Six-cylinder sedans like the Audi S4, BMW M340i and Mercedes-AMG C43 are compelling choices for the buyer wanting sensible performance. Not as extreme as their more powerful stablemates, nor as sedate as their lesser brethren, the niche represents something of a sweet spot.
But this enjoyable middle ground extends to the realm of the medium-sized sport-utility vehicle (SUV) category. You can have the Audi SQ5, BMW X3 M40i or Mercedes-AMG GLC43, serving up spicy performance with a dollop of extra ground clearance lacking in a regular three-box saloon.
Of course, there is a dynamic trade-off that comes with a higher centre of gravity. But unless your daily route involves a slalom, that might not matter too much. We spent a few days with the contender from Ingolstadt and found there was much to appreciate.
The Q5 even in basic guise has always been a wonderfully competent choice. It was treated to a mild refresh last year, with subtle aesthetic changes and the introduction of a slope-roofed Sportback variant. The interior is starting to show its age, but if you are a fan of textbook Audi tactility, that is unlikely to put you off.
How we will miss the precise clicking of switchgear and weighting of rotary dials when the full transition is made to complete touch interfaces. The 10.1-inch Multi Media Interface (MMI) screen is touch-operated, by the way. Standard in the SQ5 is a digital instrument cluster with a screen spanning 12.3 inches. Brushed aluminium decorative inserts, supportive seats in soft Nappa leather and a flat-bottomed steering wheel are among the interior highlights.
On the outside, it is distinguished by a model-specific grille, red brake callipers, four tailpipes and smattering of “S” badges. Our car wore optional 21-inch wheels. Ride quality leans towards the firm side, as expected, but the damper control system affords a more compliant sense with comfort mode engaged.
The V6 motor in the SQ5 fires up with a muzzled buzz. Certainly a clearer intent of sporting potential than the 40 TDI version we sampled not long ago. An eight-speed automatic transmission is on duty and in typical performance Audi fashion, Quattro is part of the deal. Road testers who have had the privilege of experiencing the lighting-quick acceleration of electric Audi models like the E-Tron GT might describe the 5.4-second sprint time of the SQ5 as pedestrian.
Sure, it might not ruin your hairdo on a launch start, but it is more than brisk for seizing gaps in traffic, or dispatching from one end of Johannesburg to the other in expedient fashion. Output is 260kW and 500Nm. Honestly speaking, in light of exorbitant petrol prices, my temperament behind the wheel was what you would call conservative. At the end of my test week of nearly 400km, average consumption was 11.9l/100km.
Indeed, the fate of traditional performance cars reliant on internal combustion alone is under question. Hybridisation is the inevitable next step in the transition to complete electrification, which is an agenda to which Audi seems quite committed.
For the time being, if you want a six-shooter SUV with exceptional build quality, classy aesthetics and cachet, the SQ5 is one to consider.
Base price: R1,208,000
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