Question about S4 vs SQ5 vs Macan S

[Dr GP]

Still have some time left in my current QX50 lease. I'm thinking right now about replacing it with either a used SQ5 or Macan S. Is the driving experience of a SQ5 similar to the S4? I know the interiors are similar as well as engine and drive train. My thoughts are that I was very happy with my previous 3 B8 S4s. But just might be looking for something different or better. Saw a road test of the Macan on Autoweek the other day and led me to believe the Macan S would be very sporty and fun to drive. I'm thinking that might be a good compromise since a SUV is more practical for my current life style. Same price range

Another thing is almost all the used Macans and SQ5s listed on Autotrader are either black white or silver gray? I guess that's what the majority want(purchased)? Did see a few bright blue Macans though. Any must have options on the Macan S?

[dimonblr]

Macan S is nice, but the trunk space is laughable. Mostly due to the very sloped rear glass panel on the hatch. I was considering the Macan as a replacement for our SUV, but trunk space is preventing me from making that choice. I'm not in love with the Cayenne, but that might be what we end up doing.

[bakedziti]

I was looking at all three prior to picking up my B8.5 S4, but was inappropriately lusting over the Macan turbo and it’s tuning potential. The trunk space is pretty measly on the Macan, but aside from that the prices were more than I was looking to spend at the time. I loved the SQ5, and only wanted one in Lava, but ultimately couldn’t give my the MT so I went with the S4. If I had to have a SUV, it’d likely be the SQ out of the two.

[sacandagaD]

We looked long and hard at the SQ5 before we bought our Macan GTS. In the end, we felt the Macan was nicer/better in every way compared to the SQ5 ( except price ). Even though it cost a lot more, we wanted the Porsche, and feel like we got way more.

And honestly, I enjoy driving it more than my S4. Handles extremely well with the sport suspension, and the interior with 18 way seats and carbon fiber is so much nicer than the SQ, and the sport exhaust sounds great. My suggestion, look at a CPO S or GTS, and put on a Cobb tune, and you'll have some serious performance.

[Dr GP]

We looked long and hard at the SQ5 before we bought our Macan GTS. In the end, we felt the Macan was nicer/better in every way compared to the SQ5 ( except price ). Even though it cost a lot more, we wanted the Porsche, and feel like we got way more.

And honestly, I enjoy driving it more than my S4. Handles extremely well with the sport suspension, and the interior with 18 way seats and carbon fiber is so much nicer than the SQ, and the sport exhaust sounds great. My suggestion, look at a CPO S or GTS, and put on a Cobb tune, and you'll have some serious performance.

Thanks for the info. Definitely want the 6 cylinder not the 4. Dont really need that much rear trunk space. Can you get 2 or 3 golf bags in the trunk? At this point Im thinking It would just like buying another B8 S4 if I got the SQ5. Thats not a bad thing ,but had 3 of them and looking to upgrade. Seeing used prices are very similar why not go with the Macan S if there are no significant drawbacks .

[RatBustard]

the SQ5 (8-spd) uses a different gearbox than the S4 (7-spd), so they will have different shift characteristics. I believe the Macan uses a 7-spd, but correct me if I'm wrong.

[hilmar2k]

the SQ5 (8-spd) uses a different gearbox than the S4 (7-spd), so they will have different shift characteristics. I believe the Macan uses a 7-spd, but correct me if I'm wrong.

Not to mention that one is a slushbox and the other is a DSG.

[dimonblr]

the SQ5 (8-spd) uses a different gearbox than the S4 (7-spd), so they will have different shift characteristics. I believe the Macan uses a 7-spd, but correct me if I'm wrong.

7-speed PDK and it's great.

[sacandagaD]

Thanks for the info. Definitely want the 6 cylinder not the 4. Dont really need that much rear trunk space. Can you get 2 or 3 golf bags in the trunk? At this point Im thinking It would just like buying another B8 S4 if I got the SQ5. Thats not a bad thing ,but had 3 of them and looking to upgrade. Seeing used prices are very similar why not go with the Macan S if there are no significant drawbacks .

Haven't put any golf bags in it, but am pretty sure you could get 2-3 of them in there by folding down the back seat. We've fit our skis in it like that with no problem. If you are seriously thinking about getting one, join the MacanOwnersForum, it's great resource for owners and potential buyers.

7-speed PDK and it's great.

The gearbox definitely feels better than the SQ5 IMHO.

[Dr GP]

Haven't put any golf bags in it, but am pretty sure you could get 2-3 of them in there by folding down the back seat. We've fit our skis in it like that with no problem. If you are seriously thinking about getting one, join the MacanOwnersForum, it's great resource for owners and potential buyers.



The gearbox definitely feels better than the SQ5 IMHO.

If you don't paddle shift ,would you notice much of a difference between the 2 transmissions?,Im not a fan of automatics in general,but realize you cant get a SUV with a MT.At least not one you really want.

[S4'ed]

Earlier Macans, before 2018 or so, had some issues with failures of the front transfer case. Generally speaking an SQ5 will be a little more reliable than a Macan, but the sportier driving experience (and better ride quality) of the Macan might be worth the $10K to $15K price premium. I shopped for both, before deciding on a CPO 2017 SQ5. The SQ5 drives similarly to my S4, except for riding worse (21 inch versus 19 inch wheels) and not handling as well due to the higher CG.

I think the interior quality of the Macan is slightly better than the SQ5, but the interior styling of the Macan is a bit unattractive to me...kinda like the set designers of the movie Alien influenced it....I prefer the somewhat dated but more elegant interior styling of the Audi.

Also, if you want some active safety features (autonomous emergency braking, Active Cruise...) these are almost impossible to find on used Macans, and pretty rare on new Macans (because everything is an expensive option). Although rare, you have a better chance of finding a used Prestige trim SQ5 that has Active Cruise and emergency braking.....I did.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...9684/overview/

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...4842/overview/

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...0940/overview/

[sacandagaD]

Thanks for the info. Definitely want the 6 cylinder not the 4. Dont really need that much rear trunk space. Can you get 2 or 3 golf bags in the trunk? At this point Im thinking It would just like buying another B8 S4 if I got the SQ5. Thats not a bad thing ,but had 3 of them and looking to upgrade. Seeing used prices are very similar why not go with the Macan S if there are no significant drawbacks .

7-speed PDK and it's great.

If you don't paddle shift ,would you notice much of a difference between the 2 transmissions?,Im not a fan of automatics in general,but realize you cant get a SUV with a MT.At least not one you really want.

Yes, I think the shifting in the Macan is better than my S4.

[oaybar007]

For a brief period before finally buying my S4 I was seriously considering the Macan S and the SQ5. They are both very capable and drive surprisingly well for their higher stance. The Macan felt like a hot hatch, like it had absolutely no business being as nimble as it was. The SQ5 was what you would expect, Audi through and through. Elegant, quick, stable and everything where it should be. For a daily driver I felt the SQ5 was very solid and really balanced with space/performance. Both exceptional cars. In the end i had to have my low slung, menacing sedan.

[Alfonso@GIAC]

The Macan S/GTS I feel is more refined than an SQ5. You certainly are paying the extra premium for a Macan though. Unless you really care for looks and a bit more out of the exhaust, save your money and go with a Macan S over the Macan GTS. Macan GTS's do not sit long on lots when new and they certainly do not last long when it comes to CPO or used. Also as other have mentioned you get a 8spd auto in the SQ5 and you get a 7spd PDK in the Macan. I feel as if there is no comparison when it comes to a PDK transmission, it's better in every way.
I have test driven both and for the money, a SQ5 is a no brainer and you get more cargo room but the Macan S is just better with handling and performance. However depending on the year of both vehicles, they can both feel dated.

With adding software to a Macan S, you are damn near close to the power output of a Macan Turbo for a fraction of the cost. The SQ5 of course can see really great results like an S4 as well. With either option, I think you'll be happy.

[sacandagaD]

The Macan S/GTS I feel is more refined than an SQ5. You certainly are paying the extra premium for a Macan though. Unless you really care for looks and a bit more out of the exhaust, save your money and go with a Macan S over the Macan GTS. Macan GTS's do not sit long on lots when new and they certainly do not last long when it comes to CPO or used. Also as other have mentioned you get a 8spd auto in the SQ5 and you get a 7spd PDK in the Macan. I feel as if there is no comparison when it comes to a PDK transmission, it's better in every way.
I have test driven both and for the money, a SQ5 is a no brainer and you get more cargo room but the Macan S is just better with handling and performance. However depending on the year of both vehicles, they can both feel dated.

With adding software to a Macan S, you are damn near close to the power output of a Macan Turbo for a fraction of the cost. The SQ5 of course can see really great results like an S4 as well. With either option, I think you'll be happy.

Well put.

[Dr GP]

The Macan S/GTS I feel is more refined than an SQ5. You certainly are paying the extra premium for a Macan though. Unless you really care for looks and a bit more out of the exhaust, save your money and go with a Macan S over the Macan GTS. Macan GTS's do not sit long on lots when new and they certainly do not last long when it comes to CPO or used. Also as other have mentioned you get a 8spd auto in the SQ5 and you get a 7spd PDK in the Macan. I feel as if there is no comparison when it comes to a PDK transmission, it's better in every way.
I have test driven both and for the money, a SQ5 is a no brainer and you get more cargo room but the Macan S is just better with handling and performance. However depending on the year of both vehicles, they can both feel dated.

With adding software to a Macan S, you are damn near close to the power output of a Macan Turbo for a fraction of the cost. The SQ5 of course can see really great results like an S4 as well. With either option, I think you'll be happy.

The Macan S and SQ5 are in the same price range used . Mileage /options/model year seem to determine the price but not in every case. In some cases you might need to buy a year older model Macan to match cost of the SQ5,but not always.

[fastboatster]

Macan’d “pdk” is slightly revised b8 s4 dsg. The difference is that instead of Torsen or crown gear, there’s an electronically controlled transfer case. Xdrive, lol. I’d just get an sq5 because it has a zf 8 spd, don’t want any dsgs in my cars

[oaybar007]

Macan’d “pdk” is slightly revised b8 s4 dsg. The difference is that instead of Torsen or crown gear, there’s an electronically controlled transfer case. Xdrive, lol. I’d just get an sq5 because it has a zf 8 spd, don’t want any dsgs in my cars

Have you fixed your current DSG issue?

[fastboatster]

Have you fixed your current DSG issue?

It’s work in progress. Basically, after I decided to get an Indy to pull the trans for me, it made sense to have him do the trans repair for me. He was somewhat reluctant but agreed because he likes to do some challenging stuff sometimes. I lended him the special tool I bought to split the dsg cases. He already replaced the drive selector position sensor and said it wasn’t really bad at all with that special tool. now it’s time for new clutch friction plates, though the old ones seem to be fine and the only problem was the sensor.

[oaybar007]

It’s work in progress. Basically, after I decided to get an Indy to pull the trans for me, it made sense to have him do the trans repair for me. He was somewhat reluctant but agreed because he likes to do some challenging stuff sometimes. I lended him the special tool I bought to split the dsg cases. He already replaced the drive selector position sensor and said it wasn’t really bad at all with that special tool. now it’s time for new clutch friction plates, though the old ones seem to be fine and the only problem was the sensor.

Sounds like there is some light at the end of the tunnel then. Good to hear.

[fastboatster]

Sounds like there is some light at the end of the tunnel then. Good to hear.

Thanks! Hope that light is not an oncoming train. If it were not for that sensor, I could say that this trans held up pretty well.

[sacandagaD]

Macans and Cayennes built before 3/18 did have some Transfer Case issues, so if you are looking at older one, might want to have CPO or aftermarket warranty if you are going to keep it long term. Ours was an 8/18 build and so far we have had good luck for the first 15k with everything. Overall the PDK itself has been far more reliable than the Audi DSG.

[MSq5]

B9:

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...mparison-test/

B8:

https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-car...enz-gla45-amg/

Supporting data from the R&T comparison:

[DOCEVG]

Back on topic ....
I'm on my third S4 ('11 DSG (traded); '11 6MT (totalled); '15 6MT) and just bought a '20 SQ5.
I've been really impressed with the SQ5, particularly the power, which seems substantially up in HP and torque over the same engine in the S4. I know the 3.0T is uptuned from the factory (354 vs 333 hp?) but the delta seems more than that.
Additionally, the '15 S4 is APR Stage 1 plus intake plus AWE exhaust, but the SQ5 just feels quicker and definitely pulls better (esp uphill at my altitude - 7500') despite the weight penalty.
Where the SQ5 falters, of course, as compared to an S4 (f/r sways, AK brace, KW HAS) is in the handling. If I want to cruise: SQ5; if I want to drive: S4.

[XxSullyxX123]

Back on topic ....
I'm on my third S4 ('11 DSG (traded); '11 6MT (totalled); '15 6MT) and just bought a '20 SQ5.
I've been really impressed with the SQ5, particularly the power, which seems substantially up in HP and torque over the same engine in the S4. I know the 3.0T is uptuned from the factory (354 vs 333 hp?) but the delta seems more than that.
Additionally, the '15 S4 is APR Stage 1 plus intake plus AWE exhaust, but the SQ5 just feels quicker and definitely pulls better (esp uphill at my altitude - 7500') despite the weight penalty.
Where the SQ5 falters, of course, as compared to an S4 (f/r sways, AK brace, KW HAS) is in the handling. If I want to cruise: SQ5; if I want to drive: S4.

different motors in the 2015 S4 vs the new 2020 SQ5. The newer is turbocharged which takes time to spool and creates that butt dyno faster feeling on accelleration. The supercharged S4 feels fast, but not as fast as it actually is given the linear power delivery.

[PitchS4]

I went from a B8 S4 to an SQ5 and shopped the Macan S/GTS. The Macan was more point and shoot, but the limited usable cargo space just didn't make sense. The whole reason we were shopping was we needed more space, and I felt like the Macan wasn't really any bigger for storage then my S4 or the wife's Golf. SQ5 it was, and with an RSB and springs/shocks it is in stock S4 territory as car as cornering. The steering is a bit more numb then the S4 (which is already numb...) which is probably my biggest complaint, but it is amazingly quick and capable for the what it is. That said, with another new family member my wife got a Grand Cherokee so now I am in an S3 because we didn't need 2 SUVs.

SQ5 is actually up for sale if you are interested:
https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...es-Northern-VA

[MSq5]

Back on topic ....
I'm on my third S4 ('11 DSG (traded); '11 6MT (totalled); '15 6MT) and just bought a '20 SQ5.
I've been really impressed with the SQ5, particularly the power, which seems substantially up in HP and torque over the same engine in the S4. I know the 3.0T is uptuned from the factory (354 vs 333 hp?) but the delta seems more than that.
Additionally, the '15 S4 is APR Stage 1 plus intake plus AWE exhaust, but the SQ5 just feels quicker and definitely pulls better (esp uphill at my altitude - 7500') despite the weight penalty.
Where the SQ5 falters, of course, as compared to an S4 (f/r sways, AK brace, KW HAS) is in the handling. If I want to cruise: SQ5; if I want to drive: S4.

The ZF8 eight speed gearing may account for some of your sense regarding pulling at altitude. I never thought I’d love a slush box transmission, but this thing is a technological tour de force, especially when tuned.

[Dr GP]

Seems like you really cant go to far wrong with either. Macan more sporty but less room in hatch More expensive . DSG rather than Tiptronic.

[sacandagaD]

Seems like you really cant go to far wrong with either. Macan more sporty but less room in hatch More expensive . DSG rather than Tiptronic.

Agree, would say to just try to get a CPO or decent remainder of factory warranty either way.

[DS03]

Funny, I was looking at these 3 exact vehicles over the past couple of months. Chose the S4 (my wife will get the SUV) but all 3 have good things to offer and I concur with what is said by everyone here.

[RatBustard]

Funny, I was looking at these 3 exact vehicles over the past couple of months. Chose the S4 (my wife will get the SUV) but all 3 have good things to offer and I concur with what is said by everyone here.

I went between S4 and SQ5, but very happy I chose the S4. I've never owned an SUV/CUV and didn't see myself being happy in one long-term. girlfriend wants an SQ5 to replace her Outback, so she'll likely pick one up after grad school.

[Dr GP]

I went between S4 and SQ5, but very happy I chose the S4. I've never owned an SUV/CUV and didn't see myself being happy in one long-term. girlfriend wants an SQ5 to replace her Outback, so she'll likely pick one up after grad school.

Would you consider the Macan S? One of my issues is after having 3 B8/8.5 S4s(all with MTs that I really loved) The SQ5 ,with a Tip, will be not live up to my expectations. Also, the interior will be so similar that I will seem like I am driving the same car for the last 10 yrs .Maybe thats not really a bad thing!

[RatBustard]

Would you consider the Macan S? One of my issues is after having 3 B8/8.5 S4s(all with MTs that I really loved) The SQ5 ,with a Tip, will be not live up to my expectations. Also, the interior will be so similar that I will seem like I am driving the same car for the last 10 yrs .Maybe thats not really a bad thing!

we would, but based on my S4, she really likes the SQ5/Audi. we have some time to figure out what's suitable for our needs, since we have a labrador and likely kids in the future. but to be fair, anything will be better than a 2013 Outback 2.5 CVT with 113k miles.

[jungy4]

If space is not an issue, I would definitely go with the Macan S over the SQ5.

I have sat in the Macan and as soon as I got in, I knew it is more of a drivers car.