Many years ago I joined this forum when I bought my 2010 S4. Fast forward to now, and I'm shopping for a new (but used) car again, and thinking of picking up another Audi. Having a family now, I've been trying to find something sport, and fun, that I can still pack a kid or two in, and fit suitcases etc. I also want to be able to put adults in back without it being too small. Juggling price range for year models avail etc I'd narrowed my search to a 16/17 SQ5, 16 S6, and was considering a 16 Macan S as well. I'm still debating between the SQ5, and S6 (though leaning towards the SQ5), but I've dropped the Macan from the pack, and figured I'd provide my thoughts as to why. It's been talked about before, but as when I was in my research phase, I read every post I could given that everyones thoughts on the matter are totally subjective.
When I drove the SQ5, my most immediate thought was how it sounded so damn good! My S4 didn't even sound that good, stock. Before taking it for a drive I popped the hatch to check out the cargo space... it was pretty good given the overall size of the vehicle. I walked around and got into the back seat, and I was really impressed! I'm not a nimble little dude, I'm a big guy, and I slid right in with ease and was quite comfortable. Being in Texas, noting that the rear AC vents seemed to blow pretty well was a plus also. Getting back in the driver seat, I put it in gear and headed out of the parking lot. First off... I was again impressed by the SQ5 as I accelerated down the street- it didn't quite feel as nimble as a car, and the fact that you're riding high isn't hidden from the overall experience, but the ease at which the car picked up speed makes it feel like it has quite a bit more power than it really does. Add to this that the exhaust note picks up even more, and I was already more impressed than I thought I'd be. Shifting was quick, and crips. There was still that burble, or fart sound if you will that I was used to in my S4. Taking turns, for being a small SUV, were still quite impressive. What really did it for me was cruising down the highway at 65mph... even hitting the gas at that speeds still seemed to leave plenty of grunt and get up bringing me to 90mph with relative ease. In the end, the only thing that I didn't particularly care for is the seats. Like I said, I'm a big guy...the bolsters left me feeling like the seat was a bit tight, and ultimately I wanted to hang my leg over the bolster the entire time which I believe might become uncomfortable over time. I also didn't test the B&O Stereo, but whether I like it or not, thats something thats easily tweaked. Bonus points also go the SQ5 for the adjustable suspension. I like being able to lift it up a bit for minor off road use (I hate getting stuck in traffic, and I sure will drive through the grass over to the access road- good or bad, don't hate me for it! It's pretty common here given the amount of trucks we have on the road). Past that, the one thing I wish Audi had done with the SQ5 is make it slightly more aggressive looking...it still looks so similar to the Q5, that it reminds me still of something I'd get my wife, vs something for myself- that said, I know thats not part of Audi's styling.
Even though it's not the main point of this post, I'll also say I drove an S6 immediately following the SQ5. I expected to be more impressed with the S6, in comparison, but I wasn't. The S6 immediately felt like a much larger vehicle, and that nimble, fun, attitude was lost. I did like the seats quite a bit more, and, when I hit the gas, all that power came pouring in, which is quite seductive in itself. I haven't taken the S6 off my list yet...but given the SQ5, dollar for dollar, would be newer, have lower miles, and still be cheaper than what I'd find in an S6, I'm leaning towards the SQ5. I'll have to drive them for longer before really settling one way or another.
The day after all of this I drove a Macan S. Everything I'd read told me it was comparable, but has less space, and drives better than an SQ5. Well... true-ish. The rear hatch space is considerably less, though most of it is due to height, which you'd have to take into account how often you'd stack things to the ceiling to use that extra space anyway. The rear seating is where things started to fall apart fast. I climbed in...awkwardly, and my head was already against the roof. I had leg room, and wasn't bumping the seat in front of me with my knees, but there was something about the angle needed to get in and out that remained awkward. I even tried it again to see if I just needed to come at it from a different angle. Still awkward. Sitting in the drivers seat I immediately understood the difference between the two cars... it's so true, the Macan feels almost like you're still in a car, but slightly higher off the ground. The buttons all over the console just about made me ill, but I wanted to see how it drove, so I hung in there. Putting it in gear and pulling out of the lot I can immediately say that it felt more anemic, and lacking in grunt than the SQ5. Thats also not just a statement in sound (which it was also lacking), but it clearly felt like it had less get up and go. Does it really? Is it really slower? I don't know...but my perception based on how it felt was clear. I got a bit more aggressive with the throttle expecting perhaps I just needed to get it to downshift more to take off....no... I was still left unimpressed. Now... taking turns is certainly where the Macan stands out... like I said, it feels more like a car, and is built as such, vs the SQ5 still feels more like a small SUV. While it does drive more like a car, which one could perceive as "better" or more fun, the lack of power, and sweet sound, left me feeling very "meh...". My guess is a good tune could really wake the Macan up (ok... I know it would...), but, since the Macan is already more expensive than the SQ5, even if I was willing to ignore the back seat, and button hell on the center console, I still wouldn't do it. The PDK is clearly an awesome transmission btw...but... the 8 speed in the SQ5 performed with top marks, and wouldn't sway me away from the SQ5 at all.
Hopefully my short little synopsis is helpful to folks who are doing their own comparison. I welcome any feedback you guys might have as well! Cheers!
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Originally Posted by 97B518TQM
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