If that sounds familiar, it is. The electric-powered compressor or ‘EPC’, made its debut in the Audi SQ7. Volvo too uses compressed air to eliminate turbo lag in the XC60.
In the SQ5, the EPC helps out whenever the exhaust gas flow provides too little energy to drive the turbocharger, i.e. when starting off and accelerating in the low-rev range up to 1,650 rpm. A compact electric motor with an output of 7 kW (9.5 hp) accelerates the compressor wheel to 65,000 rpm in roughly 300 milliseconds, producing a relative boost pressure of 1.4 bar.
As for the combustion engine, the 3.0L V6 TDI develops 255 kW (347 metric hp) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. An 8-speed tiptronic sends power to all four wheels via quattro AWD system. In normal driving conditions, its self-locking centre differential distributes torque between the front and rear axle in a 40:60 ratio. When slip is detected, the majority of the power is directed to the axle with better traction. Depending on the driving situation, a maximum of 70% can flow to the front or 85% to the rear.
The SQ5 is a mild-hybrid too. A belt alternator-starter (BAS) is connected to the crankshaft, which apparently can reduce real-world fuel consumption by as much as 0.7 liters per 100 km. The MHEV technology allows for start/stop operation at speeds of up to 22 km/h (14 mph). When equipped with the adaptive cruise control (ACC), the engine restarts as soon as the vehicle in front of the SQ5 begins to move while the brake pedal is still depressed. During deceleration, the system can also recuperate up to 12 kW of energy and store it in the 10 Ah lithium-ion battery pack located beneath the luggage compartment floor. Coasting with the engine off is also possible for up to 40 seconds.
Standard equipment in Germany includes 20-inch cast aluminium wheels in a 5-twin-spoke star design, LED headlights, Sport seats in leather/Alcantara, and leather-covered multifunction steering wheel.
Options list includes a 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit, 8.3-inch MMI navigation plus, Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 3D sound, Rear Cross Traffic Assist, Exit Warning, Collision Avoidance Assist, Park Assist, camera-based Traffic Sign Recognition and Hill Descent Control.
Audi Pre Sense City comes as standard. It warns the driver about pedestrians and vehicles, and if necessary initiates automatic emergency braking.
The suspension with damper control comes as standard in the new SQ5 TDI. It lowers the body by 30 mm (1.2-inch) compared with the Q5’s standard suspension. Buyers can opt for S-specific adaptive air suspension. The 20-inch cast aluminium wheels are standard while 21-inch wheels are available as an option. There is also a choice of three different 21-inch wheel designs from Audi Sport. Aluminium six-piston calipers on the front axle grip steel discs with a diameter of 375 mm. The calipers can be painted red as an option.
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