Audi is planning to launch the next generation Audi SQ5 with more power than the current generation Audi SQ5 Plus.

The German company has a lineup of extremely fast SUV models. The Audi SQ5 Plus is one of the fastest among them with its engine putting out 335 bhp. Just when it seemed that Audi could not improve on this aspect anymore, powertrain boss Oliver Hoffman has confirmed that the next generation Audi SQ5 may come with around 390 bhp. This represents an increase of 55 bhp over the Audi SQ5 Plus’ power.

A major factor towards this increased power from the engine will be the 48 V electric system, which will be used to run an electric compressor. This will be running alongside the turbocharger, which is driven by the exhaust. The current generation Audi SQ5 has two turbochargers in order to remove the ill effects of turbocharging – poor performance outside the turbo band. Instead of the two turbos, the 2017 Audi SQ5 will come with a single turbocharger aided by the electric compressor. The setup is expected to eliminate turbo lag completely since the electric compressor will largely be compensating at times when there is no turbo boost.

The 3.0-litre diesel motor expected in the 2017 Audi SQ5 made its debut on the Audi SQ7. The motor will come with the Audi Valvelift System (AVS) in order to improve fuel efficiency and meet the emission norms. Turbochargers have been a major tool in meeting the emission norms. After recently undergoing numerous issues with the same, Audi cannot afford to relax on this aspect. The use of the Audi Valvelift System will be done primarily to reduce emissions while maintaining – or even improving – performance.

The 2017 Audi SQ5 will not be the first vehicle to come with electrically powered compressor. The Audi SQ7 was the world’s first vehicle to come with this feature. Since the system does not use any exhaust gases in order to provide a boost, it can kick in at any time. This means that the electric powered compressor will be used only when there is no turbo power coming in. Engines with turbochargers usually suffer from turbo lag at the bottom and top end of the rev band. Audi claims that the electric compressor can deliver the required boost in under 250 ms. The 2017 Audi SQ5 is expected to be priced slightly higher.