Here’s a piece of no-news, if ever there was, perhaps because Audi’s presence at this month’s Paris Motor Show will lack their usual flourish of concept cars and new models. There’ll be the recently launched RS 5 Cabriolet of course, plus the new A3 and R8 e-tron, but we’re not expecting any surprises – which is something of a paradoxical statement in itself.
So, just to confuse us, those dastardly folks at Audi PR have sent us details of the SQ5 TDI Audi exclusive concept. Concept? I thought they’d already introduced the SQ5 TDI at the Le Mans 24 Hours race back in June.
Ah, that might well be true, but this is a ‘Limited Edition’ version created by Audi’s high performance division, quattro GmbH.
So, not a concept then?
Not really. But they’re still calling it the ‘SQ5 TDI Audi exclusive concept’.
Under the bonnet lurks the same 3.0-litre bi-turbo TDI engine delivering 309bhp and 479lb-ft of torque (between 1,450 and 2,800rpm). The SQ5 TDI will accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds, reach a governed top speed of 155mph and yet return 39.2 mpg.
Super. But what has quattro GmbH done to it?
Less we get overly excited by the promise of increased performance, this new version features interior and exterior design upgrades with an exclusive exterior finish in a limited production run of just 50 cars.
Black sport seats in Fine Nappa leather feature contrasting stitching in snow white and black, with woven leather in the centre section.
The SQ5 TDI Audi exclusive concept is finished in Aral Blue crystal effect paint – a shade which was specially developed for this limited production model and is said to convey an increased feeling of depth.
The interior incorporates a number of striking contrasts: The leather multifunction sports steering wheel and the gear lever gaiter in black Fine Nappa leather are accentuated with contrasting stitching in snow white, as are the centre armrest and the instrument binnacle cover.
The black sport seats are now covered in Fine Nappa leather, which also feature contrasting stitching in snow white and black, together with woven leather in the centre section of the seats – marking the first time that woven leather has been used in a production Audi.
It’s called ‘snow white trim’ and it surely won’t remain unmarked once the seven dwarfs are bundled inside.
The Alcantara headlining, the blind for the sunroof and the inlays and applications in the doors are finished in snow white, while the inlays are all natural grain ash which has been specially treated to emphasise the grain. The door trims and the entry sills sport Audi exclusive badges, with the usual proliferation of ‘S’ badges dotted around the cabin.
Production of the SQ5 TDI Audi exclusive concept is limited to 50 examples, and their price in Germany will be €92,000 which is a significant premium over the standard car on which it is based, which retails at €58,500.
The base SQ5 TDI will be available to order in the UK later this year, priced at around £44,000, with deliveries in the first quarter of 2013.
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