Audi

Best Intake for the Supercharged SQ5 (2013–2017)

If you own a 2013–2017 Audi SQ5, you already know you’re driving one of the baddest luxury crossovers ever made. The 3.0T…

If you own a 2013–2017 Audi SQ5, you already know you’re driving one of the baddest luxury crossovers ever made. The 3.0T Supercharged V6 under the hood isn’t just quick—it’s packed with untapped potential.

One of the easiest ways to wake up your SQ5’s throttle response, unleash that supercharger scream, and squeeze out some extra horsepower is with a high-performance intake system.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best intake for the supercharged SQ5, how they perform, how they sound, and where to buy them. If you want more whine, faster throttle, and a clean engine bay mod, this is it.

🔥 Why Upgrade Your SQ5’s Intake?

Before we get into the top picks, let’s talk about why this is such a great first mod.

Here’s what you get when you install the best intake for the supercharged SQ5:

  • More Supercharger Whine – Louder, rawer engine sound at throttle
  • Better Throttle Response – Quicker reaction and snappier acceleration
  • Increased Horsepower – Typically 10–20 HP with tuning
  • Cooler Intake Temps – Especially with heat shields or CAI routing
  • Cleaner Look Under the Hood – Bonus if you care about engine bay aesthetics

And yeah—it sounds absolutely insane.

🎧 Listen to a 3.0T Intake Whine

✅ What To Look For in the Best Intake for the Supercharged SQ5

Not all intakes are equal. For the B8/B8.5 SQ5 (2013–2017), you want:

  • Heat Shield or Enclosure – Protects from hot engine bay air
  • High-Flow Filter – Oiled or dry, but must flow better than stock
  • Mandrel-Bent Piping – Smooth bends reduce turbulence
  • Direct Fitment – No cutting or modding
  • Sound – It better scream like a demon at WOT

Let’s get into the top systems.

🥇 1. Integrated Engineering Cold Air Intake (IE)

Best All-Around Intake for the SQ5 3.0T

If you’re looking for the perfect balance of performance, sound, and build quality, Integrated Engineering’s cold air intake is hands-down one of the best intakes for the supercharged SQ5.

🔧 Features:

  • Full aluminum heat shield
  • High-flow velocity stack
  • Massive oiled cone filter
  • Fits SQ5 and S4/S5 with the same motor

🔥 What It Does:

  • +15–20 HP with tune
  • Major supercharger whine increase
  • Improves throttle in every gear

🎧 IE Intake Sound Demo – YouTube

🛒 Buy It:

💰 Price: ~$399
📦 Ships in black or red powdercoat

🥈 2. 034Motorsport X34 Intake System

Best for Maximum Performance + Heat Shielding

034Motorsport’s X34 Intake system uses carbon fiber and precision airflow engineering. This isn’t just about looks—this thing delivers consistent, track-grade results.

🔧 Features:

  • Full carbon fiber intake tube
  • Closed airbox system
  • Massive dry filter
  • Direct fit for SQ5 3.0T

🔥 What It Does:

  • +12–18 WHP gains
  • Keeps IATs cool under repeated pulls
  • Exotic engine bay upgrade

🎧 X34 Intake Sound

🛒 Buy It:

💰 Price: ~$595
📦 Ships with install hardware + full instructions

🥉 3. CTS Turbo Intake Kit

Best Budget Intake with Killer Sound

Want that supercharger scream without breaking the bank? CTS Turbo’s open element intake gives the SQ5 the lungs it deserves.

🔧 Features:

  • Open-element design
  • Heat shield + bracket included
  • Works with or without tune
  • Turbo-style velocity stack

🔥 What It Does:

  • Insane sound from the blower
  • Noticeable midrange power bump
  • Budget-friendly and DIY install

🎧 CTS Intake Whine Clip

🛒 Buy It:

💰 Price: ~$299
📦 Fits SQ5, S4, and S5 (3.0T)

🧼 Honorable Mention: RocEuro Intake

Old-School Favorite with Rawest Sound

RocEuro was one of the OGs when it came to the SQ5/S4 intake scene. It’s a no-frills intake that makes your SQ5 sound like a jet engine.

Pros:

  • LOUD
  • Clean fitment
  • Inexpensive

Cons:

  • No airbox or heat shielding
  • Slight IAT increase in traffic

🎧 RocEuro Sound Demo

💰 Around $250 – if you can find it in stock.

🛠 Install Tips – Best Intake for Supercharged SQ5

Installing an intake on the B8/B8.5 SQ5 is an easy job with basic tools.

Time: 45–60 minutes

Tools:

  • Flathead screwdriver
  • T25 Torx bit
  • 10mm socket
  • Optional: trim tool for OEM clips

🧠 Pro Tip: Reset the ECU throttle adaptation after install for quicker learning (disconnect battery for 15 minutes or use a scan tool).

🎯 Which One Should You Buy?

Here’s how to decide which best intake for the supercharged SQ5 fits your build:

Your GoalBest PickWhy
Daily + Weekend FunIE IntakeBest combo of price, sound, and power
Maximum Gains034 X34Coldest temps, best materials
Budget BuildCTS TurboLoud and effective for the price
Raw SoundRocEuroJust want blower scream? Done.

All of these intakes work with Stage 1/2 tunes and help you prep for a dual pulley setup down the line.

📦 Where To Buy – Trusted Links

Here are trusted links for shopping:

Always check for:

  • Compatibility with 3.0T engine (2013–2017)
  • Filter type (oiled vs dry)
  • Warranty and return options

💬 Final Thoughts – Best Intake for Supercharged SQ5

Whether you’re chasing performance or just want to hear that supercharged 3.0T scream every time you smash the gas, a performance intake is one of the most rewarding mods you can install.

If you want the best intake for the supercharged SQ5, here’s your cheat sheet:

  • IE = balanced power, sound, and price
  • 034 X34 = track-ready carbon perfection
  • CTS Turbo = budget-friendly screamer
  • RocEuro = no-filter rawness and pure blower whine

No matter which you choose, you’ll be smiling every time you downshift and rip it wide open.

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