Anyone cross shop B9 SQ5 vs X3M ?

[socialpro]

Debating going to an X3M from my 2019 SQ5. Did anybody cross shop between these two? I think I came across a member on here who has both.

I have not driven the X3M - but from my initial searches - the overall consensus is that the car rides overly firm, even in comfort setting.

I have sat in one, and I like the seat support/comfort over the SQ5. It is also undeniably faster - but that's not a main concern of mine. The X3M exterior/looks is great as well.

I'm looking for this to be a great daily driver, including several long distance trips throughout the year. I put on approximately 20K miles a year, many on roads that are not in the best shape.

Any thoughts / suggestions / input would be great. Another contender for me is the Macan line. Considering 2018 GTS, Turbo or a 2020 Macan S.

[Marc R]

I have a feeling the X3M is a performance class higher than the SQ5, over here in Eu the X3M is also a fair bit higher in price.

[vdubjetta02]

The X3 M40i is actually the direct competitor to the SQ5.... Their true M models, rival Audi RS models...

The X3 M40i (is the car I would personally take if changing from the SQ5) It is faster stock, looks more aggressive and has a better exhaust sound in my personal opinion. I will have a tough time choosing what my upgrade from my B8.5 SQ5 will be....

[Norskie]

I did for about three seconds. That's how long it took to me to remember what it was like to maintain and pay for repairs on a BMW with turbo's.

[DiscoDan]

Concur that the BMW X3 looks pretty good and the M model is nuts for power. It's a good looking car and the driving feel, IMO, is very similar to the SQ with air suspension.

If you want to tip over the 100k mark the Macan would be my choice. Great PDK with chrono package in that mamba green metallic paint. This is the same engine and twin-turbo setup as the RS5.

Have you looked in the MB GLC AMG 43 or 63? The 63 is a beast.

[Silver-Bolt]

We looked at the BMW, Mercedes, Alfa, and Jag. Order the SQ. The bang for the buck in the Audi couldn't be beat. Others were faster and some handled better but none had the complete package of performance, handling, and comfort.

[notquiteanewbie]

Completely agree. I purchased my B9 SQ5 lightly used with 15k miles on it. Very happy with my decision.

Now I have the APR Stage 1 tune and the performance is a bit closer to the X3M so no complaints at all given my all in price vs performance I'm getting.

[DiscoDan]

Completely agree. I purchased my B9 SQ5 lightly used with 15k miles on it. Very happy with my decision.

Now I have the APR Stage 1 tune and the performance is a bit closer to the X3M so no complaints at all given my all in price vs performance I'm getting.

I echo the sentiment here. Though the SQ5 is not the fastest, the bang for the buck in terms of fun-factor, comfort, tech, styling made me choose the SQ5 over equivalent BMW or MB.

[joe916]

x3m guys already running high 10s in the 1/4 they are monsters once tuned with ethanol

[BG SQ5]

This isn't even a question for me- X3M all day. Total beast. Had one at the track with me late last year and he was running SQ world record times with just some early beta software on 93. It is a significant price jump though. Either X3M or GLC63 will be next for me if I ever sell the SQ. Love the look of both, but I'm mostly about performance.

[joe916]

This isn't even a question for me- X3M all day. Total beast. Had one at the track with me late last year and he was running SQ world record times with just some early beta software on 93. It is a significant price jump though. Either X3M or GLC63 will be next for me if I ever sell the SQ. Love the look of both, but I'm mostly about performance.

Same here when I sell the q5 am going stright to a used x3m the s58 and zf will definitely handle more power then the glc63 they say the 9speed is not so strong

[ZEEP]

I test drove the X3M prior to settling on my B9 SQ5. The X3M had much more power, better handling, and a beastier sound.. it was definitely fun to drive. However, IMO, it is ugly af.. no way I could personally get over that unless I blindfold myself into my car everyday.

[19birel]

I work at a BMW Audi Porsche dealership and have driven the SQ, X3M, and X3 M40i. The SQ vs M40i is close, the X3 is quicker stock for stock (for 2020 they upped it from 355hp to 382) but the SQ feels more refined. The B58 has more modding options at this point than the SQs 3.0T but it really comes down to preference between the two cars, no clear victor as it's the classic case of BMW vs Audi in terms of trade offs.

The X3 M, particularly the Competition is an animal. 503hp is no joke, it handles remarkably well, and the power train is another cut above that of both the SQ, and the M's baby sister M40i. With the X3 M, the Comp version is definitely worth getting, on paper the power difference doesn't seem like much, but you notice it on the road. The Comp package also nets you a performance exhaust as well as a few other things that really complete the package in my opinion. Handling is impressive too, much more planted feeling than the other too cars, and very dynamic in nature. I'm not a huge SUV guy, but I LOVED driving the X3M Comp.

Here is a short video I made on the X3 M, giving a little overview of the car

[itsmatt33]

i personally would have taken the glc amg 43 over the m40i but i ultimately chose the sq5 over both because of how much more refined it is. buddy just got the glc 43 amg and he is very happy.

[S4'ed]

I would pick the Macan.

[BklynSQ5]

Debating going to an X3M from my 2019 SQ5. Did anybody cross shop between these two? I think I came across a member on here who has both.

I have not driven the X3M - but from my initial searches - the overall consensus is that the car rides overly firm, even in comfort setting.

I have sat in one, and I like the seat support/comfort over the SQ5. It is also undeniably faster - but that's not a main concern of mine. The X3M exterior/looks is great as well.

I'm looking for this to be a great daily driver, including several long distance trips throughout the year. I put on approximately 20K miles a year, many on roads that are not in the best shape.

Any thoughts / suggestions / input would be great. Another contender for me is the Macan line. Considering 2018 GTS, Turbo or a 2020 Macan S.

Hi socialpro! I actually have both, a 2018 SQ5 and a 2020 X3M Competition. I can tell you this: they both are truly amazing cars. I've had the SQ5 for almost 30 months and still enjoy driving it as much as the first day I brought it home. That being said the X3M is incredible. It is lightning fast and just as comfortable as the SQ5. The touchscreen infotainment system is great also. They are both roomy, handle awesomely and sound great. Whichever you decide, you cannot go wrong! It's a win-win!

[vdubjetta02]

1.) You are a lucky bastard to have both

2.) How do you decide which one to drive though?

-Before I started a family I had a very modified 4.2 S4 and a jeep SRT8 at the same time.... it only took about 3 months before I found myself grabbing the keys to the SRT8 every single time.

[BklynSQ5]

1.) You are a lucky bastard to have both

2.) How do you decide which one to drive though?

-Before I started a family I had a very modified 4.2 S4 and a jeep SRT8 at the same time.... it only took about 3 months before I found myself grabbing the keys to the SRT8 every single time.

1. Haha thank you! I lease them both and they both have good lease payments to make it reasonable to have both. The X3M was for my wife but she likes driving the Audi more so by default the SQ5 became hers and the BMW became mine. I'm not complaining.

2. Honestly it is difficult deciding which to drive. They both are so much fun that we end up alternating. It really is a great problem to have so I'm not complaining!