Writer tests Audi SQ5 on 1,000-mile family trip to France with baby

A journalist has put the Audi SQ5 through a demanding real-world test, driving the twin-turbo V6 SUV on a fortnight-long family trip to France with a baby on board. The car covered a round trip of roughly 1,000 miles before returning to the UK, and the experience offered a clear picture of how the model performs when the journey is long, the luggage is heavy and the passengers are very young.

Comfort was one of the standout qualities. The air-sprung suspension delivered a relaxed, gliding ride on the motorway, and the car settled further as speeds rose. In its Comfort setting, body movement was kept under control without the excessive float that can make larger SUVs feel adrift. Those traits suited a family journey, although the writer noted a practical limit for the infant: the car seat was best kept to about two hours at a stretch before a break was needed.

Performance from the twin-turbo V6 was described as more than adequate, with power in reserve that the writer felt many UK drivers rarely use. Economy, however, proved a weak point on the continental leg. The trip averaged 24.6mpg, while driving closer to home was reported at close to 30mpg. The seven-speed gearbox turned over at about 2,100rpm at an 80mph cruise, and because the car has no overdrive, fuel consumption suffered on the longer French roads. For comparison, the writer pointed to a larger Q7 diesel, which managed 37.1mpg on a comparable fast run.

Handling was less impressive. On the winding Jura mountain roads the steering and chassis felt underwhelming, and on rougher, non-arterial routes the ride became fidgety. The raised ride height helped on one rutted track, showing the benefit of the extra clearance, but the writer suggested that a Porsche Macan GTS would offer a more engaging drive for those who prioritise dynamics. For buyers who want a sensible alternative, a Q5 TDI with air suspension was put forward as a more measured choice.

On practicality, the SQ5 has a claimed cargo capacity 4 per cent larger than that of the S5 Avant, which was useful for a trip of this length. Taken together, the journey suggested an SUV that excels at relaxed long-distance cruising and family comfort, while falling short on fuel efficiency and driver engagement on more demanding roads.

Source: autocar.co.uk

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Edward Beaumont

Political Correspondent

Edward Beaumont covers public affairs, politics, business, culture and daily news for Nobel. The role focuses on verification, context, and clear explanations for readers.

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