2013 Audi SQ5

America’s relationship with diesel-powered vehicles began with pick-up trucks, then we had a brief affair with passenger vehicles, but that was doomed to failure. Diesel passenger cars became somewhat of a cult favorite for some wealthy Americans from Germany. They may be disappointed though because Audi officials have yet to announce whether the new SQ5 Diesel will come to the US. The SQ5 is the first S Model in Audi history to have a diesel-powered motor. Concurrent with the 24 Hour Le Mans, Audi presented the newest model in their newly revised Q5 series, the SQ5. With its two turbochargers and a 313 horsepower engine with 479 lb.-ft. of torque, it may be shipped to Canada, but speculation says it may not arrive in the US. It will surely be missed if it never makes its way to the United States.

The Audi Q5 has enjoyed popularity among urban dwellers and those seeking to lower their carbon footprint. However its cousin, the new SQ5 is poised to take away the market share from the traditional leader of the mid-sized luxury SUV sector, the Lexus RX350, at least in other parts of the world.

The new Audi 2013 SQ5, takes an impressively powered SUV and adds even more torque. The Lexus RX350 and Infiniti JX hardly compare with the 2013 Audi SQ5 diesel, either in fuel efficiency or with its commanding 479 lb.-ft. of torque. Each with only 248 lb.-ft. of torque, both the Infiniti JX and the Lexus RX350 are officially beaten.

The new Audi SQ5 will easily pull large trailers and boats up steep grades that the owners of an RX350 or JX can only climb in their dreams. With nearly double the torque, the Audi SQ5 has the definite advantage and can now compete with the likes of Mercedes and BMW.

A high performance diesel that hits sixty in about five seconds, the 2013 Audi SQ5 is quite impressive, with a 313 horsepower motor mated to an 8-speed transmission. Since all diesels shift at low RPMs they have relatively flat torque curves. With a high number of gears, these motors will behave almost like they’re paired with a constantly variable transmission, just like the Infiniti JX. This gives Audi the best of both worlds.

The only other advantage of a luxury diesel sport utility vehicle other than torque, is fuel economy. The new Audi was tested on European tracks and averaged in the low 30 MPG range. This even challenges its rival, the Infiniti RX hybrid’s efficiency, and very well may beat any gas-powered vehicle in the same sector of the market. The increase in miles per gallon gives the SQ5 more range, always a plus in a sport utility vehicle, and makes it a great vehicle for vacation travel.

With better fuel economy than an Infiniti RX hybrid, and tremendous towing capacity for Americans on the move, the introduction of the 2013 Audi SQ5 mated to the Q5, would give those shopping for an SUV a good reason to look twice at these vehicles, if they ever make it to the US.

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