Q5 Tech Package - Things You Can't Do Woithout

[auntrout]

So I'm in the market for a 2017 Q5 3.0T and originally was not interested in the Tech Package. All the 3.0T's at my local dealerships come with the Tech Package so I was considering ordering one the way I wanted it. However, after some info provided by forum members I'm now considering the Tech Package. My question is, what features that comes with the Tech Package do forums members feel are the must haves or what they can not do without. Also, what is the least significant or non-value added feature that is part of the Tech Package, i.e. like the HD Radio or Audi Connect. I do plan to order/get the vehicle with the Sports Interior Package; really liked the Audi Drive Select during my test drives. Thanks.

[VroomVroom]

I'm a sucker. I love having the map display. That's my biggest pro. Whether or not I'm using other nav features, that does it for me.

Audi Connect is wasted on me. Even if the cellular coverage was remotely decent in my area, I'd still balk at the monthly cost. HD radio is great in concept, horrible in execution.

You'll find what you like and what you use most will become second nature. I mentioned in the other thread that you'll pay less for it than you would ordering one without it. If you're not tied to a specific area though, it's worth peeking at what's out there. The store closest to me, for example, sat on an otherwise awesome SQ5 for more than six months. The one thing it lacked...tech package. Point being, if you can find one in stock without the tech package, chances are that dealer will be ecstatic to make you a deal.

[buggravy]

If I'm remembering correctly streaming audio through bluetooth is only available with the tech package. That's definitely a must for me. I also like the B&O system, though I haven't heard the Bose system to compare. Like VroomVroom I don't use Audi connect at all. In my eyes there are apps that do everything that it does, but better, and I always keep my phone mounted where I can see it because I use it for nav (Waze).

[LINDW4LL]

MMI+ is the biggest part of the Tech Package- you get much nicer placement of the center controls (by the shifter instead of up on the dash), nav, bluetooth audio streaming, color trip display, a higher resolution main display, etc... You also get the backup camera, which while not a necessity or high on my list when shopping, is a feature that is very nice to have.

B&O is a good improvement over the base system too.

Also, cars with Tech Package are much more desirable to second-hand buyers. Probably not of much importance but something to consider.

[LINDW4LL]

Also, any specific reason you're looking to grab a new '17 with the new generation model arriving in the first half of next year?

[auntrout]

I'm a sucker. I love having the map display. That's my biggest pro. Whether or not I'm using other nav features, that does it for me.

Audi Connect is wasted on me. Even if the cellular coverage was remotely decent in my area, I'd still balk at the monthly cost. HD radio is great in concept, horrible in execution.

You'll find what you like and what you use most will become second nature. I mentioned in the other thread that you'll pay less for it than you would ordering one without it. If you're not tied to a specific area though, it's worth peeking at what's out there. The store closest to me, for example, sat on an otherwise awesome SQ5 for more than six months. The one thing it lacked...tech package. Point being, if you can find one in stock without the tech package, chances are that dealer will be ecstatic to make you a deal.

Thanks for the info in the SQ5. I probably need to expand my search range to see if any 2017 Q5 3.0T without the Tech Pkg and with the Sport Interior Pkg might exist out there. Can you explain what you meant by the "map feature whether or not you are using other nav features". Thanks.

[auntrout]

Also, any specific reason you're looking to grab a new '17 with the new generation model arriving in the first half of next year?

Not too keen on picking up a first year model being built for the first time in Mexico. I also want the 3.0T and it sound likes that will not be available the first year unless you go for the SQ5. I personally also like the current body style better; I do not like the Q7 like front end, the faux rear exhaust vent, not a fan of the virtual cockpit, and do not like how the screen is mounted up on the dash.

[buggravy]

Not too keen on picking up a first year model being built for the first time in Mexico. I also want the 3.0T and it sound likes that will not be available the first year unless you go for the SQ5. I personally also like the current body style better; I do not like the Q7 like front end, the faux rear exhaust vent, not a fan of the virtual cockpit, and do not like how the screen is mounted up on the dash.

How long are you planning to keep the car? If long term, are you giving any consideration to CPO cars? I'm always amazed at the availability of cars less than a year old with <10,000 miles on them. That would at least give you more to choose from, and that warranty is enticing.

[VroomVroom]

Thanks for the info in the SQ5. I probably need to expand my search range to see if any 2017 Q5 3.0T without the Tech Pkg and with the Sport Interior Pkg might exist out there. Can you explain what you meant by the "map feature whether or not you are using other nav features". Thanks.

I've grown accustomed to having the moving map display right there. Even if I don't have a destination entered, seeing side streets, knowing a turn is coming...I'm not sure I'd want to go without it.

And I forgot about the streaming audio and B&O system. The latter in particular is HUGE. The standard Bose system is horrible. That is subjective of course, but the two really are night and day. Get the package. You won't regret it. :)

[eggdog]

Also remember that you can get the freedom pop SIM card as others have done for free AUDI connect. I just picked up a Q5 TDI and got the .99 cent SIM card from freedom pop.. Works awesome. Tech pkg is worth it!

[auntrout]

How long are you planning to keep the car? If long term, are you giving any consideration to CPO cars? I'm always amazed at the availability of cars less than a year old with <10,000 miles on them. That would at least give you more to choose from, and that warranty is enticing.

I plan to keep the car for a long time. You bring up an excellent point. I was offered a 2016 Q5 3.0T with about 9600 miles for $43.8K. Was pretty much loaded other than it came with the 19" wheels. I was looking to get the 20" wheels, but that was something I could always change later. Would you consider this a good price?

My concern about CPO is that I will never know how the person who leased vehicle broke it in or if they may have abused the vehicle in how they drove it. The 2016 that was presented to me visually looked in excellent condition, both exterior and interior, but I'll never know if any permanent damage had been done to the drive train that will be an issue down the road when any warranty coverage is expired. Can you expand on the "warranty is exciting"? Thanks.

[auntrout]

I've grown accustomed to having the moving map display right there. Even if I don't have a destination entered, seeing side streets, knowing a turn is coming...I'm not sure I'd want to go without it.

And I forgot about the streaming audio and B&O system. The latter in particular is HUGE. The standard Bose system is horrible. That is subjective of course, but the two really are night and day. Get the package. You won't regret it. :)

Thanks. I'm going to have to go listen to the Bose and B&O systems.

[buggravy]

I plan to keep the car for a long time. You bring up an excellent point. I was offered a 2016 Q5 3.0T with about 9600 miles for $43.8K. Was pretty much loaded other than it came with the 19" wheels. I was looking to get the 20" wheels, but that was something I could always change later. Would you consider this a good price?

My concern about CPO is that I will never know how the person who leased vehicle broke it in or if they may have abused the vehicle in how they drove it. The 2016 that was presented to me visually looked in excellent condition, both exterior and interior, but I'll never know if any permanent damage had been done to the drive train. Can you expand on the "warranty is exciting"? Thanks.

Enticing because it extends the warranty by another 2 years, and 50K miles. So if this is your primary car and you do more than 12K miles per year you have a 100K mile warranty. I thought that was just on the powertrain, but I just double checked, and it says "comprehensive warranty". Regardless, I believe it's Audi warranty, as opposed to a 3rd party extended warranty.

[auntrout]

Enticing because it extends the warranty by another 2 years, and 50K miles. So if this is your primary car and you do more than 12K miles per year you have a 100K mile warranty. I thought that was just on the powertrain, but I just double checked, and it says "comprehensive warranty". Regardless, I believe it's Audi warranty, as opposed to a 3rd party extended warranty.

Thanks much. I will follow up with the details of the extended warranty the next time I'm at the dealer. I was suppose to visit them this weekend to talk specifics on prices and what the Costco member pre-set prices are. I think I also need to overcome the concern about the "what if" with buying a CPO vehicle. All cars I've bought the last 30+ years have been new.

[q5 dave]

I've grown accustomed to having the moving map display right there. Even if I don't have a destination entered, seeing side streets, knowing a turn is coming...I'm not sure I'd want to go without it.

And I forgot about the streaming audio and B&O system. The latter in particular is HUGE. The standard Bose system is horrible. That is subjective of course, but the two really are night and day. Get the package. You won't regret it. :)

+1. No reason not to get the tech package if you're already springing for a 3.0T(which are only available as premium plus or prestige)

also bang&olufsen is TOTALLY worth it