SQ vs X5

[saejin99]

So, a bit of background. I currently own an 2021 X7 M50i fully loaded...$115K MSRP...that we bought last Nov. We absolutely love the car, but no longer need all the space it provides.

I've been wanting to downsize for a few months now, but just now finally got around to it. The X5 was an obvious choice but the chip shortage as we all know is impacting options. Highlights of what I'm dealing with below:
- MSRP on the new X5 we want is around $82K
- I can't seem to find anything in current lot inventory that matches exactly what we're looking to get...basically fully loaded X5 40i...with a hitch!
- Ordering an X5 would get me one but without a touchscreen, hitch, H&K stereo, and whatever else happens to drop out from now until the build starts.
- Lots of risk there since we'll be pre-trading the X7 in as the dealer wants to get it now. If the X5 arrives without more options then I'm stuck having to either take it or wait again for something else. All my residual from the trade-in will be tied up in that dealer. I could walk away and take a check, but then I'd lose out on the tax break.


So, now looking at an SQ5 Prestige that's built and currently on it's way to the dealer. It's a totally different car/driving experience than the X5. I've owned Audi's in the past and love them, but we also love our X7, so the X5 would be an easy transition.
- MSPR on the SQ5 is $76K
- Very similar options, but the SQ5 will have a touchscreen, hitch, B&O stereo, and everything else as it's built.
- SQ5 doesn't have massage seats, multi-contour, laser lights, staggered wheels, and maybe 1 or 2 other minor options, but it's also $6K cheaper

I've driven both and really like the SQ5. I know it's a slightly smaller SUV and it works for our needs.

I've got three gameplans I'm looking at:
- Get the SQ5 now, trade in the X7...look to see how the chip shortage impacts the X5 LCI and if no impact, trade wife's X3 in for the X5 later next year

- Get the X5 now with all the missing options...biggest concern here is the resale impact after the chip shortage is resolved...what value will these gimped X5s have when new X5s will be out that aren't missing anything


- Keep the X7 until the chip shortage and supply chain sorts itself out...risk here is the X7 will drop in value once inventory and options are back...I'm getting a nice offer on the X7

[hbnoodles]

Couple quick takes:
- don’t get the X5 with the lack of options, you’ll be kicking yourself and will keep wishing for what you’re missing.
- if you get the SQ, turn around and slap some new shoes on. For $6k you can get a brand new set of wheels and tires and have the exact look you want and still have money left over if you so desire.
- It seems like you’re overall ok with the size of the SQ. I have a dog who gets the entire backseat, and when I take trips with the lady friend we’re never short on space. I’m going ski box this winter to eliminate the need to fold seats down in the winter, but unless you have kids + dog I can’t imagine you’ll be short on space.

I think if the X5 you wanted was in stock this would be a different story, but if you’re looking to size down from the X7 I’d strongly suggest the SQ5 prestige over the X5 with not all the options you want. Since you mentioned you’re getting a good deal on the X7, I’d say join the dark side and get the SQ5.

[Hostile]

Why was it important to tell us how much your X7 was?

And why are you comparing the X5 to the SQ5? They are in different classes. The X3 M40i is the correct competitor for the SQ5 by class.

A SQ7 would be the proper competitor to the X5 M50i.

[robtr8]

With that budget I'd be looking at CPO Cayenne Turbo's and F Pace SVR's.

[saejin99]

Why was it important to tell us how much your X7 was?

And why are you comparing the X5 to the SQ5? They are in different classes. The X3 M40i is the correct competitor for the SQ5 by class.

A SQ7 would be the proper competitor to the X5 M50i.

Because I was working through my thought process on this and the MSRP of what the X7 was I compared to the MSRP of the SQ5. Figured I’d put it all out there so everyone had the same info I did.

I’m not looking to buy the direct competitor to the X7. My post clearly says we no longer need all the space and are looking to go down in vehicle size. Not buying the flagship SUV from Audi or BMW means some of the luxury options are not there. But with the chip shortage and supply chain issues, the X5 is missing some other standard things as well.

And we’re not looking at the X3 as we feel the SQ5 feels a bit roomier. And the X3 is suffering the same issues with supply chain and chip shortages. The SQ5 we have on reserve is already built and enroute to dealership.

I was hoping to get feedback from others that may have done something similar. I would guess there are owners out there who own or have owned both BMW and Audi. I’ve only owned and A4 in the past and never the SQ5.

[saejin99]

With that budget I'd be looking at CPO Cayenne Turbo's and F Pace SVR's.

We looked at the Macan S as well. But in addition to dropping in vehicle size we’re looking to drop in cost. I am finding it hard to justify spending over $100K now for a vehicle. It’s kinda like now that we’ve owned one at that price, we ask ourselves why and get back to basics on what we really need.

With the SQ5 being at $76k that represents a significant savings. Still high priced, but more reasonable for what you get.

[Hostile]

We looked at the Macan S as well. But in addition to dropping in vehicle size we’re looking to drop in cost. I am finding it hard to justify spending over $100K now for a vehicle. It’s kinda like now that we’ve owned one at that price, we ask ourselves why and get back to basics on what we really need.

With the SQ5 being at $76k that represents a significant savings. Still high priced, but more reasonable for what you get.

IMHO $76k is way too much to spend on just an SQ5...

I’d be buying a decently equipped Macan S with that same money. Or a SRT Grand Cherokee.

[Hostile]

Because I was working through my thought process on this and the MSRP of what the X7 was I compared to the MSRP of the SQ5. Figured I’d put it all out there so everyone had the same info I did.

I’m not looking to buy the direct competitor to the X7. My post clearly says we no longer need all the space and are looking to go down in vehicle size. Not buying the flagship SUV from Audi or BMW means some of the luxury options are not there. But with the chip shortage and supply chain issues, the X5 is missing some other standard things as well.

And we’re not looking at the X3 as we feel the SQ5 feels a bit roomier. And the X3 is suffering the same issues with supply chain and chip shortages. The SQ5 we have on reserve is already built and enroute to dealership.

I was hoping to get feedback from others that may have done something similar. I would guess there are owners out there who own or have owned both BMW and Audi. I’ve only owned and A4 in the past and never the SQ5.

At no point did I mention anything about buying an X7 competitor…

[subaruski]

Great story

So, a bit of background. I currently own an 2021 X7 M50i fully loaded...$115K MSRP...that we bought last Nov. We absolutely love the car, but no longer need all the space it provides.

I've been wanting to downsize for a few months now, but just now finally got around to it. The X5 was an obvious choice but the chip shortage as we all know is impacting options. Highlights of what I'm dealing with below:
- MSRP on the new X5 we want is around $82K
- I can't seem to find anything in current lot inventory that matches exactly what we're looking to get...basically fully loaded X5 40i...with a hitch!
- Ordering an X5 would get me one but without a touchscreen, hitch, H&K stereo, and whatever else happens to drop out from now until the build starts.
- Lots of risk there since we'll be pre-trading the X7 in as the dealer wants to get it now. If the X5 arrives without more options then I'm stuck having to either take it or wait again for something else. All my residual from the trade-in will be tied up in that dealer. I could walk away and take a check, but then I'd lose out on the tax break.


So, now looking at an SQ5 Prestige that's built and currently on it's way to the dealer. It's a totally different car/driving experience than the X5. I've owned Audi's in the past and love them, but we also love our X7, so the X5 would be an easy transition.
- MSPR on the SQ5 is $76K
- Very similar options, but the SQ5 will have a touchscreen, hitch, B&O stereo, and everything else as it's built.
- SQ5 doesn't have massage seats, multi-contour, laser lights, staggered wheels, and maybe 1 or 2 other minor options, but it's also $6K cheaper

I've driven both and really like the SQ5. I know it's a slightly smaller SUV and it works for our needs.

I've got three gameplans I'm looking at:
- Get the SQ5 now, trade in the X7...look to see how the chip shortage impacts the X5 LCI and if no impact, trade wife's X3 in for the X5 later next year

- Get the X5 now with all the missing options...biggest concern here is the resale impact after the chip shortage is resolved...what value will these gimped X5s have when new X5s will be out that aren't missing anything


- Keep the X7 until the chip shortage and supply chain sorts itself out...risk here is the X7 will drop in value once inventory and options are back...I'm getting a nice offer on the X7

[saejin99]

Great story

Great story as in an interesting read or a nice piece of fiction?

[rcprato]

I think if you ask 10 of us what we would do in your situation you will get 10 different answers all tailored to what is important to us.
I thoroughly enjoy our SQ5 and decent room for me and the wife but if we want more room and luxurious ride we opt for the Grand Cherokee Overland we purchased earlier this year to replace 10 year old Touareg.
If you have X3 and X7 that is a big range between cars, you may find the SQ5 a little small after a few months but you can get the good trade now and the options you are looking for.
My 2 cents, enjoy the X7 and wait till you can get the X5 you want with all the options


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DiscoDan]

You'll be happy with the SQ. Hell you'd be happy with a X3 M40i (or whatever is the Mi model)... or get nuts and go with the X3M competition. The X3 and Q/SQ are closer in size and considered in the same class.

[jbain2]

I looked at SQ5’s. My only gripe is the rear seating leg room. I have 2 teenage boys and they were tight back there. It is built on an A4 platform and has the interior space as such. Audi has never prioritized rear seating in my opinion relative to competitors.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[itsfry]

Kick the can one cycle.

Lease
2 or 3 yrs

Chip shortage continues, and 1.5-2 yrs from now all dealers will want to buy your car, for your profit.

[saejin99]

Pulled the trigger on the SQ5 today. Should be here next month. Figured if it doesn't work out we'll just trade again in a year or two. Still got the wife's X3 to trade up to an X5 if we really need the space...once all the issues with chips and supply chain are resolved.

Thanks everyone for your feedback. Feels good to be back in the Audi family.

[DiscoDan]

Pulled the trigger on the SQ5 today. Should be here next month. Figured if it doesn't work out we'll just trade again in a year or two. Still got the wife's X3 to trade up to an X5 if we really need the space...once all the issues with chips and supply chain are resolved.

Thanks everyone for your feedback. Feels good to be back in the Audi family.

Congrats... what spec, color, etc?

[saejin99]

Congrats... what spec, color, etc?

Build per the dealer below:
- Prestige package
- Daytona Gray pearl effect / Magma Red
- Dynamic steering
- 21" Black optic wheel package
- Black Rings & Model Badge Kit
- Fine Nappa leather interior with S embossing
- Black optic package
- S Sport Package
- Trailer Hitch
- Privacy Trunk Cover
- Audi Guard All-Weather Floor Mats
- Black rubber mats with SQ5 logo
- S Beams - 2 door
- Hot Exhaust Retrofit with Sound Enhancement

[DiscoDan]

Build per the dealer below:
- Prestige package
- Daytona Gray pearl effect / Magma Red
- Dynamic steering
- 21" Black optic wheel package
- Black Rings & Model Badge Kit
- Fine Nappa leather interior with S embossing
- Black optic package
- S Sport Package
- Trailer Hitch
- Privacy Trunk Cover
- Audi Guard All-Weather Floor Mats
- Black rubber mats with SQ5 logo
- S Beams - 2 door
- Hot Exhaust Retrofit with Sound Enhancement

Excellent spec.