Audi SQ5
(2017-2021)

  • Loaded with tech
  • Beautiful interior
  • Excellent driving experience
  • Genuinely practical
  • Short warranty period
  • Potentially expensive parts and repair bills
  • Reliability and longevity concerns
  • Terrible depreciation
Overview

Overview:

The second-generation Audi SQ5 perfectly blends being genuinely fast and immensely enjoyable to drive while also being practical and luxurious. It’s small enough to easily manoeuvre through crowded car parks but large enough to feel substantial on the road, loaded with technology and safety equipment and its sophisticated yet understated body wears a classy European aesthetic.

But unfortunately, reality can hit hard with question marks hovering over the SQ5’s long term quality and reliability and (as we’ve seen from the first-generation SQ5), its habit of depreciating in value at an alarming rate.

Should you buy one? Read on.

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What goes wrong?
  • ECU and electronic issues
  • Can have excessive oil consumption
  • Water pump issues
  • PCV valve issues
  • Common engine mounts issues at approx. 80,000kms
  • Engine bay plastics may have issues as they get older
  • Turbo and intercooler issues
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Model range, pricing and features

Audi SQ5

  • Price when new: $99,611 - $101,136
  • Price used: $69,950 - $118,990

Standard features:

  • Sculpted sports seats (heated and power adjustable)
  • Aggressive exterior styling
  • Three-zone automatic climate control
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot and Virtual Digital Gauge Display (Mid-range and Premium plus packages only)
  • Satellite navigation
  • 21” alloy wheels
  • Front and rear autonomous emergency braking
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Lane keep assist
  • Rear spoiler

SQ5 Black Edition

  • Price when new: $108,000
  • Price used: $76,000 - $104,500

Black Edition adds:

  • Metallic paint as standard
  • S line Interior Package
  • S line illuminated front door sill trims
  • Privacy glass
  • Black exterior trim package

TDI Special Edition

  • Price when new: $104,900
  • Price used: $99,900 - $118,000

TDI Special Edition adds:

  • Increased overall performance from the standard TDI
  • Matrix LED headlights
  • Black exterior trim finish
  • Carbon fibre interior trim
Should you buy it?

If you’re in the financial position to justify the depreciation, are economically, mentally and emotionally prepared for the potential mechanical and reliability issues and can find an SQ5 in mint condition, with a faultless service history with low mileage, yes. The SQ5, when working at 100%, makes for a fantastic package.

However, if buying an SQ5 is going to put a strain on your finances and you require a premium SUV that will stand the test of time, no, you shouldn’t buy one.

Warranty & servicing

Warranty:

3-years/unlimited kms

Servicing:

15,000kms or every 12 months

Tech Specs

Body Style:

5-door SUV

Engine & outputs:

3.0-litre, 6-cyl turbo-petrol, 260kW / 500Nm (SQ5 & Black Edition)
3.0-litre, 6-cyl turbo-diesel, 251kW / 700Nm (TDI & Special Edition)

Transmissions:

8-spd sports automatic, four-wheel drive

Fuel use:

8.7L/100km (3.0L turbo-petrol)
6.8L/100km (3.0L turbo-diesel)

Dimensions:

Height: 1635mm
Length: 4671mm
Width: 1893mm

Disclaimer

Information correct as of March 27, 2021.

The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.

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