SQ5 or 3.0T + mods

[SQFive]

Hi guys
New audi fan here.
I just got out of the dealership because I´m looking to change my tuned wrx to get a more family friendly car.
Since my wife has the Q3, which we like a lot but is a little small for 2 kids, I want a Q5.

So here are the two options :

2016 Q5 3.0T progressiv, + sunroof + compétition package + mods like chipwerke

Or

2016 SQ5 progressiv + black optics + 10y spokes gloss black , which is +120$/month for a lease, no mods

So which one you rather have ? And Y ?

Thx

[LINDW4LL]

Obviously everyone will take the SQ if money isn't an issue.

The SQ gives you relatively minor upgrades over the 3.0T Q once power is addressed. Whether those upgrades are worth the $4300 over the lease period has to be determined by you:

-"SQ" imprint on the seats.
-Larger brakes
-Shorter gearing
-Different Grille
-Quad/Valved Exhaust
-Carbon fiber interior trim

Given that the money difference is small, I'd definitely take the S.

[Mobileguy]

If I read this correctly, he isn't looking for a tune if he gets the SQ5. As you say, a tune such as APR stage 1 on the Q5 (~$1,400) makes more power than the SQ5 stock, but you could run into a warranty nightmare with the tune and you may not want that on a leased car...

[colby7]

OP, your info seems off. The sunroof is standard equipment. And the trim line is called premium plus, not progressive plus. I think the difference in price is closer to 6K.

[BluntAaronR]

Chipwerke is supposedly untraceable, so even a leased SQ could be unleashed to the same degree as you mentioned tuning the Q. I never drove the Q before buying the SQ, but even so, I don't regret it!

[davedc]

Obviously everyone will take the SQ if money isn't an issue.

The value can be argued, however, if you'll be modding anyway. As you may know, a tuned Q5 and tuned SQ5 will make the same power, and a tuned Q5 will exceed stock SQ output. So the difference in power is basically irrelevant if you're going to mod. And beyond the factory power difference, the SQ gives you only marginal upgrades over the 3.0T Q. Whether those upgrades are worth $4300 over the lease period has to be determined by you:

-"SQ" imprint on the seats.
-Shorter gearing
-Different Grille
-Quad/Valved Exhaust
-Carbon fiber interior trim

Given that the money difference is small, I'd take the S even though it doesn't offer all that much extra over the base 3L Q.

and suspension and brakes!

[rhyno3030]

Check out leasehackr.com for the best lease pricing and ways to get lower leases...but SQ5 all day!


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

[wrxray]

I just sold my 2013 WRX and bought a 2016 SQ5 for the same reasons you are looking to make a change. I didn't want to deal with any mods right now on the new car so I opted for the SQ5 since in stock form, it's pretty darn good...especially compared to the Subie.

[JayCar]

and suspension and brakes!

Yep. Don't forget the suspension. The S has specific suspension and the front setup is different too.

[snig]

Look at the tech specs on Audi's site. Gear ratios between all Q5 models are the exact same! The SQ5 does NOT have shorter gearing, but a more aggressive transmission tune.

[snig]

OP, your info seems off. The sunroof is standard equipment. And the trim line is called premium plus, not progressive plus. I think the difference in price is closer to 6K.

He's most likely in Canada. There is no premium+ or prestige there. It's all marketing.

[Jimminez@Nemesis]

He's most likely in Canada. There is no premium+ or prestige there. It's all marketing.

^This.

Canadian packages are called Progressive and Technik and standard features may be different between the US models.

[Mops@Nemesis]

Obviously everyone will take the SQ if money isn't an issue.

The SQ gives you relatively minor upgrades over the 3.0T Q once power is addressed. Whether those upgrades are worth the $4300 over the lease period has to be determined by you:

-"SQ" imprint on the seats.
-Larger brakes
-Shorter gearing
-Different Grille
-Quad/Valved Exhaust
-Carbon fiber interior trim

Given the money difference is small, I'd definitely take the S.

I like the raised SQ5 in the cluster :P

I went SQ just because I wanted to best one, and the price difference was not much. I also wanted the extra power from the start. I actually prefer the full smooth S-line wheel. The carbon was a must this time too. The two piston 380s are nothing special, valved pipes are useless, but quad was a must, and I was not aware of the suspension. Either way, I was not keeping it as-is.

[drumnjuny]

nothing is untraceable. Simple logs will show that boost, AFR, etc were out of range. most likely tons of minor codes thrown due to the tuning, which you wouldn't see or even realize like voltage out of range. if the car is pushing more power, there is a way to find out by logging the ECU, and often times you can even see if it was previously making more power by looking at random codes

[q5 dave]

nothing is untraceable. Simple logs will show that boost, AFR, etc were out of range. most likely tons of minor codes thrown due to the tuning

this

[snig]

Look at the tech specs on Audi's site. Gear ratios between all Q5 models are the exact same! The SQ5 does NOT have shorter gearing, but a more aggressive transmission tune.

Correction. Looks like Audi had released more detailed info regarding the transmission. The Gear ratios are the same between the SQ5 and 3.0T with the exception of the final ratio (which I don't remember seeing in the 2015 tech specs).

SQ5 Final Drive Ratio: 3.076
3.0T Final Drive Ratio: 3.204

[BlackSVT]

Correction. Looks like Audi had released more detailed info regarding the transmission. The Gear ratios are the same between the SQ5 and 3.0T with the exception of the final ratio (which I don't remember seeing in the 2015 tech specs).

SQ5 Final Drive Ratio: 3.076
3.0T Final Drive Ratio: 3.204

I was just about to post this. Yes, the 3.0T has the gearing advantage over the SQ5, and is likely quicker if both SQ5 and 3.0T are tuned. But, as much as I always tend to the "sleeper" and model with the most potential for go-fast, the SQ5 is definitely something I'd consider if making the choice again. I love the better SQ5 brakes, and that's a mod that'll cost dearly to upgrade on 3.0T. It is a tough call, and if pinned down today, I'm leaning 60% toward a tuned 3.0T modded my way vs 40% toward a modded SQ5. But those SQ5 brakes...

[zachf88]

I was in the same boat and I went with the 3.0T. The SQ5 was great, but I was buying the car outright and thought the $12k difference was too much for practically the same car. both are great cars, but I thought the 3.0T would be more "rugged" (non napa leather, etc). I also have an RS4 in the garage, so the Q is suppose to be the daily comfort car (thats fast). I think the SQ5 is very flashy and the 3.0T is much more of a sleeper.

[Mobileguy]

I was in the same boat and I went with the 3.0T. The SQ5 was great, but I was buying the car outright and thought the $12k difference was too much for practically the same car. both are great cars, but I thought the 3.0T would be more "rugged" (non napa leather, etc). I also have an RS4 in the garage, so the Q is suppose to be the daily comfort car (thats fast). I think the SQ5 is very flashy and the 3.0T is much more of a sleeper.

+1

[SQFive]

I was just about to post this. Yes, the 3.0T has the gearing advantage over the SQ5, and is likely quicker if both SQ5 and 3.0T are tuned. But, as much as I always tend to the "sleeper" and model with the most potential for go-fast, the SQ5 is definitely something I'd consider if making the choice again. I love the better SQ5 brakes, and that's a mod that'll cost dearly to upgrade on 3.0T. It is a tough call, and if pinned down today, I'm leaning 60% toward a tuned 3.0T modded my way vs 40% toward a modded SQ5. But those SQ5 brakes...

Exactly! I found the brake ont the 3.0T a little weak. And if I mod the engine, you cannot neglect brakes ($$$). So this point is kind of a game changer.

But, surprinsingly, unitronic stg1 puts down the exact same numbers for the 3.0T and the SQ5. But, that said, I don't want the TD1 potentiel problem. Chipwerke maybe.

I think I'll slept better at night with a SQ5.... and I would propably end up modifying it a little anyway.

Last question, is it the same suspension on both?

[Mobileguy]

Exactly! I found the brake ont the 3.0T a little weak. And if I mod the engine, you cannot neglect brakes ($$$). So this point is kind of a game changer.

But, surprinsingly, unitronic stg1 puts down the exact same numbers for the 3.0T and the SQ5. But, that said, I don't want the TD1 potentiel problem. Chipwerke maybe.

I think I'll slept better at night with a SQ5.... and I would propably end up modifying it a little anyway.

Last question, is it the same suspension on both?

The brakes on the Q5 3.0T are the same as on the S5 cab and their weight is about equal... I have both cars and my cab runs a stage 2 tune with w/m injection. I have zero issues with my brakes, but then again, I also don't track my cars all day long...

[QUBE5]

Last question, is it the same suspension on both?

Yes, but the Q5 has the option to add the Adaptive Damping Suspension, which requires the Sport Package as well ($1,750 extra), but the SQ5 does not have this option.

I have the Adaptive Damping Suspension and absolutely love it.

[Smittylube]

I was going to go the 3.0 Q, but found I prefer the cluster grey, spoiler, seats, flat bottom wheel etc. I figured for roughly 10k I would save a ton of time and have pretty close to what I wanted when I drove off the lot.

[q5 dave]

Yes, but the Q5 has the option to add the Adaptive Damping Suspension, which requires the Sport Package as well ($1,750 extra), but the SQ5 does not have this option.

I have the Adaptive Damping Suspension and absolutely love it.

<3 ADS

I was going to go the 3.0 Q, but found I prefer the cluster grey, spoiler, seats, flat bottom wheel etc. I figured for roughly 10k I would save a ton of time and have pretty close to what I wanted when I drove off the lot.

What about the seats do you prefer? I have a flat bottom wheel and sport seats. Silver instrument cluster w/ white needles would be cool though

[SQive]

I didn't know the SQ5 existed a half-hour before I ordered one.
I went to the dealership to try the 3.0T Q5. Ignorant of any tuning options, I was like "meh" too much $ for 272 HP. The salesman said "try this one?" pointing to an SQ5. The first thing I noticed was the 21" wheels. They are beautiful. (Audi now offers them for the 3.0T too.) He promised me that this one was much quicker, so I said "okay." OMG! This is what I was looking for. As delivered, this thing is good to go. I had no plans for modifications, though the bug bit and, well...you know how it goes. When it was totaled, I just went and got another one...no question. I love this thing. Even the stock brakes (on both of them) give me no trouble when at the track all day. Now, I'm fully modded, and can keep with with the B6 RS4, while it is still well-mannered as a DD.

[q5 dave]

the B7 RS4,

FTFY

[Jay337]

SQ5 hands down , I am from the south shore of montreal , let me know it you have any questions

[Vanimal]

SQ5 comes with 21" wheels as well stock right? That is something also to keep in mind if you aren't willing to shell out the extra cash for new wheels and tires for a bit. That certainly gives it more of a aggressive OEM look, obviously being its a S-model. You'll probably regret it in the long run not going with the SQ5 form, i have only seen 1 on the road! The Q5's i see much more often.

I have a 2010 S5 4.2L V8 right now, and i am already eyeing up the SQ5 as a possible future replacement lol. I came from a Hummer H3 prior as a DD and do appreciate the higher vantage point. Now the H3 was slow as ball, the SQ5 is probably FUN FUN FUN!

[Pittdawg]

Yes, but the Q5 has the option to add the Adaptive Damping Suspension, which requires the Sport Package as well ($1,750 extra), but the SQ5 does not have this option.

I have the Adaptive Damping Suspension and absolutely love it.

Does the Adaptive Damping Suspension actually increase handling? If so, why doesn't the more powerful SQ5 have it?

[babadudu]

I thought the sq5 had the sportier. Suspension hence they didnt do the adaptive...but we later found out that sadly, its just the normal q5 suspension setup without the adaptive system...

[poncho@home]

What did you end up getting?

[SQFive]

What did you end up getting?

I just got my SQ5 last week ! Black paint, black optics pkg and black wheels
Very happy with it!
Will post some pic soon !

[poncho@home]

Congrats! I am thouroughly enjoying my Q5 3.0T so I can only imagine how great the SQ5 is

[Mobileguy]

^ Wait until you put a tune on the Q5 3.0

[Chris@EPL]

Can't go wrong either way. And then throw an EPL dual pulley tune on it with E85. ;)

[SQFive]

Envoyé de mon iPhone en utilisant Tapatalk

[Mobileguy]

Sweet lookin ride!!!

[drumnjuny]

looks great!!