Arrived on the market from the Laurentians to Montreal’s North Shore as a 2009 model year, the first-generation Audi Q5 immediately appealed to those looking for a high-tech SUV that’s also ultra-luxurious and high-performance. The Q5 offered an unparalleled level of performance in all these areas right from the start, and quickly established itself as one of the undisputed benchmarks for luxury compact SUVs. However, given the rigor of its handling, many people wanted to be able to count on additional horsepower to take full advantage of the extraordinary qualities of the Q5‘s chassis. The Ingolstadt-based automaker listened to the concerns of these thrill-seekers when designing the extraordinary SQ5. However, the Q5 lineup, now in its second generation, has made great strides in all areas, from the “standard” versions of the Ingolstadt-based SUV to the more athletic SQ5. And now, the gap between the two versions is smaller than in the past, making it harder to choose. So, 2020 Q5 or 2020 SQ5? Audi Blainville, your Audi dealer of choice in the city of the same name, explains in detail the differences between the two versions of the Q5 to help you make the right choice!
Design: a stunning common stylistic base, but a more assertive athletic look for the 2020 SQ5 in Blainville.
First, let’s take a look at the stylistic traits of the two competitors as a preamble to this Q5 vs. SQ5 confrontation. First, it’s important to note that these two versions of the Q5 belong to the same lineup, and in that sense, they share many aesthetic similarities. So, regardless of which 2020 Q5 or 2020 SQ5 you’re considering, you’ll be treated to the beautifully honed headlights with distinctive light signature, the impressive, airy single frame grille, the sculpted sides that elegantly bring out the Q5’s muscles, or the increased ground clearance highlighting the ultra-expressive taillamps.
But the 2020 SQ5 goes further than the “standard” 2020 Q5, with subtle Audi S sporty touches that make all the difference. For example, the air intakes on either side of the singleframe grille are larger, engine architecture markings (“V6T” monogram) adorn the front fenders, and the 2020 SQ5 can accommodate rims up to 21 inches (20 inches for the standard Q5). You’ll also get an even more expressive rear spoiler for the 2020 SQ5, compared to the “standard” Q5, as well as a more demonstrative rear bumper. Ultimately, it all depends on what you’re looking for in your future Q5 between Saint-Jérôme and the North Shore of Montreal. For everyday elegance and discretion, you can opt for the magnificent 2020 Audi Q5. If you want the most athletic line for your next Audi SUV, there’s only one choice that will take you to the Laurentians: the 2020 Audi SQ5.
Specifications: dynamism at all times for the 2020 Audi Q5, noble and exacerbated sportiness for the 2020 Audi SQ5.
These barely distinct stylistic traits are, however, the harbingers of much greater differences once you open the hood of each one and compare their specifications side by side. Engine specifications couldn’t be more different. Underneath the front compartment of the 2020 Audi Q5 is a 1984 cc four-cylinder engine that uses supercharging to deliver no less than 248 horsepower and a maximum torque of 273 lb-ft. Combined with the highly efficient 7-speed S tronic transmission and standard quattro drive, the 2020 Q5 is able of going from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds. That’s a performance that many sports cars could relate to!
For all that, the 2020 SQ5 still plays in a higher class, if only because of its engine architecture. Indeed, it features a 349-hp turbocharged V6 that delivers a colossal 369 lb-ft of torque from 1,370 to 3,300 rpm. Coupled with a different but even more efficient transmission (8-speed Tiptronic), this noble engine transmits all the cavalry it delivers in an optimal manner via the legendary quattro drive system. Thus outfitted, the SQ5 delivers outstanding performance, even for a sport-oriented SUV, with a 0–100 km/h sprint achieved in just 5.3 seconds, all for an impressive top speed on the track (250 km/h!). The difference lies above all in the sportiness offered by each of the contenders. If you want dynamic handling when you occasionally need it, the 2020 Q5 is the one to look out for. If, on the other hand, you want the best of the nobility and performance ‘Made in Q5’, there’s only one option that will satisfy you well beyond Blainville: the super-powerful 2020 SQ5.
Interior: a similar design, but with an explicit sporty feel, the 2020 Audi SQ5 is the perfect choice on the road to St-Jérôme.
Finally, the interior, which is where you’ll enjoy your 2020 Q5 or 2020 SQ5 near Blainville the most! Once again, the fact that these two vehicles are part of the current new Q5 lineup has a lot to do with the interior, starting with the design. Logically, you’ll find the very sleek and horizontal dashboard aboard both vehicles, which alone creates a serene atmosphere conducive to what matters: driving. However, a few differences may remain, starting with the steering wheel, which is completely round in the Q5 and flat in the SQ5. Seat seating also differs, with a solid surface in the normal version of Audi’s luxury SUV, while it’s stitched for the supercharged version.
One thing that won’t budge, however, is the level of luxury and technological refinement offered on board. Heated front and rear seats, automatic temperature control, panoramic roof, heated steering wheel and a sound system from Bang & Olufsen: whatever the model and trim level you choose, you’ll enjoy an unparalleled level of comfort and innovation!
Conclusion: for understated elegance, choose the 2020 Q5. For pure Q5 sportiness? The 2020 SQ5!
Ultimately, the 2020 Audi Q5 and the 2020 Audi SQ5 are aimed at two different audiences. While the former offers the perfect balance of performance, comfort and luxury, the latter is more for those looking for a thrilling driving experience with a sporty feel at all times. Still hesitating between the 2020 Q5 and 2020 SQ5? Call one of our specialists today at Audi Blainville, your Audi dealer of choice on the North Shore of Montreal! We will answer all your questions with precision, while helping you discover the Audi offers and the available leasing or financing programs which will help you to get behind the wheel of your future Q5. We look forward to meeting you soon at our dealership!
