Audi SQ5 TDI Exclusive Concept

First Look: Audi SQ5 TDI Exclusive Concept - 

Exclusive is right! Only 50 will be made.

PHOTOS

Audi's S line will get its first diesel model when this concept is unveiled at the 2012 Paris Auto Show. Quattro GmbH, Audi's high performance division, has taken a regular Audi Q5 TDI and worked it's magic to produce the SQ5 TDI.

The 3.0-liter twin turbo TDI diesel engine produces 313 horsepower and an amazing 479 ft.-lb. of torque between 1450 and 2800 rpm. According to Audi this is enough to propel the sporty SUV from 0 to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds with a governed top speed of 155 mph. Since it's a diesel it's also pretty frugal, despite its performance, with a (European) figure of 32 mpg for the combined city/highway cycle.

Audi SQ5 TDI

The SQ5 TDI has 20-inch wheels, lowered suspension and a stiffer setup all round to improve handling.

There is no change to the performance or visual aspect of the Audi SQ5 TDI Exclusive Concept aside from a crystal effect Aral Blue paint job. Inside, the black sport seats are covered in Fine Nappa leather with contrasting stitching in white. The material in the center section of the seats is black woven leather, which is the first time this has been used in a production vehicle according to Audi.

Audi SQ5 TDI

We did say production, as Audi intends to sell a limited run of 50 of these Audi SQ5 TDI Exclusive Concept vehicles in several European countries early next year at the same time it introduces the regular SQ5 TDI. Each one of the 50 cars will cost $115,000 (including taxes) in Germany, which is a premium of $42,000 above the price of a regular SQ5 TDI.

It seems a bit of a stretch to splash out so much money just to be one of 50 people to own a SQ5 TDI with an upscale interior and exclusive blue paint. However, the new SQ5 TDI sounds like it should be fun to drive and it is not that much more expensive than a regular Q5 TDI.

Audi SQ5 TDI