Audi SQ5 (2012) first official pictures

The first of Audi's sporty production SUVs has arrived, in the shape of the 309bhp diesel-powered SQ5.

It's the first S-badged Audi to feature an oil-burner plumbed in behind its prodigious front grille, though Audi is confident it's still every bit as worthy of the badge as its petrol-sipping brethren.

The 3.0 TDI twin-turbo V6 produces 309bhp and 479lb ft from 1450 to 2800rpm, which Audi claims is sufficient thrust to power the SQ5 in 62mph in a Porsche Boxster-bating 5.1 seconds.

Complicit in that urge is the Quattro all-wheel-drive system, and quick-shifting eight speed Tiptronic auto gearbox. Top speed has to be restrained by the familiar 155mph electronic limiter. Despite the diesel motor, Audi has worked to give the SQ5 a suitably enhanced engine note, via a tuned sound actuator in the exhaust.

The SQ5 is substantially more frugal that any S-model Audi that's gone before though - Audi claims a potential 39mpg.

Familiar S-model cues adorn the body, such as flared air intakes, silver exterior mirrors, painted brake callipers, and quad exhausts. The car itself rides 30mm lower thanks to a sports suspension drop, atop 20-inch standard (or optional 21-inch) alloy wheels.

Interior upgrades come in the shape of S-badging on the dials, seats and sills, aluminium-look pedals and gearshift paddles, and optional carbon trip for the centre console. Power-adusted sports seats are standard, with a range of leather colours and finishes to choose from.

After its first public unveiling at Audi's victorious 2012 Le Mans weekend, the SQ5 will be available for UK order in October 2012, priced from around £45,000.

BMW's similarly powerful rival, the X3 xDrive 35d M Sport, weighs in at £42,530 - which incidentally also offers a superior claimed 46.3mpg.

By Ollie Kew