provided the crossover with mobile connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The car also has USB ports for smartphone connectivity. Along with all this, other features include SDXC slots and HD radio. Some standard infotainment features offered with the crossover are:

• Android Auto
• Apple CarPlay
• Satellite radio
• HD radio
• Bluetooth
• AUX
• Voice control system

The SQ5 has a sporty yet classy exterior. The platinum gray single-frame grille with the Audi logo placed in between gives the front an elegant first impression. The beautiful wavy shoulder-line flows from hood to tail. The 20-inch double-spoke star alloys add to the classic appearance of this luxurious SUV. The company gives an option to go for 21-inch alloys for a few extra bucks.

The face of this performance SUV is quite aggressive in comparison to the regular Q5. The overall exterior with its sleek yet imposing look is very similar to the previous generation, but it still works seamlessly for the brand. One issue with the exterior of the crossover is the fake expanses of plastics under the rear bumper, which are fixed to look like real tailpipe outlets. 

The car weighs the heaviest of the lot with 4,398 lbs. Neither the longest nor the widest, but the car has the largest ground clearance of 8.2 inches. The wheelbase of the car lies in the middle with a length of 111.2 inches. In contrast, Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 4Matic has the smallest ground clearance of 6.7 inches and the longest wheelbase of 113.1 inches. Some other major exterior features of the SUV include-

• Automatic headlights
• Aluminum roof rails
• Heated windshield water nozzles
• Power tailgate
• Aluminum trim around exterior side mirror housings
• 20 inch 5 double-spoke star alloys with performance tires

The IIHS AND NHTSA ratings for the 2018 Audi SQ5 are not available yet except for the Rollover Rating by NHSTA, in which the SUV scored 4 out of 5 stars. Audi takes the security of its drivers very seriously, and it has done the same with the SQ5. Along with a well-built body structure, this car comes loaded with standard and advanced safety features like ABS, ESC, integrated turn signal mirrors, traction control, blind-spot monitor, etc. The complete list of safety features is provided below:

• Audi Pre Sense assist
• Audi Active Assist
• Driver and front-passenger seat-mounted thorax side airbags
• Side guard head curtain airbags
• Front-passenger occupant detection for airbag
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD) and brake assist
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Offroad mode
• Secondary collision brake assist and traction control (ASR)
• Anti-theft alarm system with motion sensors and vehicle immobilizer
• Tire-pressure monitoring system
• Rear Cross-Traffic Assist

Audi SQ5 VS BMW X3 M40i

The BMW X3 M40i has a slightly powerful engine when talking in terms of horsepower. The 2018 Audi SQ5 is also overshadowed by the BMW in terms of acceleration, cargo space, and fuel economy.

The BMW is $1,200 costlier than the Audi, which isn't that big of a difference. SQ5 outshines the BMW only in braking. So BMW is the choice to go with when choosing between these two cars.

Audi SQ5 VS Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 4Matic

The engine of the Mercedes is way mightier than that of the SQ5. The Mercedes is quicker to accelerate, but except for acceleration, the SQ5 performs better in every field when compared to the AMG GLC 43 4Matic.

The SQ5 has better braking, better fuel economy, and more cargo volume and towing capacity. Further, the SQ5 is cheaper than the Mercedes, which makes SQ5 a clear winner between the two.

Audi SQ5 VS Porsche Macan GTS

The Porsche Macan GTS has the lowest fuel economy rating and the poorest brakes in the lot. It has slightly better acceleration than SQ5 due to the slightly more horse-powered engine. It costs a whopping $14,600 more than the SQ5.

The large sum of money for a little advantage in performance does not look like a fair deal. So there is absolutely no reason for buying the Macan GTS over SQ5.

The redesigned 2018 Audi SQ5 is fully loaded with features and has a powerful engine to support it. The virtual cockpit by Audi is one of the most attractive features of the car. The plush and luxurious interior matches the opulent exterior.  It’s comfortable to ride dynamics with a decent fuel economy along with sporty and agile handling make the SUV a tempting proposition in the market. Everything about this car is excellent, which transforms it into one of the best compact SUVs available at this price. Our advice is to go for this feature-packed beast in the segment.