2014 Audi SQ5

PREVIEW

The 2014 Audi SQ5 isn't one of those high-performance vehicles that immediately had us at "Hello." Based on Audi's regular Q5 small luxury crossover SUV, the SQ5 has only subtle styling revisions, and for power, it has a version of the automaker's supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, just like the regular Q5 3.0T. Yet, the SQ5 costs considerably more. Of course, the SQ5 does give you 82 extra horsepower, but those are some expensive horses. Unlike, say, the Audi S4 sedan, which has an alluring performance advantage over its A4 sibling, the SQ5's superiority isn't immediately apparent. But if you're the kind of driver who appreciates the little things, the 2014 SQ5 might win you over.

Plop down into the Audi SQ5's aggressively bolstered driver seat and you're greeted by a saucy flat-bottom steering wheel. That's kind of cool. Fire up that 354-horsepower supercharged V6 engine and there's a spirited blat from the quad tailpipes. Also cool. Plant your right foot on the gas pedal to merge onto the expressway and the SQ5 lunges forward, showing noticeably more verve than even the supercharged Q5 3.0T. Drive it around a turn at a brisk clip and the S-specific sport suspension carves a tighter line than you ever thought a Q5 could manage.

In short, the 2014 SQ5 feels genuinely special from behind the wheel, and that's what Audi's S lineup is all about. It also gives you most of the regular Q5's goodness, including superb interior materials and an adult-friendly backseat. Plus, if a sport-biased crossover SUV is what you desire, this Audi is one of only a few models in this segment. That said, you generally won't pay as much for alternatives like the 300-horsepower 2014 BMW X3 xDrive 35i, the 325-hp 2014 Infiniti QX70 or the 240-hp Land Rover Evoque. But from our standpoint, the charming 2014 Audi SQ5 is worth the price.

FEATURES

The 2014 Audi SQ5 is a compact, five-passenger luxury crossover offered in Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels.

Standard equipment for the Premium Plus starts off with 20-inch wheels with summer tires, performance brakes (compared to the regular Q5), a lowered sport-tuned suspension, xenon headlights, LED running lights, S-specific body trim (including the signature metal-look mirror housings), auto-dimming/power-folding mirrors, automatic wipers, a panoramic sunroof, a rear roof spoiler, a power liftgate and quad exhaust tips.

There's also keyless ignition/entry, heated eight-way power front sport seats (with four-way lumbar adjustment), a flat-bottom tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather/faux-suede upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, adjustable drive settings (covering throttle response, transmission programming and steering assist), a sliding and reclining 40/20/40-split rear seat, Bluetooth connectivity, Audi's base Multi Media Interface (MMI) with a dash-mounted controller, and a 10-speaker sound system with a CD player, an iPod/USB input, an auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio.

The Prestige adds adaptive headlights, a blind-spot monitoring system,a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a heated/cooled cupholder, rear door sunshades and the Audi MMI Navigation Plus package, which includes rear parking sensors, a navigation system, a color driver information display, digital music storage, voice controls, a rearview camera, HD radio, "Audi Connect" online services (with mobile WiFi capability), and a more ergonomic MMI controller that's mounted on the center console.

Some of the Prestige's standard features are available on the Premium Plus as options, including the upgraded MMI package. The Prestige is additionally eligible for two packages: the Driver Assist package adds adaptive cruise control and variable-ratio steering, while the Comfort package comes with upgraded leather trim and ventilated front seats.

Optional on both models (but not on the Prestige with the Comfort package) is extended leather trim. Other standalone options include 21-inch wheels, a rear-seat entertainment system with twin display screens, sunroof delete, rear side airbags and layered aluminum/wood inlays.

INTERIOR

The SQ5 sees the regular Q5's classy cabin and raises it a smattering of neat sport-themed touches. For the most part, the same luxurious materials are used, but the SQ5 gets extras like the flat-bottom steering wheel with shift paddles, simulated suede trim, an exquisite leather/aluminum shift knob and of course plenty of "SQ5" badges. You'll also find aluminum-trimmed pedals and the S lineup's trademark gray instrument faces. All told, it's a well-executed makeover of what was already a very nice interior.

Unfortunately, the SQ5's standard MMI system borrows its dash-mounted controller from the base Q5, and it's equally frustrating here. The controller and its associated buttons require an uncomfortable reach for longer-legged drivers, while the MMI software itself is an earlier, less intuitive version. Conversely, navigation-equipped models get the latest MMI system with a convenient console-mounted controller that's easier to use. Also included are an additional joystick button for enhanced control, Google Maps satellite imagery and Audi Connect online services with mobile Wi-Fi capability.

Although the Q5 is considered a compact crossover, it has plenty of room for four good-sized adults. The front sport seats provide excellent support and adjustability, while the rear seats offer ample default legroom as well as slide-and-recline functionality -- not a given in this segment.

With the rear seatbacks folded, the SQ5 can haul up to 57.3 cubic feet of cargo, which is on the low side compared to other small luxury crossovers. The cargo area behind the rear seats measures a more standard 29.1 cubic feet.

UNDER THE HOOD

The 2014 Audi SQ5 is powered by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine rated at 354 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard. Audi estimates that the sprint to 60 mph will take just 5.1 seconds; for comparison, the less-powerful Q5 3.0T needed 5.8 seconds to hit 60 in Autoexpress performance testing. Fuel economy, according to the EPA, is 18 mpg combined (16 city/23 highway).