Alright, having posted a few times already, I always like to post a first impression review for everyone just in case others are here that are on the fence and can't decide like I was for a while.
I've only driven her for about 30 miles after I left he dealership earlier today, but we've also done plenty of test drives to include one where the SA let me pretty much drive it like I stole it.
We currently own a 2018 X3 M40i, but it doesn't have options like air suspension which our SQ5 has. So that obviously goes in favor of the SQ5 for ride quality.
So, here we go:
1. It drives and feels like a sedan/sports car which is a good thing. The X3 feels like an SUV, but in the SQ5 you feel lower to the road and the vehicle feels much more planted. You have more feeling of control. - SQ5 wins
2. Power delivery is very smooth in all modes. In the X3, when you put it in Sport or Sport Plus power delivery is very aggressive to the point you get tossed around a bit in the upshifts and downshifts. I know some drivers may like this, but I prefer the SQ5s method. - SQ5 wins
3. Brakes are smooth, but come to an abrupt audible stop at the end. Not sure if this is because I haven't broken or bedded them in yet. As for the X3, the brakes have a sharp initial bit and are easy to modulate. - X3 wins
4. Steering is light at slow parking lot speeds and firms up when things get faster. I have the Dynamic Steering pkg too. In the X3 and most BMWs, the steering is heavily weighted at all speeds. I initially liked it this way until I got behind the SQ5. - SQ5 wins
5. The air suspension is on point in this thing. Now I haven't driven an X3 with air or adaptive suspension, but our current X3 you can feel every bump in the road. - SQ5 wins
6. Interior feels more roomy in the SQ5 than the X3. Feels like you're in a larger vehicle than the outside looks would lead you to believe. However, the cargo area is much smaller. - It's a tie here
7. Seat comfort is pretty much even between the two, but the X3 has adjustable bolsters. The leather quality is better in the SQ5 with the Nappa option. - SQ5 wins
8. Visibility at night is so much better in the SQ5 with the Matrix Design headlights. The auto-high beams work much faster as well. However, the X3 has adaptive headlights that turn in the direction you're turning. - SQ5 wins here for visibility
9. Interior ambiance, fit, and finish. Now, this is very subjective, but I will say the SQ5 looks much better and more luxurious especially at night. Now our X3 also has ambient lighting and more of it, but the SQ5 strikes a nice balance with the Prestige pkg lighting. Good color choices and not overwhelming. The dials and lighting are clear and easy to see. The X3 uses a lot of orange lighting for their interiors and it's not as pleasing to look at. Before buying any car in the future I recommend everyone take a test drive at night to really see the interior lighting and how your eyes adjust to it. - SQ5 wins
10. Technology interface goes to the SQ5...for now. The touchscreen and steering wheel controls are easy to use and intuitive. The only exception I have is the redundant volume and track control by the shifter...not sure why that is needed as it's on the steering wheel already. The buttons and dials have great feedback with audible and tactile clicks/feedback. The X3 between it's touchscreen and dial system is easy to use as well, but quality seems sub-par when it comes to the pushing the buttons and turning dials. Add on the orange lighting and it doesn't help things.
In the end there are drivers who swear by each brand. Iv'e driven and own both, so just wanted to provide some feedback here in case anyone else is undecided. I'm Audi all the way now having jumped ship to a Volvo back in 2017 and BMW in 2018. Haven't been in an Audi since my 2015 A4 we sold for the Volvo. It's good to be back behind the 4 rings again. I suspect the X3 will get traded in for another Audi in a few years as well...looking hard at the Q6 e-tron.
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Originally Posted by saejin99
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