2018 Audi SQ5 has been lowered by ABT Sportsline to make it look like a hatchback

Since the Audi SQ5 first came out, Bavarian tuner did nothing but think up different scenarios for this hot crossover. ABT Sportsline has been offering various upgrade packages for the latest generation. The aftermarket tuners are also revising the temporary top dog in the Q5 family with a wide array of upgrades for customers who cannot wait any longer for the Audi Sport to come out with the RS Q5.

When looking at it from the exterior, ABT gave the Audi SQ5 a new and more aggressive body kit that is wider than the original. They say that the SQ5 looks even more dominant in the rearview mirror after this upgrade. In fact, we would say that it is quite a comprehensive package with those wide hips granted by the fender extensions, together with a new front skirt and muscular side skirts that will definitely catch your attention.

Moving on to the rear, the ABT then gave the SQ5 a newly developed exhaust system with real tips covered in carbon that’s now in place of the decorative chrome housings of the standard model. The quad tips then have a pseudo diffuser that helps the crossover send out a sportier vibe that is enhanced by the prominent spoiler that’s attached to the roof.

Customers can choose between multiple alloy wheels that are available in different sizes - from a 20 inch set to a larger set of 22 inches in diameter that makes the car look sportier. Furthermore, ABT’s piece de resistance is a coilover suspension with springs that will let you lower the crossover by a maximum of 60 millimeters (2.4 inches). These make it look more like a hatchback instead of a CUV. These aren’t just for the vehicle’s looks though as they also improve handling.

Under the hood, it also got an upgraded engine - a turbocharged 3.0 liter V6 that has been tuned to carry out as much as 425 horsepower (313 kilowatts) and 405 pound-feet (550 Newton metres) of torque. That’s definitely an improvement from the standard output of 354 horsepower (260 kilowatts) and 369 pound feet (500 Newton metres) of torque.

As for performance, it can now do the 0-62 miles per hour (0-100 kph) acceleration in under 5.4 seconds, which is what the standard model does. And for the top speed, the automaker has not said anything about this but the new electronic limiter has been programmed to kick in at 155 miles per hour (250 kilometers per hour).

We have not seen photos of the ABT tweaked interior of the SQ5, but some of the trim pieces have been covered in carbon fiber - including the gearstick cover and start/stop button. The package has been completed with a projected logo of the tuner onto the ground when the door is opened.

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Striking in power and design – ABT Audi SQ5 with Widebody Aerokit and 425 HP

ABT Sportsline takes the three-liter turbo gasoline engine in the new Audi SQ5 to a fiery 425 HP (313 kW) and a torque increase of 10% to 550 Nm. A bold statement from the world’s largest tuner for vehicles from the Audi and Volkswagen Group, as the production version offers 354 HP (260 kW) – just like its predecessor with compressor. After installation of the additional ABT Engine Control unit, there is definitely more than enough power for a commanding appearance in any situation! And ABT Sportsline also gives the SQ5 the visible tailpipes back. On the production model, the rear end features two decorative chrome brackets, while the real exhaust is hidden. The great-sounding ABT Carbon Tailpipes are part of the new ABT Widebody Aerokit, which makes the SQ5 look even more dominant in a rear view mirror.

The kit includes an aggressively designed front skirt, fender extensions, door strip attachments and a distinctive rear skirt set. Optionally, SQ5 owners can order a particularly attractive ABT Rear Wing. But having something slapped on its roof certainly does not bring the ABT SQ5 to its knees. That is ensured by the new ABT Coilover Suspension Springs which provide lowering of 35 to 60 mm. That benefits the appearance and the handling.

But the ensemble is not complete without a set of matching ABT Alloy Wheels, which are available in different designs, sizes and finishes: “The wide-body version even makes it possible to mount 22 inch sport rims to create an even clearer distinction from the production models,” CEO Hans-Jürgen Abt explains. These are available in the GR, DR and FR designs with TÜV certificate. Additional alloy wheels in 20 and 21 inch sizes are available as an alternative.

That this is not just any standard SQ5 should also be evident on the inside, though. ABT therefore offers the ABT Start-Stop Button and the ABT Gearstick Cover made from real carbon as additional extras. “You will never want to get out of this car again,” Hans-Jürgen Abt jokes. But when you do, the optional ABT Integrated Entrance Light nonchalantly projects the logo of the Bavarian tuner onto the ground when the door is opened.