A unique turbocharged five-cylinder engine with nearly 400 horses makes the redesigned-for-2020 RS Q3 an exotic performance SUV that we can't buy.
Pros Gutsy power delivery, quirky five-cylinder sound, impressively neutral handling for an SUV.
Cons The U.S. still can't have it, AMG and Porsche both offer more power in their competitors.
The RS Q3 might be exceedingly fast in a straight line, but it just isn’t that much fun. Numb steering and a tendency to wash wide at the front count against it, while many will find its ride a bit too firm for their liking. For this money, the Porsche Macan S feels plusher and is more enjoyable to drive, even if it isn’t as fast.
Pros Fast Well-equipped Sounds good
Cons Stiff ride Not that much fun Interior doesn’t feel that luxurious for a £50k SUV
Like the regular Q5, the high-performance SQ5 receives a host of exterior updates, including an all-new Sportback variant, for 2021 to freshen its look. New exterior lighting elements, a tweaked grille and bumpers, and new wheel designs differentiate it from last year's model. The top-spec Prestige gets OLED taillights as standard, and two new colors join the palette: Ultra Blue and District Green.
Pros Handsomely-equipped cabin, comfortable ride, decent fuel economy for a performance SUV.
Cons Not overly spacious, turbo V-6 doesn't match rivals' horsepower, handling not as sharp as it could be.
Sportier Sportback does well to not compromise on practicality, but you’ll pay a premium for odd looks.
Pros Impressively practical despite the roof, interior is still top of the class
Cons It will give you an existential crisis. What is it all for?
All-new model for 2021.Has a sleeker style than the regular SQ5.Comes standard with an adaptive sport suspension.Part of the first Q5 Sportback generation introduced 2021.
Pros Impressively comfortable ride for a sport-tuned SUV Luxurious but restrained interior design Nimble handling
Cons Infotainment system is distracting to use Less overall storage space than standard SQ5
