There are few vehicles that can make you eat your words – the 2026 Audi SQ5 Sportback Edition One is a rare exception. It’s probably one of the best all-round offerings of its kind, and will bring out the rev head in even the tamest of drivers.
We had the chance to take the SQ5 on an impressive 3000+ kilometre road trip across NSW, covering all kinds of surfaces and driving conditions. It served as a participant in a series we’re filming, as well as the camera vehicle and a performance benchmark.
It’s safe to say, the sheer breadth of talent this vehicle has to offer is outstanding. Despite a little bit of heft at 2050kg, the mild hybrid backed turbocharged V6 delivers 270kW and 550Nm on its way to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds.
Shifting via the 7-speed S-tronic gearbox is instant and super intuitive, almost negating the need for manual mode. The quattro all-wheel drive system shows amazing adaptability compared to older models too. Gone is the front-wheel understeer.
There are some criticisms though. Some weirdness started the moment we pulled out into traffic. The SQ5 was doing everything it should, yet something in the way it moved felt off. Not broken, not alarming, just a faint hint that the tuning was off kilter.
It briefly had us wondering whether this was going to be one of those sporty packages where the badge works harder than the engineering. The second dose of strange arrives once you settle into the cabin.
The new seating geometry, top‑mounted pedals and the enormous dash‑spanning screen all conspire to put you in a position that feels more chiropractor‑approved than driver‑focused. The new steering wheel sits unusually high to clear the screen to add to the fun.
The seats lock you into a near‑90‑degree leg angle, and when combined with the other changes, ends up delivering lower‑leg alignment that feels fine for the first hour, then rewards you with calf cramps on longer runs.
It’s not uncomfortable enough to be a deal‑breaker, but it’s definitely not the ergonomic triumph Audi thinks it is. This is where any criticism ends though. Achieving below the claimed fuel standard of 7.6-litres/100km by a whole extra litre is jaw dropping.
If you’re doing the maths, yes we achieved 6.5-litres/100km in real world testing. It’s a good looking rig too. The blacked out components that come with the Edition One variant give the SQ5 a unique look.
Sharp and aggressive LED lights bring a futuristic and technology focused vibe, while twin spoke 20-inch black rims elevate the sporting prowess. Inside, comfortable seats match the dark feel the interior gives off via piano gloss black panels.
There are haptic buttons everywhere, which will turn off some, but it somehow works on this occasion (as does the black panels oddly). It feels expensive and neat at the same time, and enables a real focus on the tech packed into the massive screen.
There are multiple drive modes, with Dynamic the standout. We did not that the engine noise is suppressed inside the SQ5 however, is quite raucous when you’re outside the vehicle. Some might say that’s an odd choice on Audi’s part.
From a performance perspective, Dynamic mode comes into its own on some nice twisty back roads. This is first of many eat your word moments, the result of the SQ5 coming alive in ways we honestly did not think possible.
The driving dynamics on show in this model are truly astonishing, the SQ5 makes you forget you are in SUV all-together. The diff allows the car to be playful and enthusiastic, letting the rear end misbehave as you feed on the power out of corners.
It’s controlled and yet puts a smile on your face. The big brakes are more than enough to keep everything in hand too. Coming into some narrow sections of road the car did show its weight, but the sheer thrill and excitement it offers is where things all start to make sense.
It’s almost like Audi sacrificed a small percentage of everyday drive comfort to fully enhance the sporty nature o the SQ5. The next shock moment was when we stumbled across some gritty off-road elements.
We took the opportunity to explore the off-road+ mode available in the SQ5 and immediately found ourselves in yet another fun zone. The Audi Sportback instantly felt like it had a rally heritage. It was playful and energetic, yet capable and stable.
The raised ride height takes out the risk of logs and rocks, while still feeling low and agile enough to give you a sense of control. The SQ5 Sportback Edition One is priced from $111,900 (including LCT and GST), plus the remaining on-roads.
It offers an engaging and dynamic driving experience, and is a daily driver standout, all rolled into a single impressive package. We love a vehicle that changes our mind and stands out from the crowd – and the Audi certainly did that.
You can find out more about it on the Audi Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership. To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by Audi Australia for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this vehicle.
