Audi Debuts a New, More Powerful SQ5 TDI Plus

Audi SQ5 TDI plus (Credit: © Audi)

There is a lot that Audi offers that we do not get here in the U.S. One of those models is the SQ5 TDI. Well, today, Audi has revealed even more forbidden fruit, as it have launched a new performance diesel SUV based on the Q5. Audi has dubbed this new model the SQ5 TDI Plus.

In its base setup, the SQ5 TDI produces a respectable 313 PS and 479 pound-feet of torque from its 3.0-liter TDI V-6 engine. This results in the perfect combination of performance and fuel economy, as the SQ5 TDI sprints to 62 mph in just 5.1 seconds while consuming just 6.8 liters of diesel per 100 km (34.6 mpg) on the combined cycle.

Audi SQ5 TDI plus (Credit: © Audi)

The Plus model tweaks things a bit, as it pushes the 3.0-liter biturbo diesel to 340 PS and 516 pound-feet of torque. Despite this bump in power, the SQ5 Plus TDI only matches the base SQ5 TDI to 60 mph and with its 155 mph top speed. It does, however, boost fuel economy to up to 42.8 mpg combined and reduce combined emissions from 179 g/km to 174 g/km.

Also setting the SQ5 Plus apart are its gloss-black 21-inch Audi Sport rollers, and gloss-black mirror housings, door handles, roof edge spoiler and rear diffuser.

Audi SQ5 TDI plus (Credit: © Audi)

The cabin also gets some mild updates, with this new Plus model. Included in the package are diamond-stitched Nappa leather sports seats and a sliding rear bench seat.

The new SQ5 Plus will hit dealers in the U.K. later in 2015. In the U.S., however, we tend to shy away from diesels, so don’t hold your breath for this one to roll into American dealers. For now, the only SQ5 that we get access to comes with the 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 with 354 horsepower. I guess that will do…