2021 Audi SQ5 revealed in the US, price starts at RM 219,890

KUALA LUMPUR: Earlier in June, the all-new 2021 Audi Q5 made its debut with sharp new styling and improved interior tech, The facelifted Q5 was later on joined by the revamped Sportback model with a sloping roofline and now it’s the time for a performance variant. The automaker recently unveiled the details of the 2021 Audi SQ5.

Starting with the visual tweaks, the all-new SQ5 facelift features more aggressive styling with the restyled front grille housing S-badging and quad exhaust tips. It can be clearly distinguished from the standard Q5 via its signature aluminium trim running across the grille, fog lights, and side mirrors. The silver finishing is also the distinguishing mark for Audi S models for years and the new SQ5 continues to follow this trend. 

Standard equipment list includes LED headlights and taillights, leather trim, S-branded sports seats, 10.1-inch touchscreen display, three-zone climate control, ambient lighting, keyless entry, and autonomous emergency braking. While the features like matrix LED headlights, OLED taillights, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit, head-up display are available on the higher-spec trims.

Coming to the technical specs, the sportier SQ5 continues to get the power from the earlier 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 gasoline engine producing 354 PS of maximum power and 500 Nm of peak torque. Coupled to this engine are an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive system. 

Despite identical outputs, the 2021 SQ5 can accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in 4.7 seconds, which is 4 seconds faster than the predecessor. The electronically-limited top speed of the SUV is rated at 250 kmph.

The SQ5 includes adaptive dampers and electric power steering as standard, while height-adjustable air suspension, variable sports steering, and a ‘sport’ limited-slip rear differential are available as optional upgrades. For the alloy wheels, the available choices range from 20- to 21-inches.

At a starting price of $52,900 (RM 219,890), the 2021 Audi SQ5 is now on sale in the US showrooms. About its arrival in the local market, no information is available as of now.

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