Used Audi SQ5 Buying Guide
The Audi SQ5 is the fast Q5 for people who don’t want to shout about it. Across two generations it has offered serious straight-line performance in a discreet, family-sized SUV body, with quattro all-wheel drive and a level of everyday usability that harder performance SUVs struggle to match. Because the recipe changed significantly over the years, choosing the right used SQ5 is mostly a question of choosing the right engine era.
Engines and trims
The first-generation SQ5, sold in the UK from 2013 to 2017, is notable as one of Audi’s first performance diesels: a 3.0-litre BiTDI V6 with over 310PS, huge mid-range torque and a synthesised engine note played through a sound actuator. It suits long-distance drivers who want effortless pace with respectable economy for the performance on offer.
The second-generation car arrived in 2017 and initially switched to a 3.0-litre V6 TFSI petrol — smoother and quieter, but noticeably thirstier. From around 2019 Audi reverted to a 3.0 TDI V6, this time with mild-hybrid assistance, restoring the blend of muscle and cruising efficiency that made the original popular. All versions use an automatic gearbox and quattro drive.
Trim-wise, the SQ5 is effectively a high specification in itself: expect S sports suspension, uprated brakes, part-leather or leather sports seats and, on second-generation cars, Virtual Cockpit and MMI navigation. Vorsprung topped the later range with near-everything fitted. Desirable options to seek out include adaptive air suspension on the Mk2 — which transforms the ride — plus the Technology and Comfort packs and a tow bar if you need one, as the SQ5 is a capable towing vehicle.
What to check before buying
On diesels, usage history matters as much as service history. Both the BiTDI and later TDI carry a diesel particulate filter and (on later cars) an AdBlue system, and examples used mainly for short urban trips can suffer blocked DPFs and associated warning lights — a long test drive should show no smoke, hesitation or emissions warnings. Confirm AdBlue top-ups and any software or emissions-related recall work have been done through Audi.
If the car has air suspension, check it self-levels correctly, cycles through its height settings without groaning from the compressor, and sits level after being parked — leaks and tired compressors are costly. On all versions, look for oil leaks around the V6, listen for gruff cold-start rattles, and make sure the automatic gearbox shifts cleanly without thumps at low speed. Big brakes and 20-inch-plus wheels are consumables: inspect discs, pads and tyres carefully, and check wheels for kerbing. Finally, these are heavy, powerful cars often used for towing, so ask about towing history and inspect the rear suspension accordingly.
Running costs
The diesels are the rational choice, returning acceptable real-world economy for a 300PS-plus SUV when cruising; the TFSI petrol is the smoothest but will use meaningfully more fuel in identical driving. Insurance occupies the higher groups across the board. Servicing costs are reasonable at independent Audi specialists, but consumables — tyres, brakes, air suspension components where fitted — are priced for a heavy performance car rather than a family crossover, and newer examples may attract the higher list-price-based road tax surcharge. Budget for the whole ownership picture, not just the screen price.
Verdict
The SQ5 delivers most of what a full-fat performance SUV offers with far less compromise, and the diesel versions in particular make genuinely sensible long-distance family cars. The petrol-only 2017-2019 window suits lower-mileage drivers; everyone else is better served by a BiTDI or the later mild-hybrid TDI. Buy on condition, DPF health and suspension function rather than on the lowest price, and the SQ5 is one of the most complete used fast SUVs at its money.
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