There are few places on Earth that rival the raw, unpredictable beauty of the Tamhini Ghat in India. A terrain where every corner dares you, where the mist never quite settles, and where the road sometimes vanishes into green. It’s where nature writes poetry in curves, and you need a car that can keep up with that rhythm.
Enter the Audi SQ5, Audi’s luxurious yet performance-driven SUV, fitted with a beastly V6 under the hood and a host of tech-laden comforts inside. I recently had the chance to take this machine through the winding Tamhini Ghat between Mulshi Lake and Sanaswadi, a route known for its switchbacks, changing elevations, and postcard-worthy scenery. The result? A drive I won’t forget anytime soon.
But this isn’t just about scenic beauty. This is about what happens when 367 horses meet lush rainforest and a road tripper’s curiosity. Here’s how the Audi SQ5 turned a regular test drive into a full-blown experience.
Table of Contents
First Impressions: When Power Meets Poise
At first glance, the Audi SQ5 doesn’t scream for attention like many performance SUVs do. It’s mature, well-sculpted, and oozes that subtle aggression which says, “I’m fast, but I don’t need to prove it to you.” The edition I tested was painted in a deep Navarra Blue, its 21-inch wheels filling out the arches perfectly, with red brake calipers peeking through like tiny declarations of intent.
Stepping into the cabin, you’re met with Audi’s now-signature dual-tone leather sport seats, aluminium inlays, and a crisp digital cockpit. It smells expensive, feels solid, and whispers comfort even before the ignition turns on. But make no mistake, this cabin isn’t just about luxury, it’s a cockpit designed to go places.
And go places it did.
Technical Specifications: Audi SQ5 (2025 Model)
We use only the official Audi website to gather technical data, ensuring you get the real numbers.
| Specification | Details |
| Engine | 3.0L V6 Turbocharged, Mild Hybrid |
| Power | 367 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 550 Nm @ 1700 rpm |
| Transmission | 7-Speed Tiptronic Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Quattro All-Wheel Drive |
| 0-100 km/h | 4.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h (electronically limited) |
| Fuel Efficiency (Mixed) | 8.3-9.9 L/100km (WLTP) |
| Curb Weight | 2130 kg |
| Brakes (Front/Rear) | Disc / Disc |
| Suspension | Adaptive Air Suspension (optional) |
| Boot Space | 475-1446 liters |
| Ground Clearance | Adjustable (Dynamic, Comfort, Off-road) |
| Tyres | 255/40 R21 – Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
The Climb Begins: Mists, Mud, and Machine
I started my journey early morning from Pune, aiming to reach the edge of the Ghats by dusk. The highway sections were where the SQ5 truly stretched its legs. With just a gentle prod on the accelerator, the 3.0-liter V6 surged ahead with a satisfying growl, reaching 100 km/h in under five seconds. Overtaking lumbering trucks became less of a necessity and more of a guilty pleasure.
As I entered the ghat section near Mulshi, the roads narrowed, the tarmac grew patchy, and a curtain of mist rolled in. I switched the drive mode to “Comfort,” and the air suspension soaked up the bumps with impressive composure. Despite being a performance SUV, the SQ5 never felt stiff or jittery on uneven mountain roads.
What really blew me away was the steering, Audi’s progressive steering with speed-sensitive assistance delivered sharp responses without ever feeling twitchy. Every curve I attacked felt surgically precise, and yet the car never lost its composure.
Handling in the Hills: Grace in a Two-Ton Frame
On paper, the SQ5 weighs over two tons, but behind the wheel, it behaves like a spirited hot hatch. In “Dynamic” mode, it tightens up the suspension, opens up the exhaust flaps, and transforms into a snarling hill-tamer. The air suspension drops the ride height by 15mm at higher speeds, lowering the center of gravity and further enhancing stability.
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4s offered phenomenal grip, especially around sharp bends and wet patches. The quattro all-wheel-drive system redistributed torque seamlessly during spirited cornering. At no point did I feel any understeer or body roll, a rare feat for a car in this size and weight category.
There’s something poetic about dancing through fog-clad bends with the exhaust burbling behind you and confidence surging with every gearshift. This wasn’t just performance; it was performance with control, like a well-trained athlete who knows when to hold back and when to strike.
The Soul of a Cruiser: Not Just for Thrills
While the SQ5 is undeniably athletic, it’s equally capable of cruising like a luxury SUV. Midway through the trip, I hit a patch of traffic near Belgaum. Switching to “Efficiency” mode, the car glided along silently, the mild hybrid system helping conserve fuel during low-speed stretches.
The Bang & Olufsen sound system delivered immersive audio, making my playlist come alive as the trees whooshed by outside. The 12-way adjustable front seats with massage function were godsends after six hours on the road, keeping fatigue at bay.
Even the rear seat passengers enjoyed plenty of legroom and a whisper-quiet cabin, thanks to excellent insulation and double-glazed windows. The SQ5 is a car that can hammer down a hill like a sports sedan and then settle into calm silence like a flagship cruiser.
Tech that Speaks Your Language
What I loved most wasn’t just the hardware, it was how Audi made it all feel seamless. The MMI Touch Response system with its intuitive layout, the wireless Android Auto that connected flawlessly, and the crisp heads-up display made every interaction feel purposeful.
Assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and the 360-degree camera made navigating through tight village roads a breeze. Though I did disable the lane-keeping assist after it rudely corrected me mid-corner, a rare blip in an otherwise well-calibrated suite.
The digital cockpit was sharp and customizable, showing me elevation changes, fuel usage in real time, and even upcoming hairpin bends on Google Maps.
Living With the SQ5: Is It Practical?
It may have the heart of a sports car, but the Audi SQ5 doesn’t shy away from practicality. The boot easily swallowed my weekend duffle, camera gear, a tripod, and a couple of hiking backpacks. The rear seats folded flat in a snap, creating a near-flat loading bay.
However, the load lip was slightly high, especially when lifting heavier bags. Thankfully, the air suspension allows you to lower the rear for easier access.
And what about fuel economy? Over my 700+ km journey, I averaged around 10.1 L/100 km, which, for a 367 hp SUV driven through hill roads and highways, is actually very respectable.
Conclusion: A Symphony of Strength, Sophistication, and Spirit
The Audi SQ5 is not for the faint-hearted, nor for the light-pocketed. But if you want a vehicle that can be your daily commuter, your weekend escape machine, and your track toy, all in one, this SUV checks almost every box.
Through the ever-changing moods of the Tamhini Ghat, the SQ5 proved its mettle. It roared when asked, glided when needed, and impressed in every metric I threw at it. More than just a test drive, this was a journey, and the Audi made sure I enjoyed every twist, turn, and throttle.
FAQs
How does the Audi SQ5 perform on Indian hill roads?
Exceptionally well. With its adaptive air suspension and quattro all-wheel drive, it handles tight corners, elevation changes, and unpredictable surfaces with absolute confidence.
Is the fuel economy manageable for daily use?
Yes, if driven sensibly. I averaged around 10.1 L/100 km during my mixed-use drive, which is reasonable for a high-performance SUV of this caliber.
Can the SQ5 comfortably seat a family for road trips?
Absolutely. Both front and rear seats offer ample space and comfort, and the boot is versatile enough for family luggage and gear.
What’s the biggest drawback of the Audi SQ5
The price. But for what it offers, the value is undeniable.
