The 2023 Audi SQ5: Sportscar Chic Meets SUV Capability
The 2023 Audi SQ5 is filled with thoughtful beauty, and driving it sealed the deal. This one has it all. The looks, the comfort, the speed and the sound.
Erica Mueller
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All the Myriad Reasons the Audi SQ5 Makes My Heart Race
It took me all of five minutes to fall for the Audi SQ5 – I opened the doors to quilted red leather seats, and I was done for. But not even that first impression could have prepared me for the fun week ahead of me. The internet will tell you that the 2023 Audi SQ5 is a luxury SUV with an excellent driving experience and advanced technology features. But that is nowhere near enough nice things to say about it.
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Both of the front seats in the Audi SQ5 are fully power-adjustable. Isn’t that Magma Red gorgeous? Photo: Erica Mueller
Let’s Start Inside, Since that’s Where the Beauty Is
The interior of the SQ5 is impressive, with high-quality materials and a modern design. The door panels are works of art with their carbon fiber, red-stitched leather, and suede accents. The Magma Red quilted leather seats (in front and back!) are comfortable, supportive, and absolutely beautiful. #swoon
I found the cabin to be spacious and quiet, without too many buttons and knobs or useless cubbies. The multimedia system is user-friendly, and it comes with standard features such as a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility.
The power panoramic sunroof rolls back silently to reveal a beautiful sky view and lets in so much natural light. The tucked-away wireless charger for your phone (slides back under the console lid) and heated/cooled drink holder more than make up for a very compact center stack. And this mama loved individual child locks for the rear doors and windows.
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Backseat passengers in the Audi SQ5 enjoy luxurious comforts, too, like climate-controlled heated seats. Photo: Erica Mueller
Turbocharged and in Charge
When in the driver’s seat, you are immediately greeted with a solid gear shift, paddle shifters on the steering wheel, and aluminum pedals for that true sportscar feel. Under the hood, the 2023 SQ5 is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque for an exhilarating amount of speed and responsiveness, not to mention a glorious sportscar sound. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the SQ5 comes standard with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The SUV can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, which is impressive for a vehicle of its size and isn’t hard to achieve on your own neighborhood highway.
The SQ5’s driving experience is excellent, with precise handling and smooth ride quality. The SUV comes standard with adaptive suspension dampers, which adjust the suspension based on the road conditions to provide a comfortable ride. The brakes are strong, and the steering is responsive, making the 2023 Audi SQ5 easy to drive and maneuver, even at high speeds.
Regarding safety, the SQ5 has a suite of advanced driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning (super sensitive, by the way), automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. The SUV also has a 360-degree camera system that provides a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces or checking around the vehicle for pets, kids, and toys a breeze.
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All the sportscar benefits are found in the Audi SQ5, along with SUV roominess and cargo space. Photo: Erica Mueller
What You Need to Know about the Audi SQ5
When I fell hard for this one, I decided to wait until the end of my experience to find out how much it cost. I was sure it was over the six-figure mark, and my dream of owning one, even a used one, would be crushed. I was wrong!
The 2023 Audi SQ5 is available in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige.
The Premium trim starts at $56,500 and comes with standard features such as LED headlights, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen display.
The Premium Plus trim starts at $60,900 and adds features like a Bang & Olufsen sound system, a wireless charging pad, and a 360-degree camera system.
We drove the top-of-the-line Prestige trim, which starts at $66,100 and comes with all the features of the Premium Plus trim, as well as additional features like a head-up display, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, and a heated steering wheel.
Overall, the 2023 Audi SQ5 is an excellent luxury SUV with a great driving experience, advanced technology features, and impressive performance. If you’re in the market for a high-end SUV, the SQ5 should definitely be on your list.
There’s nothing mom-car about the 2023 Audi SQ5. And this beauty costs less than you’d expect. Photo: Erica Mueller
Disclosure: Audi loaned me the SQ5 for a week for the purpose of this review. All love, thoughts, opinions, and photos are my own. Additionally, A Girls Guide to Cars may earn a commission from affiliate links in this story.
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