Thoughts on SQ5 -> SQ8/RSQ8

[amw896]

Hey All!!

Currently in a '21 sq5 which has been awesome but am struggling with 2 things, we could use a bit more space, while staying with a 5 seater, and I need way more power. I'm on the fence with keeping the current car and just tuning it out to a good level of power. This is definitely the prudent choice since it's almost paid off but I'm dying to get back into a v8 (dat sound tho!) and to me, the q8 platform is one of the nicest coupe suv's on the market.


Wanted to get an idea on people's experience so far with the new sq8 / rsq8 platform? I went over to the c8 rs6 / rs7 forums and it looks like there has been a lot of issues with that platform, mostly electrical, but also suspension and rattles and some other misc issues.

Isn't the q8 on the same mlb platform? I would think a lot of those issues are crossing over here as well but I'm not seeing many posts about it.

Aside from a weird, occasional buzzing noise from my mmi screen, the sq5 has been flawless so I wouldn't really be keen on moving into something that's a lot more $$ that hasAttachment 294114 many known issues.

Here's a pic of my green goblin - love this color!!!
Thoughts??

[itsmatt33]

grab a piggyback jb4 or abt. and reevaluate how you feel. if you still want more power go for a full tune. This car is night and day difference with a tune.

[amw896]

are you on 034 tune? I'm thinking going stage 1 for the power bump.

my old m235i was a completely different car when i went stage 2 but I'm not sure i want to go back to catless downpipe.

If they made a rsq5 - i feel like that would be perfect, 500ish hp would be sweet on this car along with some exhaust note tuning.

[DOCEVG]

Following this thread. Toying with trading my SQ5 for an SQ8, but wonder whether there actually is less functional space in the back of the Q8 platform given the slope on the rear hatch.

[GoCougs1234]

No RSQ8 ownership experience, but my thoughts, since you mentioned tuning as a hedge:

The stock B9.5 SQ5 isn't quite quick enough for its price point but I thought the Q8 platform way too big (esp. width) and it's even less space efficient than the Q5 (space wasn't a factor for me, but the cargo space inefficiency is obvious). The RS6 would have been on the table had it not been the hottest car going at the time (2 years ago). Anyway...

I went with a 2021 SQ5 Prestige w/Sport Package and when they got around to the B9.5, an APR stage 1 tune w/APR intercooler. 0-60 in 4.0 and 1/4 mile in 12.5 @ 109 (that with some spinning on snow tires, so I expect 3.9 and 12.4 @ 110 with UHP A/S tires). Not RSQ8 quick, but finally quick enough for its price point.

[midam96]

I have a 20 SQ5 and recently “ new to me “ 2022 RSQ8. I liked the sq5 quite bit size wise the air suspension overall it was an excellent vehicle but a bit “ sterile “ I did have the APR stage 1, and larger intercooler
those made the Vehicle run much quicker and kind of made you smile.
Then you turn to RSQ8 I have it a bit altered with larger intercoolers and a high flow Redstar exhaust system. Everything is actually stock otherwise. I tried a pedal commander but imo it wasn’t a positive.
But now when I light the RSQ8 off just hearing the motor puts a large smile on my face. They are obviously different cars.. I do agree that a 500+ hp rsq5 would b excellent:
No matter how I slice the RSQ8 is is absolutely humorously quick but in the mountains you’re gonna be Wylie Coyote…no shot at Roadrunner. But I do like the v8 actually I love the sound of it. I know the 2013-15 rs5 didn’t have this or that but with a proper exhaust hearing it run through the gears fit my ear just perfectly. I realize everyone’s mileage may vary.
So the sq5 on APR with intercooler makes it very drivable but still “ sterile” I tried an exhaust and it’s still a 6 cylinder making noise that imo didn’t enhance my driving Exp. In the Sq5 it went very quick and the b & o stereo is quite good.
RSQ8 just makes Mongo smile sometimes nthis crazy world making Mongo smile is all that matters needs no justification. 😄