Audi has announced the forthcoming release of an SQ5 performance SUV with a diesel engine.
The Audi SQ5 TDI will get a 3.0-liter V6 engine equipped with a turbocharger as well as an electric supercharger drawing its power from a lithium-ion battery and the 48V on-board network. The manufacturer says the electric supercharger virtually eliminates the turbo lag when the engine runs slowly.
The new drivetrain is manufacturer-rated at 347 hp (259 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lbft) of torque. To compare, the gasoline variant of the Audi SQ5 produces 354 hp (264 kW) and 500 Nm (369 lbft) of torque.
The car will invariably ship with an 8-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. It will sprint 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.1 seconds, which is 0.3s faster than the gasoline version can do.
By default, the SUV gets 20-inch wheels and adaptive suspension. Air suspension and 21-inch rims are optionally available.
Customers in Europe may place a pre-order for the Audi SQ5 TDI starting this spring. Prices begin at €67,750. First shipments won’t be made until summer, though.
Photo: Audi