In the realm of luxury SUVs, the iconic Audi SQ5 stands out as a formidable contender, blending performance, comfort and style with effortless grace. A beefier, six-cylinder version of the classic Q5, Kristian Harrison took it for a spin and discovered the characteristics that make the SQ5 a standout choice in its class.
They say that familiarity breeds contempt. As I plonked myself in the driver’s seat of the Audi SQ5, I realised that this was a lie. Familiarity breeds comfort, I discovered, as I was immediately flooded with nostalgia and a sense of familiarity. This car isn’t just another vehicle to me; it’s a cherished memory, a trusted companion that was (and still is, albeit now trundling around the country roads of Europe) an integral part of my family.
See, the Audi Q5 was our family car in Bahrain for almost a decade before my parents left me to fend for myself and took the car with them. In fact, I did get to drive it again as recently as Christmas, so as you can imagine, I was super excited to try out its newer and more powerful version with the latest SQ5.
One of the defining features of the SQ5 is its ability to effortlessly blend comfort with performance. Slipping into the driver’s seat feels like a reunion with an old friend – familiar, comforting and instantly reassuring. The plush leather seats cradle you in luxury, while the ergonomic design ensures that every control and feature is within easy reach, just as I remember it. The gear stick is a little more futuristic and now has a push button for Park, but everything else remains exactly where it should and needs to be.
It’s hard to describe how much of a relief it is for a modern vehicle to just plump for satisfying ergonomics, avoiding putting buttons and dials in funky places just to be different and including technology for technology’s sake.
While some cars strive to make a bold statement with avant-garde designs, the Audi SQ5 opts for a more timeless approach. Its sleek lines, understated elegance, and iconic grille exude sophistication without being ostentatious. It still turns heads on the road, a testament to its enduring appeal and timeless design language. Inside, the cabin is spacious, accommodating passengers and cargo with equal aplomb.
Underneath its refined exterior lies a beast waiting to be unleashed. The SQ5 boasts a potent engine that delivers exhilarating performance at the slightest tap of the accelerator. Whether navigating city streets or cruising along the highway, the SQ5’s responsive handling and agile dynamics instil confidence behind the wheel, whether you require all of its 349 horsepower or not.
The SQ5 has a suite of safety features, but one in particular I want to mention is the Adaptive Cruise Control and Assist, which is an upgrade that I never knew I needed. This allows you to not only set your speed, but the distance at which your car will speed up and slow down based on the cars in front. With how erratic Bahrain’s roads are, not having to constantly manually brake and reapply the cruise control was a blessing.
In conclusion, the Audi SQ5 isn’t just a car; it’s a repository of cherished memories and a wonderful upgrade on what is already a much beloved model. Not only is it a testament to the enduring power of familiarity, it’s a truly exceptional car.
The new Audi SQ5 is available now at a very special rate from the Behbehani Brothers Audi Centre in Sitra.
