SQ5 vs Q5 3.0 - SQ5 worth it?

[HIS4]

Debating on what we are going to do when it comes time to replace our B8 avant. The Q5 and SQ5 has been part of the conversation along with a Macan. Thinking about how the car will be used, the sporty aspect of it is not all that important. It will be a daily driver, grocery getter, big dog transporter. It seems like the Q5 3.0 is actually a bargain for what you get and while it may not compare to the SQ5 and Macan in outright performance, it could make up for it in comfort and practicality.

Any opinions?

Also, looking at the difference between a Q5 3.0 PP or prestige, it doesn't seem like there is an overwhelming reason to go prestige when you can option most of the important stuff in the PP configuration and it still comes out cheaper than the prestige based on the configurator.

[Pittdawg]

It will be a daily driver, grocery getter, big dog transporter. It seems like the Q5 3.0 is actually a bargain for what you get and while it may not compare to the SQ5 and Macan in outright performance, it could make up for it in comfort and practicality.

If that's its intended use, I don't see why you would fork over the extra cash for a SQ5 or Macan. Do a simple stage 2 APR upgrade (revised ecu mapping and slightly smaller supercharger pulley) and you will be good to go.

[Flieger]

Debating on what we are going to do when it comes time to replace our B8 avant. The Q5 and SQ5 has been part of the conversation along with a Macan. Thinking about how the car will be used, the sporty aspect of it is not all that important. It will be a daily driver, grocery getter, big dog transporter. It seems like the Q5 3.0 is actually a bargain for what you get and while it may not compare to the SQ5 and Macan in outright performance, it could make up for it in comfort and practicality.

Any opinions?

Also, looking at the difference between a Q5 3.0 PP or prestige, it doesn't seem like there is an overwhelming reason to go prestige when you can option most of the important stuff in the PP configuration and it still comes out cheaper than the prestige based on the configurator.

I can tell you that knowing what I know about the differences(interior) and that the motors, when you go STAGE 2 produce basically the same HP...we chose the Q5 and built it the way we wanted it. Saved basically 20k when it was all said and done...no brainer if you ask me.

[VroomVroom]

If the Macan is in the mix, the standard Q5 probably shouldn't be. I'd remove one, and from your post it sounds as if the Macan is the best candidate to cross off the list.

Reps from two local dealers have told me that they avoid Prestige versions of the Q and SQ for exactly what you referenced. When it comes down to it, that's a big chunk for adaptive headlights, rear passenger side shades, and a powered cupholder. And on the Q it ventures well across the border into SQ pricing territory.

Ultimately the only way to know is to compare and drive 'em both. I drove a Q5 for three years and talked myself into and out of an SQ more times than I should admit. I caved on a vehicle that met every one of my checklist items, and a transaction that made more sense out of the accounting than my validation meter usually allows. Your experience will certainly vary. That said, I'm convinced my dogs much prefer traveling in the SQ. :)

[SQive]

Woof!!

[Lavoisier]

I looked at Macans when we got my wife's SQ5. There is a lot more value for the $ with the Audi. Everything is an expensive option with a Porsche (I have a 911). We sometimes tow a trailer with the SQ5. Then the higher performance, beefed up suspension and bigger brakes are big pluses.

[HIS4]

I looked at Macans when we got my wife's SQ5. There is a lot more value for the $ with the Audi. Everything is an expensive option with a Porsche (I have a 911). We sometimes tow a trailer with the SQ5. Then the higher performance, beefed up suspension and bigger brakes are big pluses.

The key with Porsche s not to go nuts on options and you really don't need to. Most of that stuff is fluff. My Cayman is basically a base model GTS and I took some of the no cost options like all leather instead of leather/alcantara interior and PASM instead of the sport suspension. I only added 1 option which was the upgraded audio. Everything else to me was just fluff and not needed and therefore my GTS did not approach $90k like most people who go overboard on the options.

[QUBE5]

I've noticed that the SQ5's resale value hasn't been as bady impacted by the TDI scandal as the 3.0T Q5s. So that may be something to consider, other than the performance differences, as well.

Also, remember that the 2017 SQ5s will have special exterior features that will set it apart from the current SQ5s....

https://www.audiusa.com/newsroom/new...017-model-year

2017 Audi Q5 Model Line
The successful Q5 now offers even more standard equipment for 3.0T Prestige models including a 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, Audi drive select and adaptive cruise control. In addition to the features on the 3.0T, SQ5 Prestige models now come standard equipped with dynamic steering and offer a new Black optic plus package which adds a matte black rear diffuser and high-gloss black rear spoiler, door handles and exterior mirror housings. All Q5 2.0T Premium Plus models will now include 19” 5-arm-star-design wheels with all-season tires as standard equipment.

[flyboys]

I can tell you that knowing what I know about the differences(interior) and that the motors, when you go STAGE 2 produce basically the same HP...we chose the Q5 and built it the way we wanted it. Saved basically 20k when it was all said and done...no brainer if you ask me.

Looking at buying a used Q5 to be used as a camera vehicle with crane on top. As much as Id like to get the SQ5 it seems I dont have the budget for the S. What do those mods cost to get it to the S level of performance on the S Line 3.0? Probably also need to look into bigger brakes. Appreciate any help. Thanks

[TexasDfwS4]

An ECU tune 1500 and I think there is a TCU tune as well for the ZF8 transmission 1000. BBK 2000 (better then S model). The engine is the same but the gearing is a little different.

[stapan]

An ECU tune 1500 and I think there is a TCU tune as well for the ZF8 transmission 1000. BBK 2000 (better then S model). The engine is the same but the gearing is a little different.

EPL Stage 1 is 649 right now and will make the Q faster than a factory SQ with no other mods needed.

[dubjager]

I know the regular Q5 with the 3.0t would be a huge bargain.

Anything that I point out as pluses on the SQ5 come down to feel, the seats, the FBSW- all things that you can swap if you really wanted to.
If the car is just going to be a hauler and performance doesn't matter- you might be happier with the regular 3.0t Q5.

Personally, I'm happy we went with the SQ for my wife's car- It has some goodies (APR Stg 2, Ultracharger, intake, pulleys) and she's more than happy with it. The Porsche tax is real (have an aircooled 911) and to be honest, I'd pick the SQ5 everytime.

[MSq5]

EPL Stage 1 is 649 right now and will make the Q faster than a factory SQ with no other mods needed.

Came here to say this. Just a stage 1 EPL tune (flash at home from your laptop), will add at least 100 hp to the 272 hp Q5.

[seanf86]

I know the regular Q5 with the 3.0t would be a huge bargain.

Anything that I point out as pluses on the SQ5 come down to feel, the seats, the FBSW- all things that you can swap if you really wanted to.
If the car is just going to be a hauler and performance doesn't matter- you might be happier with the regular 3.0t Q5.

Personally, I'm happy we went with the SQ for my wife's car- It has some goodies (APR Stg 2, Ultracharger, intake, pulleys) and she's more than happy with it. The Porsche tax is real (have an aircooled 911) and to be honest, I'd pick the SQ5 everytime.

just get a 3.0t q5 sline, comes with black headliner, flatbottom steering wheel and most of them have sport seats that look identical to the sq5 minus alcantra and embossed sq5 on the backrest. I picked up a 2013 sline 3.0t for 10k less than the cheapest sq5 I could find.

[SQive]

just get a 3.0t q5 sline, comes with black headliner, flatbottom steering wheel and most of them have sport seats that look identical to the sq5 minus alcantra and embossed sq5 on the backrest. I picked up a 2013 sline 3.0t for 10k less than the cheapest sq5 I could find.

Makes sense. . .since the SQ5's didn't even come out until 2014.