if you first drive the 2014 Audi SQ5 on a relatively straight piece of tarmac as most will when they’re on the test drive—and you happen to dial up Dynamic mode (and select ‘S’ with the shift knob), it does offer a pretty convincing introduction. The transmission smacks through the gears with dual-clutch (DSG) urgency, with the exhaust snorting and burbling at the rear; the flat-bottom steering wheel feels reassuring on center, and the SQ5 goes down the road with a firmer, busier ride than what you’d find in the 2014 Audi Q5 first drive here.
But no, this isn’t a DSG gearbox, and there’s no special steering setup for the 2014 Audi SQ5; rather, it’s the same eight-speed automatic transmission as the Q5, with the same ratios, and the same electromechanical steering, albeit in both cases with a more aggressive calibration. There’s also the same rear-biased quattro all-wheel-drive system that’s used in other Q5 models.
And that exhaust burbling from in back? A special valved baffling system that’s been tuned to complement the harmonious intake sounds that this engine develops as it’s revved.
There’s really very little that makes the 2014 Audi SQ5 different visually, and that adds stealth appeal in our opinion. You’ll find different bumpers, a Platinum Gray grille and lower diffuser, quad exhaust tips, 20-inch (or optional 21-inch) wheels. HID headlamps with self-leveling, and LED daytime running lamps. And inside, those sport seats covered in leather and Alcantara (suede) are standard, with Nappa leather available. Special aluminum-and-black-wood inlays are also available inside. And if you’re the type to look for even finer details, you’ll find them—in bolder contrast-stitching, a chunky flat-bottom steering wheel, aluminum pedal inserts, gray instrument faces, a somewhat different shift knob, and a red ring around the engine-start button.
