The all-new Audi SQ5 TFSI has gone on sale with prices starting at £51,200 OTR.

Based around a new powertrain incorporating TFSI petrol power for the first time, the more powerful 354PS TFSI promises a 5.4-second 0-62mph time.

Now propelling 35kg less weight, the new 3.0-litre TFSI is the successor to the power unit first used by the S4 and S5 performance flagships, and replaces its supercharger with a new twin-scroll turbocharger. The new engine has 354PS of power peak and 500Nm of torque. Audi says it cam deliver up to 34mpg according to the NEDC test, equating to CO2 emissions of 189 g/km. An eight-speed tiptronic transmission is mated to the V6 with ‘smooth yet fittingly sporting shifts’. The lower gears feature short ratios, while the upper gears are long in the interest of fuel conservation.

Being both a Q5 and a member of the Audi ‘S’ series, the SQ5 is comes with quattro all-wheel-drive. During normal driving, the system distributes power with a slight rear-axle bias, but when necessary it can divert the majority to whichever axle has better traction. It is backed up by wheel-selective torque control, which slightly brakes the inside wheels during faster cornering to tuck the SQ5 into the bend. A sport differential is also available on the options list.

Controllable via Audi drive select, the electronically regulated ‘S’ suspension allows the driver to adapt damper response to suit the driving situation.

Styling wise, the front and rear bumpers are complemented by more ‘strongly contoured’, S-specific air inlets and a diffuser with a honeycomb grille. Another S-specific feature is the radiator grille with double aluminium slats and contrasting trim elements in matt twilight grey. The S logo with red rhombus is used in numerous locations to set additional accents. The rear bumper houses the S-specific twin exhaust tailpipes of the dual-branch exhaust system and an aluminium diffuser clasp.

LED technology is standard for all lighting functions, including the Audi Beam which projects the four rings logo onto the floor using LEDs when the doors are opened.

On the inside, contrasting stitching on the leather steering wheel and sport seats create a ‘dynamic and elegant ambiance’. The S sport seats are upholstered in fine Nappa leather with diamond stitching and are electrically adjustable. Matt brushed aluminium inlays are standard and an exclusive carbon inlay is optionally available. Aluminium-look shift paddles enable the driver to quickly shift the tiptronic’s gears. The pedals and footrest are finished in stainless steel.

The rear seat bench plus splits into three segments, depending on the position of the split, the luggage compartment has a standard capacity of 500 to 610 litres. When the rear bench is folded down, this volume grows to 1,550 litres.

As standard, the SQ5 TFSI is fitted with the top-of-the-line MMI navigation plus infotainment system with MMI all-in-touch and an 8.3-inch display. The system recognises handwritten input as well as touch gestures familiar from consumer electronics, such as zoom. The new Audi SQ5 also picks up the driver assistance systems from the 'high-tech portfolio' of the Audi Q5.

The predictive efficiency assistant provides specific driving tips to helps the driver save fuel. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) including traffic jam assist can handle some of the steering work in slow-moving traffic. Audi active lane assist makes it easier to stay in lane. Distance warning alerts the driver when the distance to a vehicle drops below a safe distance.

Cross traffic assist rear, the exit warning system, collision avoidance assist and turn assist are other new features for safety in everyday traffic. The same is true for the pre-sense systems with Audi pre sense city fitted as standard. The system warns the driver about pedestrians and vehicles, and initiates automatic emergency braking within system limits. Park assist, the camera-based recognition of traffic signs and hill descent control round out the features.

First UK deliveries expected in June.