The 2026 Audi SQ5 excels at being a fast, comfortable daily driver. Its adaptive air suspension smooths out rough roads, the turbocharged V6 delivers satisfying power, and the quad exhaust tips produce a genuinely sporty soundtrack. Yet when pushed harder, the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission reveals the SQ5’s biggest flaw, frequently upshifting when you’d rather hold a gear. That tension defines the vehicle: quick and capable, but not truly engaging.
MotorTrend’s Glacier White SQ5 Prestige reached 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and carried an as-tested price tag of $76,270. By comparison, the BMW X3 M50 accomplishes the same sprint in 4.0 seconds, making it the obvious choice for shoppers prioritizing outright performance. Buyers seeking a blend of luxury, comfort, and usable speed may find the Audi more appealing.
What You’re Getting
The SQ5 sits above the standard Q5 and currently serves as the most performance-focused gasoline-powered Q5 available in the U.S.
Key hardware includes:
- Turbocharged 3.0-liter V6
- 362 horsepower
- 406 lb-ft of torque
- Seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission
- Standard quattro all-wheel drive
- Adaptive air suspension
- Larger front brakes than the standard Q5
Pricing starts at $65,400, with Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim levels available. The tested Prestige model added options such as Black Optic trim, premium paint, Audi Guard protection, cargo accessories, and puddle lighting, bringing the total to $76,270.
Performance: Fast Enough, Not Class-Leading
MotorTrend recorded the following performance figures:
- 0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds
- Quarter-mile: 13.4 seconds at 102.8 mph
- 60-0 braking: 111 feet
- Figure-eight handling: 25.7 seconds
Braking performance matches the BMW X3 M50, but the Audi trails its rival in acceleration and handling metrics.
The BMW X3 M50 posts a 4.0-second 0-60 time and runs the quarter-mile in 12.6 seconds at 109.7 mph, while starting at a similar price. Mercedes-AMG’s GLC 43 also brings more power, with 416 horsepower and a manufacturer-claimed 4.7-second 0-60 time.
Where the SQ5 shines is composure. The adaptive air suspension keeps the body controlled and confident, while Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tires provide substantial grip. However, the transmission dulls the experience. Even in manual mode, it tends to upshift prematurely and respond slowly to downshift requests, limiting driver involvement on demanding roads.
Around town, the SQ5 feels effortless. Peak torque arrives at just 1,700 rpm, making everyday acceleration smooth and immediate. Highway refinement is another standout, with impressive cabin isolation and long-distance comfort.
Interior and Technology
The Prestige trim features Audi’s Digital Stage cockpit, combining:
Digital instrument cluster
Large central MMI touchscreen
Passenger-side display
The interface is generally straightforward, though the climate controls remain integrated into the touchscreen layout. While the dashboard design looks modern and clean, some drivers may miss traditional physical controls.
Material quality is strong throughout the cabin, featuring:
- Nappa leather
- Microsuede accents
- Carbon-fiber trim
- Bang & Olufsen audio system
- Head-up display
- Comprehensive driver-assistance technologies
Not everything feels premium. Piano-black surfaces remain prone to fingerprints and scratches, and the digital gauge graphics lack the sense of occasion expected from a performance-oriented S model.
Verdict
The 2026 Audi SQ5 succeeds as a luxury performance SUV that prioritizes comfort and refinement over outright excitement. The V6 remains smooth and characterful, the air suspension delivers excellent ride quality, and quattro all-wheel drive provides confidence in all conditions.
The tradeoff is engagement. Drivers looking for sharp transmission responses and class-leading acceleration will likely find more satisfaction in the BMW X3 M50. Those attracted to the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 may also prefer its stronger performance credentials and more assertive personality.
For buyers who want a well-equipped, comfortable, and genuinely quick luxury SUV, the SQ5 remains easy to recommend. It simply falls short of being the benchmark. Think of it as a polished all-rounder rather than a performance leader.
Spec sheet
| Spec | 2026 Audi SQ5 |
|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | Audi USA from $65,400; MotorTrend base $66,695 (w/ dest.) |
| As tested (MT) | $76,270 Prestige (paint, Black Optic, protection, cargo cover, puddle lights, wheel locks) |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo V6, 362 hp / 406 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) |
| Drivetrain | quattro AWD |
| 0–60 mph | 4.8 s (MotorTrend instrumented); Audi USA claim 4.6 s |
| Quarter mile | 13.4 s @ 102.8 mph (MotorTrend) |
| 60–0 braking | 111 ft (MotorTrend; matches X3 M50) |
| Figure-eight | 25.7 s (MotorTrend; X3 M50 0.4 s quicker) |
| Curb weight | 4,486 lb (MotorTrend) |
| EPA city/hwy/comb | 21 / 28 / 23 mpg (MotorTrend card) |
| Rival delta: X3 M50 | MT: 4.0 s 0–60, 12.6 @ 109.7; starts $67,850; loaded ~$76,100 |
| Rival class: GLC 43 | MBUSA: 416 hp, 4.7 s 0–60 claim, from $67,550 (OEM claim, not MT instrumented) |
Before you buy
New or CPO Audi on the shortlist? Walk it with a real checklist, not just vibes: the ultimate Audi PPI checklist.
Sources:
- MotorTrend: 2026 Audi SQ5 Prestige first test (31 Aug 2026)
- MotorTrend: 2025 Audi Q5 / SQ5 first drive
- Audi USA: 2026 SQ5 overview
- Mercedes-Benz USA: 2026 AMG GLC 43 SUV
- Audi MediaCenter: Image No. A250215 (SQ5 SUV)
- Audi MediaCenter: Image No. A250217 (SQ5 SUV)
- Audi MediaCenter: Image No. A250219 (SQ5 SUV)
Official photography © AUDI AG / editorial use. SQ5 SUV press images from Audi MediaCenter; not Sportback stand-ins from prior packages.