The Audi Q5 has been the brand’s top-selling vehicle in North America for a significant period, and as a result, the Ingolstadt carmaker is paying special attention to this compact crossover. Frequent updates have been made to keep it fresh and competitive, but the current generation has become pretty old and it’s time for a full redesign. The new generation will arrive after seven years, and we’re confident it will introduce many innovations, even though most of the changes will be evolutionary. Of course, we’re also anticipating the arrival of the 2024 Audi SQ5, a performance version of the SUV.
The new model has already been seen on the road, albeit with camouflage. We anticipate that the development will be completed shortly, and sales may begin in the second half of the year. The SQ5 should arrive around the same time, with familiar enhancements that include aesthetic and mechanical upgrades, as well as a more capable powertrain. It will be the last generation with an internal-combustion engine, as the company is making big steps toward electrification.
2024 Audi SQ5 Design
The next-generation Q5 is on its way, and it appears that numerous changes are forthcoming. The new generation will continue to ride on the MLB platform, with several updates implemented. Despite the cover, the test mule displays an entirely new design philosophy, emphasizing new LED lighting groups and a grille that looks quite similar to the latest electrified Audi models.
The 2024 Audi SQ5 will come with typical upgrades similar to the current generation. Various aesthetic enhancements, such as a distinct grille, larger wheels with low-profile tires, and more aggressive bumpers, will accentuate the model’s performance character. Of course, mechanical upgrades will also be implemented, including sportier suspension, bigger brakes, and other chassis enhancements. With further improvements, we expect the new model to offer an even higher level of performance, in terms of better handling, improved steering and more agility in corners.
Interior
The next-generation SQ5 will also introduce significant changes inside, starting with a new dashboard design. Instead of the integrated one in the current model, we will see a free-standing digital instrument cluster, something that’s become a common thing in Audi models lately. Additionally, there will be a new, massive square infotainment screen, as well as other technological amenities. Still, the overall dashboard design should keep its conservative nature.
The 2024 Audi SQ5’s interior will come with customary enhancements. Things that come to mind are new materials, exclusive color schemes, and sportier seats. However, the overall layout will not be radically different than the current model, especially in terms of interior room and seating configuration. The 2024 Audi SQ5 should have no problems with accommodating adults in both rows, while the cargo area should bring a few extra cubic feet as well.
2024 Audi SQ5 Engine
The 2024 Audi SQ5 will continue to be a high-performance version of the Audi Q5 compact luxury SUV. The current generation SQ5 is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. As we mentioned, the 2024 Audi SQ5 will bring evolutionary changes only, so the good-old V6 should carry on, though we won’t exclude the possibility to see it coupled with a mild-hybrid system, which would improve fuel economy and ensure slightly better driving dynamics.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Finally, the output could be slightly increased, so the acceleration might be even quicker. For reference, the current model needs around 4.7 seconds to hit 60, while the top speed goes up to 155 mpg. The current model returns around 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway but, as we mentioned, the new model might bring some improvements in this aspect.
2024 Audi SQ5 Release Date and Price
As mentioned, the 2024 Audi SQ5 should arrive sometime in the second half of 2023. We estimate the starting price of around 58.000 dollars, while the key competitors will remain the same. Those are primarily models like BMW X3 M40i, Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 etc.