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  1. #1
    Established Member Two Rings
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    SQ5 MK1 (B8.5) versus MKII (B9) - Which is better overall?

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    Hi guys,

    Looking to pick up a SQ5 but not sure which to pick. German built versus Mexico built - is there a QA difference? Supercharger versus Turbo? I'm preferential to the older B8.5 (2016-2017) Generation model year even despite not having the latest interior - something about the exterior design/supercharger/real exhausts that I can't get away from.

    Anyone with experience on both series mind chiming in?

    Thanks!

  2. #2
    Veteran Member Four Rings buggravy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by giggidy1 View Post
    Hi guys,

    Looking to pick up a SQ5 but not sure which to pick. German built versus Mexico built - is there a QA difference? Supercharger versus Turbo? I'm preferential to the older B8.5 (2016-2017) Generation model year even despite not having the latest interior - something about the exterior design/supercharger/real exhausts that I can't get away from.

    Anyone with experience on both series mind chiming in?

    Thanks!
    Tough question to answer definitively, and differences have been discussed pretty extensively. I have both, and the best way I can describe it is this. If I could only choose one to keep, I would pick the B9. If I had to pick one to go drive right this minute, I'd pick the B8.5 (and that would pretty consistently be my answer).
    '23 S4 Prestige - Chronos Grey
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  3. #3
    Junior Member Two Rings FUZE's Avatar
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    Is that because you’ve done more to your ‘16 to make it drive the way you want it to? Do you imagine your viewpoint changing if you did the same amount of modding to your MKII?

  4. #4
    Active Member Two Rings
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    Which one is hecho en Mexico?


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  5. #5
    Junior Member Two Rings FUZE's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by IkeM View Post
    Which one is hecho en Mexico?
    MKII

  6. #6
    Veteran Member Four Rings buggravy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by FUZE View Post
    Is that because you’ve done more to your ‘16 to make it drive the way you want it to? Do you imagine your viewpoint changing if you did the same amount of modding to your MKII?
    That makes a big difference for sure. And there is a lot that the B9 does better in stock form than the B8 does, particularly with the air suspension and sport diff. But I can't really get past the motor being the heartbeat of a car, and in stock form for both cars the B9 just feels much more sedate in that respect.
    '23 S4 Prestige - Chronos Grey
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  7. #7
    Established Member Two Rings
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    I think if you keep your vehicles longer say past 60-70k miles the mk1 will separate itself as the superior vehicle , mine is still like it drove off the lot with 70k miles on it. Now part of this is coming from my experience with German made vs Mexican made VW's which were vastly different in quality. Time will tell how the Audi's fare .....
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  8. #8
    Veteran Member Four Rings
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    I would think it's too early to tell about longevity or quality issues with the MKII cars right now as they have only been out a year or so. I didn't have the choice and haven't driven a newer model, but the supercharged V6 has been around for long time now, and has been shown to be highly reliable even when modded, cats not withstanding.

    If you plan on modding the car anyway, it may make more sense to buy one that has a lower initial cost and use leftover for mods. Drive both, figure out what your plans are and what you want from the car, and go from there.

    I did spend a couple thousand miles in a new A4 and all the new tech stuff was really nice. The RSNav gets you some of that functionality but not like the OEM systems.

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  9. #9
    Established Member Two Rings
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    Quote Originally Posted by buggravy View Post
    Tough question to answer definitively, and differences have been discussed pretty extensively. I have both, and the best way I can describe it is this. If I could only choose one to keep, I would pick the B9. If I had to pick one to go drive right this minute, I'd pick the B8.5 (and that would pretty consistently be my answer).
    Thanks for the response! I guess the interior/modernity of the B9 outweights the B8.5's driving dynamics?

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by djn876 View Post
    I would think it's too early to tell about longevity or quality issues with the MKII cars right now as they have only been out a year or so. I didn't have the choice and haven't driven a newer model, but the supercharged V6 has been around for long time now, and has been shown to be highly reliable even when modded, cats not withstanding.

    If you plan on modding the car anyway, it may make more sense to buy one that has a lower initial cost and use leftover for mods. Drive both, figure out what your plans are and what you want from the car, and go from there.

    I did spend a couple thousand miles in a new A4 and all the new tech stuff was really nice. The RSNav gets you some of that functionality but not like the OEM systems.

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    Thanks! Yah, it's just hard to find a good SQ5 on the used market right now.. takes some time.

  10. #10
    Veteran Member Four Rings buggravy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by giggidy1 View Post
    Thanks for the response! I guess the interior/modernity of the B9 outweights the B8.5's driving dynamics?

    - - - Updated - - -


    I mean, yes and no. They're both great cars for somewhat different reasons. Hard to rationalize my above explanation, other than it is what it is. The B8 looks and feels a little long in the tooth when you jump back and forth, but it IS more exciting for me. Does more exciting mean better? Sometimes, but not always. And they're both still CUVs, so exciting is all relative, though I think they both do a fantastic job in that regard for what they are.
    '23 S4 Prestige - Chronos Grey
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    TOTALLED: '21 Q5 P+ - Glacier White (wife's)
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  11. #11
    Active Member Two Rings MMXV8S5's Avatar
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    Where is the split? 2015 and older, B8.5 and built in Germany?

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  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by MMXV8S5 View Post
    Where is the split? 2015 and older, B8.5 and built in Germany?

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    I believe 2009-2012 is the B8. Facelift B8.5 is 2013-2017. 2018+ is B9 current generation. Depending on country (UK/USA/CA etc etc) the model years may be slightly different. Everything pre B9 is built in Ingolstadt, Germany.

    I've always been weary of Mexico QA/assembly - I've had colleagues who are automotive QA managers/supervisors who make the trip down there every so often and they've had lotsssssssssssssssssssssss of issues with regards to manufacturing. How much Audi reinforces QA and the automation/manual labour relationship is up in the air though. Guess we'll have to see how the B9 pans out.

  13. #13
    Active Member Two Rings MMXV8S5's Avatar
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    Thank you.

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  14. #14
    Veteran Member Three Rings
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    We have 108K on our 2010 Q5 (3.2 sline) and it still drives like new.

    Went shopping for something to replace it with my wife. I wanted her to pick up an SQ5. We were both pretty shocked by the cheap feel of the interior on the Mk2. Felt like a current gen golf. I really mean no offense, and know you guys are loving your Mk2s. But, she didn't even want to drive it off the lot. She did, and the power and drivetrain was nice, but we couldn't get over the feel. There was even something off with the way the power windows "felt".

    Took her down the street and drove a Macan S and the deal was done. Same high quality feel of the Mk1 with a sportier chassis. She was immediately sold. We're keeping the Mk1 and I'm driving it and fiddling with it until my daughter starts driving. It's worth near zero on trade so might as well...

    YMMV. All great cars.
    '16 SQ5 ROW/BilsteinB8 CH-R 9s; 997.2 spasm 6spd; '18 Macan S. Many, many audis in the past...

  15. #15
    Veteran Member Four Rings buggravy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by scottst View Post
    We have 108K on our 2010 Q5 (3.2 sline) and it still drives like new.

    Went shopping for something to replace it with my wife. I wanted her to pick up an SQ5. We were both pretty shocked by the cheap feel of the interior on the Mk2. Felt like a current gen golf. I really mean no offense, and know you guys are loving your Mk2s. But, she didn't even want to drive it off the lot. She did, and the power and drivetrain was nice, but we couldn't get over the feel. There was even something off with the way the power windows "felt".

    Took her down the street and drove a Macan S and the deal was done. Same high quality feel of the Mk1 with a sportier chassis. She was immediately sold. We're keeping the Mk1 and I'm driving it and fiddling with it until my daughter starts driving. It's worth near zero on trade so might as well...

    YMMV. All great cars.
    Just curious, did the SQ5 you guys checked out have the Nappa Leather? All subjective of course, but I feel like the new interior, with Nappa and Carbon, is a damn fine place to spend time. It's one of the areas I feel like is a step up from my B8, and I do like the B8 interior a lot.
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  16. #16
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    It had the quilted leather which I believe is a step down from Napa?

    The biggest bummer was the huge instrument binnacle for the screen, which was canted at a weird angle. Dash, door panels, etc all felt cheaper to the touch. Similar to mk6 to mk7 GTIs.

    Super nice car but a bit of a letdown imo.

  17. #17
    Veteran Member Four Rings TexasDfwS4's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by buggravy View Post
    I mean, yes and no. They're both great cars for somewhat different reasons. Hard to rationalize my above explanation, other than it is what it is. The B8 looks and feels a little long in the tooth when you jump back and forth, but it IS more exciting for me. Does more exciting mean better? Sometimes, but not always. And they're both still CUVs, so exciting is all relative, though I think they both do a fantastic job in that regard for what they are.
    I would agree, I have both and like to drive wife MKI, it's just more mechanical in feel and the SC is great.
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  18. #18
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    I’ve own both. B9 is my preference in every way. The only concern is what will Mexico production look like in 5 years. But if I’m being real - it won’t matter - by then I’ll sell it to one of you ******s to deal with.

    I love my B9. I regret nothing. B8 was awesome. B9 is just *my* personal preference in every way.


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  19. #19
    Veteran Member Four Rings MK2SQ's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JD S4 View Post
    I’ve own both. B9 is my preference in every way. The only concern is what will Mexico production look like in 5 years. But if I’m being real - it won’t matter - by then I’ll sell it to one of you ******s to deal with.

    I love my B9. I regret nothing. B8 was awesome. B9 is just *my* personal preference in every way.


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    We are not talking Ferraris here there is no way that a crossover design with parts and technology sourced over 10 years ago is better then a new model.

    Now you prefer older model good for you. My grandpa likes VCR tapes no way they are better then BlueRay or DVD’s.

  20. #20
    Veteran Member Three Rings
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    Not buying the technology argument. Sure the tech in the new B9 is better.

    Audi needed to build something compelling with the B8 to compete in the market. They built a very high quality product. Fit/finish and quality of materials all very high.

    With the B9 they are riding the wave and have taken steps to increase profit and build more cheaply where they can while still optimizing sales & profit. Building more cheaply means both building in mexico and (in my opinion) using lower cost materials where they think most customers won't notice.

    I was honestly shocked that our 9 year old Q5 felt better driving home than the 63k SQ5 we test drove. It wasn't about money. We went and bought a Macan, which feels like the B8 because it is still based on the B8.

    The new Sq5 is a super competitive product and high value. We just shouldn't stick our heads in the sand and say that Audi is always improving everything.
    '16 SQ5 ROW/BilsteinB8 CH-R 9s; 997.2 spasm 6spd; '18 Macan S. Many, many audis in the past...

  21. #21
    Veteran Member Four Rings MK2SQ's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by scottst View Post
    Not buying the technology argument. Sure the tech in the new B9 is better.

    Audi needed to build something compelling with the B8 to compete in the market. They built a very high quality product. Fit/finish and quality of materials all very high.

    With the B9 they are riding the wave and have taken steps to increase profit and build more cheaply where they can while still optimizing sales & profit. Building more cheaply means both building in mexico and (in my opinion) using lower cost materials where they think most customers won't notice.

    I was honestly shocked that our 9 year old Q5 felt better driving home than the 63k SQ5 we test drove. It wasn't about money. We went and bought a Macan, which feels like the B8 because it is still based on the B8.

    The new Sq5 is a super competitive product and high value. We just shouldn't stick our heads in the sand and say that Audi is always improving everything.
    It’s not just Audi improving everything. It’s BOSH, and everybody that produces parts for Audi. The tools they use, the testing that can be done, the manufacturing process and tools use, computers used for telematics. This is comparing a bow and arrow to a machine gun design and manufacturing.

    When it comes to “my 9 year old drove better” to you, no way or form can this be used to speak to the car comparison .

    Subjective opinion is what always drives this type of threads. Objectively the B9 is superior.

  22. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by SQ5/2018 View Post
    It’s not just Audi improving everything. It’s BOSH, and everybody that produces parts for Audi. The tools they use, the testing that can be done, the manufacturing process and tools use, computers used for telematics. This is comparing a bow and arrow to a machine gun design and manufacturing.

    When it comes to “my 9 year old drove better” to you, no way or form can this be used to speak to the car comparison .

    Subjective opinion is what always drives this type of threads. Objectively the B9 is superior.
    You're clearly happy with your purchase. Everything new is better, is what I learned today. Peace.
    '16 SQ5 ROW/BilsteinB8 CH-R 9s; 997.2 spasm 6spd; '18 Macan S. Many, many audis in the past...

  23. #23
    Veteran Member Four Rings MK2SQ's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by scottst View Post
    You're clearly happy with your purchase. Everything new is better, is what I learned today. Peace.
    This is why people design and manufacture new products.
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  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by SQ5/2018 View Post
    This is why people design and manufacture new products.
    To extract as much profit as possible from you.

    In my opinion Audi is on a bit of an "ebb flow" in terms of interior and component quality at the moment. Clearly to extract more profit. Happens all the time.

    One of many examples: Golf Mk2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

    Perceived quality was highest with 4, 5, 6. Welcome to 7, which is objectively the better car yet has taken a step back in terms of certain tangibles and intangibles that some people value and perceive as part of the overall value prop. I've personally owned a Mk2, 3, 4 and 7 GTIs (among 30ish other assorted enthusiast cars, >50% VAG) and have experienced it myself. I loved the driving dynamics of my Mk7 but was pretty disappointed w/the quality. There *seems* to be correlation between built in Mexico and elsewhere (Mk2 in US, Mk2 in Mexico, Mk 5,6 in Germany, Mk7 in Mexico) but that could be a random coincidence. Some would call me a "dash stroker".

    Thinking that Audi is altruistically working to build a net higher quality, net improved product in every regard in every generation is a bit... romantic. The bean counters are pushing the engineers, supply chain managers, etc, to cut costs aggressively to achieve the optimal all up profit. If they compromise quality too far, then they'll learn and adjust with the next gen or they will lose market share.

    I say this without any sarcasm: the B9 Q5 is a great rig and highly competitive in today's market. Enjoy.
    '16 SQ5 ROW/BilsteinB8 CH-R 9s; 997.2 spasm 6spd; '18 Macan S. Many, many audis in the past...

  25. #25
    Veteran Member Four Rings MK2SQ's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by scottst View Post
    To extract as much profit as possible from you.

    In my opinion Audi is on a bit of an "ebb flow" in terms of interior and component quality at the moment. Clearly to extract more profit. Happens all the time.

    One of many examples: Golf Mk2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

    Perceived quality was highest with 4, 5, 6. Welcome to 7, which is objectively the better car yet has taken a step back in terms of certain tangibles and intangibles that some people value and perceive as part of the overall value prop. I've personally owned a Mk2, 3, 4 and 7 GTIs (among 30ish other assorted enthusiast cars, >50% VAG) and have experienced it myself. I loved the driving dynamics of my Mk7 but was pretty disappointed w/the quality. There *seems* to be correlation between built in Mexico and elsewhere (Mk2 in US, Mk2 in Mexico, Mk 5,6 in Germany, Mk7 in Mexico) but that could be a random coincidence. Some would call me a "dash stroker".

    Thinking that Audi is altruistically working to build a net higher quality, net improved product in every regard in every generation is a bit... romantic. The bean counters are pushing the engineers, supply chain managers, etc, to cut costs aggressively to achieve the optimal all up profit. If they compromise quality too far, then they'll learn and adjust with the next gen or they will lose market share.

    I say this without any sarcasm: the B9 Q5 is a great rig and highly competitive in today's market. Enjoy.
    It looks to me you decided on the B8 and need to fight to justify to others your decision. You think that the B8 has better quality and you like it more, perfect. You just save 30k min great job and go enjoy the car.
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    I’ll jump in between you two queers.

    I don’t think I B9 is “better”.
    I just like it more.

    The end.


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  27. #27
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    Quote Originally Posted by JD S4 View Post
    I’ll jump in between you two queers.

    I don’t think I B9 is “better”.
    I just like it more.

    The end.


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  28. #28
    Veteran Member Four Rings SQive's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by SQ5/2018 View Post
    It looks to me you decided on the B8 and need to fight to justify to others your decision. You think that the B8 has better quality and you like it more, perfect. You just save 30k min great job and go enjoy the car.
    I believe you've got that backwards. Whenever I point out something about the B9 that is of lower quality, those who bought them get very defensive. I've also stated the fact that if you want a new one, it will be a B9, period. No discussion necessary. My point, was that it is all about VAG and stocks. Generally speaking, what's good for the customer is not good for the shareholder and vice-versa. They have a huge deficit to make up for following Diesel-Gate, which was all made worse by their sales pitches; clean diesel, truth in engineering, etc. Foot-in-mouth advertising is more like it. So, after eating crow and trying to retain those who didn't sell off their VAG stock during the scandal, they have to increase profits by whatever means necessary. They are doing this across their entire line, but especially with the B9 S/Q5's because they are their biggest seller. I don't hate the B9. It's a fine vehicle that's on par with other new vehicles today. I'm disappointed in Audi in general about sacrificing the overall build quality to enhance profits. It's good for the company, perhaps even necessary, but not so much for the product or the consumer. This will all become more evident with the passing of time.

    If you've purchased a new B9 SQ5, you need not justify it. Please, enjoy it. Just don't chastise B8(.5) owners for preferring the supercharged ones from Germany. They are different animals. As this forum becomes more & more B9 based, those disenchanted with the direction Audi has gone with the SQ5 will simply move on to other vehicles. Besides, this whole discussion is what's wrong with America today. Why be so divisive?
    "Congratulations on your new SQ5. I like it. . .I just don't want one."
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  29. #29
    Veteran Member Four Rings MK2SQ's Avatar
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    I owned 3 B8 Audi cars all Sline. When i was looking to go to the B9 line and drove the Sq5, Q5, A4, and AllRoad i never though that the parts selected or finish looks like a cost cutting attempt especially in compression to the B8 line.

    The interior was what sold me the Sq5 and i test drove all competitors product.

    This is what i honestly don't get, you can attack the Mexican build or the fake exhaust but if you think the interior of the B8 are design or better components are utilized i truly don't understand what high quality or premium materials mean to you.

    not gone address your opinion on the "diesel gate"
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  30. #30
    Stage 2 Banner Advertiser Four Rings Mops@Nemesis's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JD S4 View Post
    I’ll jump in between you two queers.

    I don’t think I B9 is “better”.
    I just like it more.

    The end.

    Sent from my
    This thread is cute.

    I spent a weekend with the B9 SQ5 back when I bought my B9 S4 ~15 months ago. The first thing I said to Stacey... "this feels as nice as our current modded SQ"... in regard to overall performance/output. So I was instantly sold. It also felt lighter on it's feet and more stable. I prefer the B9 S seats and brakes too. And they certainly sound better than the B8 stock vs stock. I enjoy both engines equally but differently. The 3.0 S/C is a fantastic engine. No denying that. The new turbo engine obviously has lag, but that makes it more exciting that the S/C one. For me I should say. That burst is fantastic, and that's stock tuning of course. I've never really placed too much emphasis on tech and interiors, but I did end up preferring the B9 interior after having both for over a year. I've not had any issues with build quality, but maybe the B9 Q/SQ is built differently than the B9 A/S4? IDK.... I beat the snot out of my B8 and it never once complained, and I'll do the same with the B9. If anyone is going to break one of these, it will be me. . And being a detailer, I'll certainly be on the look out for said cheap parts/materials. I'll spend a few days with mine once I get it home going over every inch. But I'm not a Q&A specialist, so .... lol! I'm not sure how we'd ever determine the B9 is a lesser build. Audi may have revised some pieces/process for the 2019 model, and no matter, some cars come from the factory with issues. In the end, MUCH love for the B8 cars. Up until two months ago, I've had one in the garage since 2009, and never experienced issues or found any shortcomings with the build or materials. My B9 S4 has been fantastic too... hopefully the B9 SQ5 will be just as solid.

    EDIT: The brakes on both of my B8 cars were not sufficient.
    Last edited by Mops@Nemesis; 02-17-2019 at 04:14 PM.
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  31. #31
    Veteran Member Three Rings weagle1856's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by SQive View Post
    I believe you've got that backwards. Whenever I point out something about the B9 that is of lower quality, those who bought them get very defensive. I've also stated the fact that if you want a new one, it will be a B9, period. No discussion necessary. My point, was that it is all about VAG and stocks. Generally speaking, what's good for the customer is not good for the shareholder and vice-versa. They have a huge deficit to make up for following Diesel-Gate, which was all made worse by their sales pitches; clean diesel, truth in engineering, etc. Foot-in-mouth advertising is more like it. So, after eating crow and trying to retain those who didn't sell off their VAG stock during the scandal, they have to increase profits by whatever means necessary. They are doing this across their entire line, but especially with the B9 S/Q5's because they are their biggest seller. I don't hate the B9. It's a fine vehicle that's on par with other new vehicles today. I'm disappointed in Audi in general about sacrificing the overall build quality to enhance profits. It's good for the company, perhaps even necessary, but not so much for the product or the consumer. This will all become more evident with the passing of time.

    If you've purchased a new B9 SQ5, you need not justify it. Please, enjoy it. Just don't chastise B8(.5) owners for preferring the supercharged ones from Germany. They are different animals. As this forum becomes more & more B9 based, those disenchanted with the direction Audi has gone with the SQ5 will simply move on to other vehicles. Besides, this whole discussion is what's wrong with America today. Why be so divisive?
    "Congratulations on your new SQ5. I like it. . .I just don't want one."
    PREACH. I was so disappointed in the build quality with the B9 that I wrote a letter to Audi.

  32. #32
    Stage 2 Banner Advertiser Four Rings Mops@Nemesis's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by SQ5/2018 View Post
    I owned 3 B8 Audi cars all Sline. When i was looking to go to the B9 line and drove the Sq5, Q5, A4, and AllRoad i never though that the parts selected or finish looks like a cost cutting attempt especially in compression to the B8 line.

    The interior was what sold me the Sq5 and i test drove all competitors product.

    This is what i honestly don't get, you can attack the Mexican build or the fake exhaust but if you think the interior of the B8 are design or better components are utilized i truly don't understand what high quality or premium materials mean to you.

    not gone address your opinion on the "diesel gate"
    None of it matters my man. Peeps have been shitting on the B9 Q/SQ for over a year now. And soooo much of it is personal preference. One may love S/C engines and therefore prefer the B8. One may love tech and therefore think the B9 is the tits. One may have no experience with the B8 and the B9 is their first luxury vehicle, and think it's AMAZING! I've only spent a couple of days with the B9 SQ5, so I cannot say too much past appearance and specs. I just remember noticing the B9 felt a good bit more sport focused, and I don't do straight line stuff, so the lag is not a deal breaker. I actually embrace the shove.
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  33. #33
    Veteran Member Four Rings MK2SQ's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by weagle1856 View Post
    PREACH. I was so disappointed in the build quality with the B9 that I wrote a letter to Audi.
    What was Audi’s response?
    Prestige B9 SQ5 / Moonlight Blue / S sport / DAP / Dynamic Steering

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  34. #34
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mops@Nemesis View Post
    None of it matters my man. Peeps have been shitting on the B9 Q/SQ for over a year now. And soooo much of it is personal preference. One may love S/C engines and therefore prefer the B8. One may love tech and therefore think the B9 is the tits. One may have no experience with the B8 and the B9 is their first luxury vehicle, and think it's AMAZING! I've only spent a couple of days with the B9 SQ5, so I cannot say too much past appearance and specs. I just remember noticing the B9 felt a good bit more sport focused, and I don't do straight line stuff, so the lag is not a deal breaker. I actually embrace the shove.
    You’re right, 👍
    Prestige B9 SQ5 / Moonlight Blue / S sport / DAP / Dynamic Steering

    JB4 Tuner / ROC-Euro Intake / Lowering Links / 034 Trans Insert / V-FF 109
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  35. #35
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    Quote Originally Posted by SQive View Post
    I believe you've got that backwards. Whenever I point out something about the B9 that is of lower quality, those who bought them get very defensive. I've also stated the fact that if you want a new one, it will be a B9, period. No discussion necessary. My point, was that it is all about VAG and stocks. Generally speaking, what's good for the customer is not good for the shareholder and vice-versa. They have a huge deficit to make up for following Diesel-Gate, which was all made worse by their sales pitches; clean diesel, truth in engineering, etc. Foot-in-mouth advertising is more like it. So, after eating crow and trying to retain those who didn't sell off their VAG stock during the scandal, they have to increase profits by whatever means necessary. They are doing this across their entire line, but especially with the B9 S/Q5's because they are their biggest seller. I don't hate the B9. It's a fine vehicle that's on par with other new vehicles today. I'm disappointed in Audi in general about sacrificing the overall build quality to enhance profits. It's good for the company, perhaps even necessary, but not so much for the product or the consumer. This will all become more evident with the passing of time.

    If you've purchased a new B9 SQ5, you need not justify it. Please, enjoy it. Just don't chastise B8(.5) owners for preferring the supercharged ones from Germany. They are different animals. As this forum becomes more & more B9 based, those disenchanted with the direction Audi has gone with the SQ5 will simply move on to other vehicles. Besides, this whole discussion is what's wrong with America today. Why be so divisive?
    "Congratulations on your new SQ5. I like it. . .I just don't want one."


    Being relatively new to this sub-forum I didn't realize what I was getting into with my comments, but I should have known. Folks have shelled out big $$ on the new cars and love them. And that's awesome for them and for Audi.

    I was simply sharing my experience having recently being at first quite excited to (finally) upgrade my wife to a new SQ5. I had her sold on the idea and all the specs and reviews looked awesome. I had finally pried her loose of her 2010 Q5.

    I sat quietly in the cabin checking it out while she got situated. She actually said she didn't even want to drive it (it was already running) because she was so put off by the huge instrument binnacle (had a tough time seeing the hood) and the strange angle of the screen. I encouraged her to drive it anyways as she'd already gone to all of the trouble of paperwork, etc. The drivetrain is awesome IMO (although the piped in noise is kind of out of hand). My dad has a similar setup in his new S5 and I'm a big fan.

    I've noted various other dash stroker critiques above so I won't go over them again. IMHO it felt like a 65k version of my recent Mk7 GTI. Again, a hell of a performance bargain. We're getting some serious value here. But, I was surprised by the difference between the Sq5 an my dad's new S5, side by side.

    She drove a couple new Macan S' and was immediately sold and ended up finding one for a bit less than a well optioned Sq5. Interior feels higher quality, and it just "fits" her better. It's a bit below the Sq5's performance but happy we're in a "cousin" to the Q5. Keeping the old 2010 Q5. I'm daily driving it for a bit and refurbishing various bits to get it into shape for my daughter when she starts driving next year.
    '16 SQ5 ROW/BilsteinB8 CH-R 9s; 997.2 spasm 6spd; '18 Macan S. Many, many audis in the past...

  36. #36
    Stage 2 Banner Advertiser Four Rings Mops@Nemesis's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by scottst View Post
    She drove a couple new Macan S' and was immediately sold and ended up finding one for a bit less than a well optioned Sq5. Interior feels higher quality, and it just "fits" her better. It's a bit below the Sq5's performance but happy we're in a "cousin" to the Q5. Keeping the old 2010 Q5. I'm daily driving it for a bit and refurbishing various bits to get it into shape for my daughter when she starts driving next year.
    Congrats on the Macan! I feel like a GTS would suit me so well. So well I've stayed away from them. 😛

    The 2010 will make a great first vehicle for your daughter. That's awesome. We had a 2015 MK7 GTI and loved it. We plan to put our daughter into one of those for her first. I cannot wait to have one around the house again.
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  37. #37
    Veteran Member Three Rings
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mops@Nemesis View Post
    Congrats on the Macan! I feel like a GTS would suit me so well. So well I've stayed away from them. 😛

    The 2010 will make a great first vehicle for your daughter. That's awesome. We had a 2015 MK7 GTI and loved it. We plan to put our daughter into one of those for her first. I cannot wait to have one around the house again.
    Yeah, the GTS Macan is really nice. My wife didn't need the power (plus i think I can quietly have COBB give her GTS power :) ). Really fascinating to see what Porsche was able to do with the same platform.

    I thought about my GTI for my daughter, but think something a bit slower (and automatic) and bigger (safer?) would be better. I loved that car.
    '16 SQ5 ROW/BilsteinB8 CH-R 9s; 997.2 spasm 6spd; '18 Macan S. Many, many audis in the past...

  38. #38
    Stage 2 Banner Advertiser Four Rings Mops@Nemesis's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by scottst View Post
    I thought about my GTI for my daughter, but think something a bit slower (and automatic) and bigger (safer?) would be better. I loved that car.
    Yea, I think the Q5 is the better car for our daughters. But I want to add the GTI and no another Q. 😬 I've missed our MK7 a lot.
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  39. #39
    Veteran Member Three Rings weagle1856's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by SQ5/2018 View Post
    What was Audi’s response?
    Typical response. Send it in as feedback.. what did you think they would say? Oh yes let's build a car just for a letter?

  40. #40
    Veteran Member Four Rings DiscoDan's Avatar
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