How Much Oil an Audi SQ5 Takes: Capacity, Specs and Best Practices

An Audi SQ5 typically takes about 7.2 liters (7.6 US quarts) of engine oil for a full change with filter on recent 3.0 TFSI V6 models, though the exact capacity depends on model year and engine variant; always confirm with the owner’s manual or an Audi dealer before servicing.

Why Oil Capacity Matters for the Audi SQ5

The Audi SQ5 is a high-performance version of the Q5, using turbocharged V6 engines that operate under significant thermal and mechanical stress. Knowing the correct oil capacity is essential not only to avoid underfilling or overfilling, but also to maintain performance, fuel economy and long-term engine durability.

Oil Capacity by Model Year and Engine Type

The Audi SQ5 has used different 3.0‑liter V6 engines over time (supercharged petrol, turbocharged petrol, and in some markets turbodiesel), and capacity can vary slightly between them. The figures below reflect typical capacities for a drain and refill including oil filter replacement, based on manufacturer data and service documentation. Always cross-check with your specific VIN and manual.

2014–2017 Audi SQ5 (First-Generation, 3.0 TFSI Supercharged V6 – Petrol)

For the first-generation SQ5 sold in North America and many other markets with the 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6, the oil capacity is broadly consistent across model years, with only minor production variances.

• Engine: 3.0 TFSI V6 (supercharged petrol, engine code variants such as CGWC/CTUC or similar)
• Typical capacity (with filter): approx. 7.0–7.2 liters (about 7.4–7.6 US quarts)
• Oil type: Fully synthetic, VW 502 00–approved (for petrol engines), typical viscosity 5W‑40 or 5W‑30 depending on climate and regional spec
• Change interval (under normal conditions): roughly every 10,000 miles / 15,000 km or 12 months, though many owners opt for shorter intervals (5,000–7,500 miles) for longevity

In practice, a first‑generation SQ5 owner or technician should plan on about 7.0 liters of oil on hand, then add gradually and confirm via dipstick or MMI/electronic gauge to reach the correct level without overfilling.

2018–2020 Audi SQ5 (Second-Generation, 3.0 TFSI Turbocharged V6 – Petrol)

The second‑generation SQ5 introduced a new single‑turbo 3.0 TFSI V6. Its oil capacity is similar, but it is important not to assume older figures without checking, as engineering changes can affect sump design and capacity.

• Engine: 3.0 TFSI V6 (single turbo, typically engine code EA839 variants)
• Typical capacity (with filter): about 7.2 liters (around 7.6 US quarts)
• Oil type: Fully synthetic oil meeting VW 508 00 / 509 00 (in many newer markets) or, in some regions, VW 502 00, often with a viscosity like 0W‑20 or 5W‑30 depending on specification and emissions regulations
• Change interval: typically up to 10,000 miles / 15,000 km or as indicated by Audi’s flexible service interval system (oil quality sensor and driving‑style dependent)

For these turbocharged V6 models, planning for about 7.2 liters and topping off carefully while monitoring the electronic level display is the best way to reach the manufacturer’s recommended fill level safely.

2021–Present Audi SQ5 (Facelift, 3.0 TFSI Turbocharged V6 – Petrol)

The facelifted SQ5 continues with an updated version of the same basic 3.0 TFSI V6 architecture, with minor efficiency and emissions refinements. Oil capacity remains very close to the earlier second‑generation design.

• Engine: Updated 3.0 TFSI V6 turbo (EA839 family, with mild-hybrid features in some markets)
• Typical capacity (with filter): approx. 7.2 liters (about 7.6 US quarts)
• Oil type: Fully synthetic meeting VW 508 00 / 509 00, most commonly a low‑viscosity grade such as 0W‑20, tailored for efficiency and emissions equipment
• Change interval: Audi flexible service schedule, often up to 10,000 miles / 15,000 km or two years, but shorter intervals are often recommended for hard use

Owners of current‑generation SQ5s should be prepared with a little over 7 liters of the correct low‑SAPs, manufacturer‑approved oil and rely on the onboard monitoring system or dipstick (if equipped) for precise final level adjustment.

European / Diesel Variants (SQ5 TDI)

In some markets, notably Europe and parts of Asia, Audi has sold SQ5 TDI models using a high‑output 3.0‑liter V6 diesel. These engines have slightly different lubrication requirements and can vary more by engine code.

• Engine: 3.0 TDI V6 (various performance diesel engine codes)
• Typical capacity (with filter): often in the 6.8–7.5 liter range (roughly 7.2–7.9 US quarts), depending on engine code and model year
• Oil type: Fully synthetic diesel oil meeting specs such as VW 507 00 (low‑ash oil suitable for DPF-equipped vehicles)
• Change interval: typically flexible up to 30,000 km or two years in many European markets, though frequent short trips or spirited driving warrant more frequent changes

Because SQ5 TDI models vary by region and engine code, owners should always rely on the specific service booklet or online Audi technical information for the exact capacity instead of only using general global figures.

How to Confirm the Exact Oil Capacity for Your SQ5

Despite typical figures, manufacturing updates, regional differences, and engine-code revisions make it important to verify the correct oil capacity for your particular vehicle, especially for a performance SUV like the SQ5 that may be driven hard.

• Consult the owner’s manual: The lubrication section usually lists capacity “with filter” for your engine code.
• Check the service data sticker or digital records: The PR codes and engine code can be used by dealers or independent specialists to pull precise data from Audi’s system.
• Use a trusted parts catalog: Official Audi online resources or reputable aftermarket catalogs often quote the specified fill capacity.
• Ask an Audi dealer or specialist workshop: Provide your VIN so the technician can look up the exact specs for your combustion engine variant.

Verifying capacity through official documentation or VIN-based lookup ensures that you use the correct volume of oil, reducing the risk of engine issues from running too low or too high on oil.

Choosing the Right Oil for an Audi SQ5

Beyond volume, using the correct oil specification is critical for turbocharged and supercharged V6 engines, which depend on high-quality lubrication for turbocharger bearings, timing chains, and emissions components like particulate filters and catalytic converters.

Key Oil Specifications and Viscosity

The SQ5’s required oil is defined primarily by Audi/VW approval codes rather than just viscosity. These approvals are engineered around engine design, fuel type and emissions hardware.

• VW 502 00 / 505 00: Commonly specified for earlier petrol TFSI engines (e.g., first‑generation SQ5); often found as 5W‑40 or 5W‑30 fully synthetic.
• VW 508 00 / 509 00: Newer low‑viscosity oils (e.g., 0W‑20) used on many second‑generation and facelift SQ5 petrol engines for fuel economy and emissions.
• VW 507 00: Widely used for modern Audi diesel engines, including SQ5 TDI models with diesel particulate filters.
• Viscosity choice: While the manual might list several, the primary recommendation (e.g., 0W‑20 or 5W‑40) depends on engine generation, climate, and whether the car is set up for long‑life service intervals.

Picking an oil that explicitly states the correct VW approval on the label is more important than matching viscosity alone, as the approval guarantees additive and performance compatibility with your SQ5’s engine and aftertreatment systems.

Practical Tips for Changing Oil in an Audi SQ5

Changing oil on an SQ5 follows familiar steps, but there are SQ5‑specific considerations such as underbody covers, electronic level sensors and the tight packaging of the V6. Knowing these points helps ensure a proper fill without damaging components.

Adding the Right Amount Without Overfilling

Because the capacity of an SQ5 is around 7.0–7.2 liters, it’s best not to pour the full theoretical amount in one go; instead, aim just under that and adjust.

1. Drain completely and replace the filter: Allow sufficient time for the hot oil to drain, then fit a new, correct-spec filter and sealing washers.
2. Add most of the specified capacity: For example, start with about 6.5–7.0 liters rather than the full 7.2 liters.
3. Run the engine briefly: Idle for a minute or two to fill the filter and oil passages, then shut off and let oil settle.
4. Check the oil level: Use the dipstick (if equipped) or the MMI/electronic level readout according to the manual instructions.
5. Top up slowly: Add oil in small increments (100–200 ml at a time) until the level is near the upper mark, avoiding going beyond the maximum.

This stepwise approach minimizes the risk of overfilling, which can cause foaming, catalytic converter damage or seal stress, especially in a high-output engine like that in the SQ5.

Warning Signs of Incorrect Oil Level

Monitoring for symptoms of incorrect oil level after a change is part of responsible SQ5 ownership, particularly after DIY servicing or work done at a non-specialist shop.

• Oil level warning messages: The car may display low or high oil level alerts via the instrument cluster or MMI.
• Unusual engine noise: Ticking, tapping, or increased valvetrain noise can indicate low oil or poor circulation.
• Smoke from exhaust: Blue or grey smoke shortly after an oil change might suggest overfilling or oil being drawn into the intake.
• Oil leaks: Excess pressure from overfilling can stress gaskets and seals, leading to leaks on the driveway or underbody.

If any of these symptoms appear immediately after an oil change, the safest course is to recheck the level manually and, if necessary, have a qualified Audi technician inspect the vehicle.

Summary

Most modern Audi SQ5 models with the 3.0‑liter TFSI V6 take about 7.0–7.2 liters of fully synthetic oil—roughly 7.4–7.6 US quarts—for an oil and filter change, with SQ5 TDI diesel variants in a similar range depending on engine code. Confirming the exact capacity for your specific year and engine via the owner’s manual or VIN-based dealer data is essential, as is using oil that meets the correct VW 502 00, 507 00, or 508 00/509 00 approvals. Adding most of the specified amount, then topping off carefully while checking the level, is the most reliable way to protect the SQ5’s high-performance V6 engine and maintain its performance and longevity.