By: IOL Motoring Staff
Ingolstadt, Germany - In the fine tradition of American fast-food franchises, Audi has plus-sized the power output (and the Grin Factor) of its SQ5 TDI.
The Four Rings' S-rated mid-sized SUV will be available in Germany from next month with more power, more kit and 21 inch rims wearing 255/40 rubber as the SQ5 plus.
The standard SQ5's three-litre V6 biturbo has been tweaked with higher injection pressure and suitable re-mapping, raising quoted output from 230kW to 250kW and torque from 650-700Nm.
A 0-100 getaway still takes 5.1 seconds (same as the 230kW version) and top speed is still electronically restricted to 250km/h, but quoted fuel-consumption is down from 6.8 to 6.6 litres per 100km in the (admittedly unrealistic) NECD combined cycle.
GLOSS BLACK TRIM
This is presumably due to longer gearing made possible by the increased torque output, and reduced transmission losses thanks to an active sport differential on the rear axle to make the most of the extra grunt - the first one in the Q5 family.
The SQ5 plus also has more gloss black trim, including the five-twin spoked 21 inch cast-alloy rims, the exterior mirror housings, the door handles, roof edge spoiler and diffuser, while the quad exhaust tailpipes have been 'frenched' into two conjoined pairs.
Inside, there's a bigger range of adjustment on the sliding rear seat bench, a diamond pattern in sliver on the nappa leather upholstery leather trim on the door armrests.
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE
For an extra € 12 000 (R41 000) on top of the ex-factory asking price of €67 000 (R895 000), you can order one of just 100 “Exclusive selection” editions with special crystal-effect 'macaw blue' paint, black leather sports seats and matching blue contrast stitching throughout the cabin, as well as brushed aluminium and gloss back trim elements.
Sadly, Audi SA says neither the SQ5 plus nor the 'macaw blue' special edition will be coming to South Africa.