New 2022 SQ5 - What do I need to know

[saejin99]

She arrives in about 2 weeks. According to the dealer, she's at port getting some bolt-ons like the exhaust, s beams, and hopefully a hitch. No stickers, so she's not getting any faster.
Here's the build: DGP, Magma, Prestige, Dynamic Steering, Black Optic pkg and wheels, Sport pkg, Trailer hitch, and Sport Exhaust.
I'm coming from a BMW which we traded in already and I still currently have an X3 M40i in the garage. That'll be traded in for the Q6 e-tron when it comes out.

I've owned a few A4s in the past...2001 Sedan, 2005 Avant, and 2015 Sedan. This will be my first SUV from Audi and I'm looking forward to it. However, I always like to get on the owner boards and see what feedback others have had with their ownership. I've done plenty of searching and browsing of threads here, but I do like to get more recent feedback if everyone doesn't mind sharing their feedback again.

1. Panel Alignment - We looked at a Q5 at the dealer and it had a badly misaligned rear bumper as it aligned with the tailgate...more than a full finger gap on one end of it. Has anyone experienced/seen gaps like this and if so, was the dealer able to correct.
2. Hitches - Those with hitches, does it integrate into the rear bumper or just sit right below it. Dealer did not have anything new or used on the lot with a hitch...I'm still hoping port has one allocated to my build.
3. Nappa Leather - We got the Magma seats. How does the color hold up over time. Sucks that the bolsters are not adjustable, so wondering how the comfort level is on 10+ hour drives.
4. Prestige - With it being the Prestige package, it comes with the Matrix Design headlights. I know based on a post here that the law has or will be changed soon allowing full functionality of those lights if Audi pushes a software update. In the meantime, I just want to know if the current lights as programmed are adaptive in the sense they follow the curves in the road. So if you turn to the right, the lights illuminate the right side and so forth on the left. I've searched plenty about this, but can't seem to find an accurate answer. I get a lot of confirmations only to find out they live in Mexico, Europe, or even Canada where full functionality is turned on for them.
5. Heads-Up - How is the heads-up display. Does it just show current speed and speed limit or does it also provided turn-by-turn directions if you're using the on-board navigation. One thing BMW has done is allow Apple Maps to provide turn-by-turn directions in the heads-up display which is hella convenient. I do wish at some point that Audi would allow this and even to allow Apple Maps or Google Maps from your iPhone or Android to project into the Virtual Cockpit.
6. Audicare. How much are dealers charging for this on the SQ5. Given the competition provides this as complimentary Audi really needs to re-look at this as they also provided it as complimentary in the past.
7. Auto brake-hold - Can't believe the SQ5 has this in ROW, but deletes it for the US. Has anyone retro-fitted theirs or is it even worth the effort.
8. Sport Exhaust - does it make any difference. We didn't build this to order as it was a build the dealer already had coming in, but not sure if I would have done the exhaust given the cost Audi was charging for just extending the pipes into the bumper.
9. Wheels and Tires - Why do these manufacturers insist on selecting tire sizes that are next to impossible to find winter tires for and have pricier selections. I'm reviewing the wheel and tire thread to select a new set for the summer...will probably go with either BBS or BC Forged and the 295/35/21 size tire. In the meantime I need to source some winter tires for the factory 21" wheels. Has anyone fitted a winter tire on these wheels in a different size than 255/40.
10. Window Tint - I plan to tint all the glass in the vehicle meaning all the windows, the windshield, and the sunroof. I'm going with Llumar Stratos 30 on the front side windows, 50 on the rear windows and tailgate, 80 on the windshield and sunroof. For anyone else that has done something similar, what did you use and what was your results. I did the windshield in our X7 and it made a world of difference not only in heat rejection, but in visibility against sun glare. No impacts in night vision whatsoever and you can barely tell it was tinted.

I think that's about it for now. If there is anything anyone feels they need to address in addition to the above please post. At this time I don't plan any PPF or ceramic coating as I typically don't see any ROI on that...the one exception is maybe I'll PPF the headlights to protect against rock chips.

Thanks again and looking forward to all the feedback and of course finally getting back into an Audi.

[hbnoodles]

Very curious as to this thread, I’ll chime in on a few things.

Point 5) I’m not sure how much the HUD has changed, but I don’t drive with it during the day as any kind of polarized sunglasses make it almost impossible to see. I don’t believe it does turn by turn if you aren’t using the native Audi guidance, but I’ll double check.

Point 7) check out matte_wagon on IG. He did it on his RS6, can’t speak to any SQs though.

Point 9) I’m running 255/50/19 Michelin X-Ice snows on BBS CI-R (thanks Mops). This obviously discourages you from buying my 21s for a winter setup (lol), but I like the beefier tire. I was out in Vail over thanksgiving when we got some snow, threw the car into Allroad and was cruising down 70. The ride quality vs the 21s is definitely worth the beefier tire in the winter. If I could do it all over again I would have tried to get the factory 20s on the car and used those as a winter setup, then gotten a new aftermarket staggered summer setup.

Hope this helps, I’ll have to cruise down to the springs when you get this in! Got any upgrades planned?

[saejin99]

Very curious as to this thread, I’ll chime in on a few things.

Point 5) I’m not sure how much the HUD has changed, but I don’t drive with it during the day as any kind of polarized sunglasses make it almost impossible to see. I don’t believe it does turn by turn if you aren’t using the native Audi guidance, but I’ll double check.

Point 7) check out matte_wagon on IG. He did it on his RS6, can’t speak to any SQs though.

Point 9) I’m running 255/50/19 Michelin X-Ice snows on BBS CI-R (thanks Mops). This obviously discourages you from buying my 21s for a winter setup (lol), but I like the beefier tire. I was out in Vail over thanksgiving when we got some snow, threw the car into Allroad and was cruising down 70. The ride quality vs the 21s is definitely worth the beefier tire in the winter. If I could do it all over again I would have tried to get the factory 20s on the car and used those as a winter setup, then gotten a new aftermarket staggered summer setup.

Hope this helps, I’ll have to cruise down to the springs when you get this in! Got any upgrades planned?

Hey there, thanks for the feedback. Yeah, still undecided on the wheels, but looking hard at the aftermarket with Mops' help. He turned me on to BC Forged and I like the 295 tire size. I want to run dedicated winters here in Colorado, so may just find a set and slap them on my factory 21's, then wait until late Spring to pick up the aftermarket set. Your experience with the 19s does have me re-thinking that a bit. I was at one point looking for factory 20's as well. Opens up a lot more tire options.

As for the HUD, had the same experience with my polarized sunglasses, but liked using the HUD so much I stopped wearing polarized and opted for the Oakley Prize lenses which work pretty good. Never really used on-board nav too much as I always opted for using my cell phone for nav. With the virtual cockpit, I may end up using more often to take advantage of it.

Right now no major upgrades planned other than the wheels. If I don't get the hitch I'll probably do a full rooftop setup with bike racks...not ideal as I already own a 4-bike hitch rack. Was looking at the Cete module, but not sure if I want to go down that route. Then the APR tuning. Before I know it I'll be in the upgrade black hole being sucked into more and more mods. I went down this road on my first two A4s and a Jeep Wrangler.

I'll keep you and everyone posted on when I get it home. If you head this way at that time let me know and we'll connect somewhere in town.

[hbnoodles]

Ideal wheel setup in my mind for Colorado driving is 19/20 dedicated winters, then 21 (or even I suppose 22) summers. Mops is the man, he’ll obviously be incredibly helpful.

I’m team no hitch, just not a fan of the look and I put everything on the roof. Keeps skis out of the elements with a box, but if you have more than 2 bikes I can definitely see where the hitch is a necessity. CETE is fun, but if I’m being honest i’d probably put the cost towards performance parts if I had to do it again. Always fun messing with ride height/parking in show mode though.

Berg Performance is a bit far for you, but they’re a good Audi shop where I took mine for some work and will also utilize in the future when I get around to a few more upgrades. Looking forward to seeing in person in the near future.

[Zombie5150]

Congrats on the new sled. I've got a 2021 PP and like it a lot. Can't comment on all your concerns but I can on a few. I bought my SQ5 in the middle of March and so far it's been flawless. This is my first German car (have had LOTS of Toyotas).

1). The fit and finish is excellent both inside and out and certainly no issues with anything misaligned.
3). I've got the Nappa seats and feel they're pretty comfortable. A bit firm compared to what I'm used to but no real complaints. I would say the quality is outstanding.
6). I bought the AudiCare but haven't used it just yet. I'll probably hit one year before 10k miles. My car was built in Nov 2020 but must have sat somewhere due to the Covid stuff. I don't think it sat at the dealer. Anyways, my oil change reminder recently alerted me and I scheduled it's first service. I was told by the dealership it's one year from delivery not build date so I cancelled and will do it in March (or late February).
8). I don't have the sport exhaust but wish I did. I may change out the fake tips at some point. Getting spoiled not having to clean tips.
9). I've got the 21" wheels but fortunately live in S. Kali so the stock Pirelli's won't need to be changed out for winter. I was curious and did look at tire choices. It's certainly pretty limited for 21's.
10). I did tint the windows. Didn't do the windshield or sunroof but did do the driver and passenger sides and everything behind. Fortunately I have a buddy who owns a tint shop so I get the buddy rate. The sides got 30% and the rear limo (5%). Obviously the rear is nearly black but overall I like the look and feel. I've never owned a car (or truck) that I didn't tint. Just something I've always done right away.

Other than tint, the only other thing I did was change out the emblems. My car is Glacier White (almost got the Daytona but our Sequoia is gray so we wanted something different) with the Black Optic package. With the black trim and tint I just had to ditch the chrome emblems and go black. Pretty simple to do.

Like I said above, this is my first German car and I'm really satisfied with the purchase. Car is super fun to drive and even my dealer experience was very satisfying. We actually bought the SQ5 for my wife since our aging Sequoia has 315k miles (bought new in 2003, it won't die). If the chip shortage gig ever gets worked the car I'm now eyeing is the RS7. Black of course...

[Hostile]

10. Window Tint - I plan to tint all the glass in the vehicle meaning all the windows, the windshield, and the sunroof. I'm going with Llumar Stratos 30 on the front side windows, 50 on the rear windows and tailgate, 80 on the windshield and sunroof. For anyone else that has done something similar, what did you use and what was your results. I did the windshield in our X7 and it made a world of difference not only in heat rejection, but in visibility against sun glare. No impacts in night vision whatsoever and you can barely tell it was tinted.

The rear windows are privacy glass and virtually black from the factory. They are already 20% if not darker.

My tint shop was supposed to do 50% on the front doors (state legal) but they matched the backs and you can barely see out of the windows at night.

The sunroof is also about as dark as the back windows and has a dark privacy screen, why bother tinting it?

[saejin99]

The rear windows are privacy glass and virtually black from the factory. They are already 20% if not darker.

My tint shop was supposed to do 50% on the front doors (state legal) but they matched the backs and you can barely see out of the windows at night.

The sunroof is also about as dark as the back windows and has a dark privacy screen, why bother tinting it?

The factory privacy glass doesn't reject heat very well from what I've been told. It's more for privacy. Plus with the new tint technologies (ceramic, etc) adding it only helps. I will say tinting the windshield has the most benefit as it's the largest clear glass surface in the car. At 80% you can barely tell and it reduces sun glare at sunset to the point I sometimes don't need to wear sunglasses. Same goes for the sunroof. We find keeping the shade open during midday gets pretty warm.

[saejin99]

Congrats on the new sled. I've got a 2021 PP and like it a lot. Can't comment on all your concerns but I can on a few. I bought my SQ5 in the middle of March and so far it's been flawless. This is my first German car (have had LOTS of Toyotas).

1). The fit and finish is excellent both inside and out and certainly no issues with anything misaligned.
3). I've got the Nappa seats and feel they're pretty comfortable. A bit firm compared to what I'm used to but no real complaints. I would say the quality is outstanding.
6). I bought the AudiCare but haven't used it just yet. I'll probably hit one year before 10k miles. My car was built in Nov 2020 but must have sat somewhere due to the Covid stuff. I don't think it sat at the dealer. Anyways, my oil change reminder recently alerted me and I scheduled it's first service. I was told by the dealership it's one year from delivery not build date so I cancelled and will do it in March (or late February).
8). I don't have the sport exhaust but wish I did. I may change out the fake tips at some point. Getting spoiled not having to clean tips.
9). I've got the 21" wheels but fortunately live in S. Kali so the stock Pirelli's won't need to be changed out for winter. I was curious and did look at tire choices. It's certainly pretty limited for 21's.
10). I did tint the windows. Didn't do the windshield or sunroof but did do the driver and passenger sides and everything behind. Fortunately I have a buddy who owns a tint shop so I get the buddy rate. The sides got 30% and the rear limo (5%). Obviously the rear is nearly black but overall I like the look and feel. I've never owned a car (or truck) that I didn't tint. Just something I've always done right away.

Other than tint, the only other thing I did was change out the emblems. My car is Glacier White (almost got the Daytona but our Sequoia is gray so we wanted something different) with the Black Optic package. With the black trim and tint I just had to ditch the chrome emblems and go black. Pretty simple to do.

Like I said above, this is my first German car and I'm really satisfied with the purchase. Car is super fun to drive and even my dealer experience was very satisfying. We actually bought the SQ5 for my wife since our aging Sequoia has 315k miles (bought new in 2003, it won't die). If the chip shortage gig ever gets worked the car I'm now eyeing is the RS7. Black of course...

Thanks for the feedback. If you don't mind me asking, how much ballpark-wise was the Audicare? My build comes with the black rings and emblem pkg, so hopefully it gets installed at port. I'm hearing there's a supply issue and they may not install this.
I do like the white on black look. My last A4 was Suzuka Grey (looks white during the day, but grey at night) with the Black Optic Pkg. Such a nice combo.

[Zombie5150]

The AudiCare package cost me $1199 for the four services up to 40k. I didn't think that was too bad.

[Fast001]

She arrives in about 2 weeks. According to the dealer, she's at port getting some bolt-ons like the exhaust, s beams, and hopefully a hitch. No stickers, so she's not getting any faster.
Here's the build: DGP, Magma, Prestige, Dynamic Steering, Black Optic pkg and wheels, Sport pkg, Trailer hitch, and Sport Exhaust.
I'm coming from a BMW which we traded in already and I still currently have an X3 M40i in the garage. That'll be traded in for the Q6 e-tron when it comes out.

I've owned a few A4s in the past...2001 Sedan, 2005 Avant, and 2015 Sedan. This will be my first SUV from Audi and I'm looking forward to it. However, I always like to get on the owner boards and see what feedback others have had with their ownership. I've done plenty of searching and browsing of threads here, but I do like to get more recent feedback if everyone doesn't mind sharing their feedback again.

1. Panel Alignment - We looked at a Q5 at the dealer and it had a badly misaligned rear bumper as it aligned with the tailgate...more than a full finger gap on one end of it. Has anyone experienced/seen gaps like this and if so, was the dealer able to correct.
2. Hitches - Those with hitches, does it integrate into the rear bumper or just sit right below it. Dealer did not have anything new or used on the lot with a hitch...I'm still hoping port has one allocated to my build.
3. Nappa Leather - We got the Magma seats. How does the color hold up over time. Sucks that the bolsters are not adjustable, so wondering how the comfort level is on 10+ hour drives.
4. Prestige - With it being the Prestige package, it comes with the Matrix Design headlights. I know based on a post here that the law has or will be changed soon allowing full functionality of those lights if Audi pushes a software update. In the meantime, I just want to know if the current lights as programmed are adaptive in the sense they follow the curves in the road. So if you turn to the right, the lights illuminate the right side and so forth on the left. I've searched plenty about this, but can't seem to find an accurate answer. I get a lot of confirmations only to find out they live in Mexico, Europe, or even Canada where full functionality is turned on for them.
5. Heads-Up - How is the heads-up display. Does it just show current speed and speed limit or does it also provided turn-by-turn directions if you're using the on-board navigation. One thing BMW has done is allow Apple Maps to provide turn-by-turn directions in the heads-up display which is hella convenient. I do wish at some point that Audi would allow this and even to allow Apple Maps or Google Maps from your iPhone or Android to project into the Virtual Cockpit.
6. Audicare. How much are dealers charging for this on the SQ5. Given the competition provides this as complimentary Audi really needs to re-look at this as they also provided it as complimentary in the past.
7. Auto brake-hold - Can't believe the SQ5 has this in ROW, but deletes it for the US. Has anyone retro-fitted theirs or is it even worth the effort.
8. Sport Exhaust - does it make any difference. We didn't build this to order as it was a build the dealer already had coming in, but not sure if I would have done the exhaust given the cost Audi was charging for just extending the pipes into the bumper.
9. Wheels and Tires - Why do these manufacturers insist on selecting tire sizes that are next to impossible to find winter tires for and have pricier selections. I'm reviewing the wheel and tire thread to select a new set for the summer...will probably go with either BBS or BC Forged and the 295/35/21 size tire. In the meantime I need to source some winter tires for the factory 21" wheels. Has anyone fitted a winter tire on these wheels in a different size than 255/40.
10. Window Tint - I plan to tint all the glass in the vehicle meaning all the windows, the windshield, and the sunroof. I'm going with Llumar Stratos 30 on the front side windows, 50 on the rear windows and tailgate, 80 on the windshield and sunroof. For anyone else that has done something similar, what did you use and what was your results. I did the windshield in our X7 and it made a world of difference not only in heat rejection, but in visibility against sun glare. No impacts in night vision whatsoever and you can barely tell it was tinted.

I think that's about it for now. If there is anything anyone feels they need to address in addition to the above please post. At this time I don't plan any PPF or ceramic coating as I typically don't see any ROI on that...the one exception is maybe I'll PPF the headlights to protect against rock chips.

Thanks again and looking forward to all the feedback and of course finally getting back into an Audi.

Congrats on the incoming! I’ve got a 2021 (in Canada), so can address some of these for you.
1) Panel alignment is spot on- even gaps and nothing out of the ordinary. General build quality is excellent, although interior material quality has come down over the years (coming from a 2014 A6 TDI).

3) Got Magma as well. Using Autoglym Leather cleaner once a week and the seats look like new- jeans stains come straight off. Haven’t taken it anywhere too far yet, but no complaints after a 5 hour drive (Toronto-Montreal). I’m 6’2 170lbs and seats work really great for me.

4) No Matrix functionality enabled in Canada, but headlights are super bright. Auto hi-beams turn on only outside the city for me.

6) I passed on Audicare, as the major service comes at 60k km and I’m not planning on keeping the car that long.

8) Sport Exhaust was a must for me- couldn’t stand the look of those fake tips, plus it sounds a bit better.

9) Put Pirelli snows on stock 21” wheels for this winter, but might revisit this idea for next season if I don’t get a dedicated summer set-up (not sure if the stock rims will hold up through Toronto winters)

10) Mine came with tinted rear door glass and back window. Matched the fronts with 35% ceramic.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine Forum

[Cherk947]

Picked up my 2022 about two weeks ago. I upgraded from a 2020 Premium Plus to a 2022 Prestige :

1. Panel Alignment - No issues that I have seen.
2. Hitches - Heard they have them again for port install. There is a slot that is open on all bumpers for the factory hitch. Get it Port installed if you can.
3. Nappa Leather - upgraded to this in my 2022 but in black with the white stitching. So far they are great. Firm but not any different than the non-kappa
4. Prestige - ODB11 is working on allowing this from what I have heard. The 9.5 is a lot brighter than the B9 lights I had before.
5. Heads-Up - Works as others have said. Does show Audi navigation directions. Like the speed limit signs showing up. Get a good pair of non-polorized glasses
6. Audicare. Worked mine in my deal when I purchased the car. Had it on my 2020 and it was nice. Had to pay for alignment/balance on my 10K but it was discounted
7. Auto brake-hold - If it is like the MB then it would be nice. Having to press a button each time sucks. MB you just hold down the brake and it will go into hold.
8. Sport Exhaust - Huge difference. You can actually hear the exhaust and it looks fantastic. You can probably get a good exhaust shop to do it.
9. Wheels and Tires - Live in Atlanta. Summer tires all year for me.
10. Window Tint - Got my front windows tinted 20%. Front is super illegal in Georgia.

[383vett]

I just ordered an oil change kit for my 2021 SQ5 from ECS tuning. 8 quarts of the proper Audi oil and the correct factory filter. Going on my second oil change after 6000 miles. Easy and cheap and more frequent than Audi's recommended 1 year intervals. I plan on keeping the car.

[saejin99]

Dealer update today said it would be here this week! Great news as it was projected with an ETA for end of month.

Thanks again for all the feedback.

[DRkNESS]

Congratulations


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[B6_Dolphin]

2. Hitches - Those with hitches, does it integrate into the rear bumper or just sit right below it. Dealer did not have anything new or used on the lot with a hitch...I'm still hoping port has one allocated to my build..

Integrates into the bumper on my Sportback. I would assume the SQ5 would be similar, where the bottom 1/3 of the center of the rear valance has a knock-out panel, and that panel is removed to allow real estate for the receiver.



I would also recommend you have it Port-installed. The $950 for the hitch, the MMI coding, and the installation labor (4-5 hrs.), which requires removal of the rear bumper cover, is a good deal. Since I have a Sportback, it doesn't have a roof rack, so the hitch was mandatory, and will be primarily used with a Thule bike rack (for now).

[saejin99]

Integrates into the bumper on my Sportback. I would assume the SQ5 would be similar, where the bottom 1/3 of the center of the rear valance has a knock-out panel, and that panel is removed to allow real estate for the receiver.


I would also recommend you have it Port-installed. The $950 for the hitch, the MMI coding, and the installation labor (4-5 hrs.), which requires removal of the rear bumper cover, is a good deal. Since I have a Sportback, it doesn't have a roof rack, so the hitch was mandatory, and will be primarily used with a Thule bike rack (for now).

Yep, it was port installed. They did a great job overall on everything...the exhaust is a little uneven, but should be an easy fix.
I didn't realize how low the SQ5 would be and the hitch is low as well. I've got a 4-bike Kuat rack with a swing out pivot arm, so it's pretty long. I can see that on certain inclines and angles it could hit the ground on the tail-end...just going to have to be careful out there now.

Have you towed anything yet? Does the air suspension auto-level? I haven't gone through the whole manual yet.

Rear cargo room is on the smaller size as well, so may pick up a cargo box to run all year long.

[B6_Dolphin]

Have you towed anything yet? Does the air suspension auto-level? I haven't gone through the whole manual yet.

No towing yet. With the factory trailer hitch, and all doors closed, when you connect the trailer connector to the socket, the trailer mode setting is automatically set to "On". If you will be encountering rough roads when pulling the trailer, the manual suggests switching the Drive Select to "Allroad" mode. Otherwise, it recommends "Comfort" mode, which will not allow the vehicle ride height with the trailer attached to go lower than the "Comfort" ride height. The air suspension will auto-level to maintain the ride height in these modes.

With a bike rack that is wired with lights and connected to the hitch, the trailer mode should be manually turned off in the MMI.