Each new Audi launched from 2026 onwards will probably be an EV, the automaker says, however within the three years main as much as that historic second we’re going to see loads of new combustion automobiles, together with the Q5 SUV and its performance-focused SQ5 spinoff pictured right here.

It’s 9 months since our spy photographers final noticed the SQ5 out within the wild, and at first look, it seems to be like little has modified. The BMW X3 M40i rival remains to be coated head to toe in camouflage wrap – in truth, it’s carrying much more camo across the entrance grille space than it was final July.

However a more in-depth look tells us there’s a superb cause for the additional disguise. Judging by the totally different design of the slats within the facet air intakes within the entrance bumper this prototype is fitted with the ultimate manufacturing SQ5 grille that Audi is determined for us to not see.

It additionally has the manufacturing head and taillights, as a substitute of the placeholder items fitted to the final take a look at automotive we noticed. We will simply make out a glint of DRL sitting above the primary headlights LEDs, although it’s attention-grabbing to notice that Audi has opted to stay with one-piece lamp items for the brand new Q5, whereas the upcoming electrical Q6 e-tron SUV will get headlights sunk unto the bumper, leaving separate DRLs above to suck up all of the admiring glances.

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Quad exhaust tailpipes sign this automotive’s “S” efficiency DNA, although whether or not that DNA has mutated, ensuing within the subsequent North American-spec SQ5 being downgraded from its present 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) 3.0-liter V6 to a super-powered 2.0-liter 4 isn’t clear. European variations of the present SUV get a 3.0-liter diesel that makes 336 hp (251 kW / 341 PS), however diesel engines are quickly falling out of style on the continent.

This newest set of images doesn’t give us a peek contained in the SQ5, however earlier pictures revealed the inside of the usual Q5 SUV, exhibiting that it beneficial properties a small digital instrument cluster and a big pill touchscreen. Bar the addition of a sportier steering wheel, some grippier seats, and some S-branded trim particulars, the SQ5 will probably be an identical.

There’s no confirmed date but for the SQ5, however we will count on to see the inventory Q5 throughout this 12 months, more than likely within the fall, and the SQ5 is prone to observe in January 2024.

Baldauf