The question of which Audi SQ5 trim holds its value best does not have a straight-forward answer. The fact is that there is only one SQ5 version currently available here. The Q5, though, on which the SQ5 is based, comes in eight different trim levels. The SQ5 is the performance model in the range, and also has the highest level of features and top-level trim.
The SQ5 in brief
The SQ5 TFSI quattro costs R1 169 500, and its price is substantially more than the models that come badged merely as Q5 versions. The SQ5’s major difference is its engine, and this is the only Q5 model that has a V6; the other models have 4-cylinder engines.
The SQ5 was introduced here in 2017.as the ultimate model in the Q5 range. It comes with the latest-generation Audi V6 with a twin-scroll turbocharger located in the middle of the cylinder V, which makes the whole engine installation more compact.
Outputs are 260 kW and 500 Nm of torque. The claimed 0-100 km/h is 5,4 seconds, top speed is 250 km/h and the claimed consumption (likely to be substantially heavier in real-world driving) is 8,3 litres/100 km.
The transmission is all wheel drive with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and the car comes with a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
The rest of the Q5 range
The Q5 range, excluding the SQ5 model, comes in eight different models. Of these, four are diesel and four are petrol. All use a 7-speed DSG gearbox and quattro all-wheel-drive.
The turbo-diesel models are badged as TDIs, and power from the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder is 140 kW with 400 Nm of torque. Claimed 0-100 km/h time is 7.9 seconds, top speed is 218 km/h and claimed fuel consumption is 4,9 litres/100 km (you should get a real-world figure of under 6 litres/100 km with the diesel).
The turbo-petrol models are badged as 45TFSI models and run 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engines. Power on Q5 petrol all models is 185 kW and 370 Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h is claimed at 6,3 seconds, top speed is 237 km/h and consumption is a claimed 6,9 litres/100 km.
Diesel Q5 line-up and pricing
| Audi Q5 TDI quattro | R791 500 |
| Audi Q5 TDI quattro Off road Edition | R826 900 |
| Audi Q5 TDI quattro Sport | R841 500 |
| Audi Q5 TDI quattro Sport S Line sports | R866 639 |
Petrol Q5 line-up and pricing
| Audi Q5 quattro 45TFSI | R843 000 |
| Audi Q5 quattro 45TFSI Off road Edition | R878 400 |
| Audi Q5 quattro 45TFSI Sport | R893 000 |
| AudiQ5 quattro 45TFSI Sport S Line sports | R918 139 |
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Which Audi Q5 or SQ5 holds its value best?
We spoke to a used-vehicle expert at one of the major Audi dealerships and the model that sells best on the used car floor is the Audi Q5 base model, the TDI quattro. The salesman says it is a question of economics in the current market.
However he reports that the base model TDI with a few well-chosen extras such as a sunroof and navigation will sell more easily than a base model with no extras. Conversely, a car that is fully-loaded with a host of extras will not recoup the money spent on these items which don’t have the wide-spread appeal of sunroofs and navigation systems.
Regarding the SQ5, he reports that recently there has been demand for this top-of-the-range model, and that prices realised have reflected well compared to the initial new-car list prices paid. He said that this is possibly because the SQ5 is a relatively rare model now on the used-car market.
AutoTrader currently lists over 250 examples of New and Used Audi Q5 and SQ5 models for sale.