Biggest differences between b9 and b9.5?

[ballinb5]

Did some searching but could not find a definitive source. It seems like the front end is refreshed in 2021 with new headlights and maybe new infotainment.

Anything else that would be pertinent? I'm coming from a b7 A4 avant and b8.5 S4 previously and wanted something sporty with more space for the family. Don't think I need the sport diff but would like the air suspension for the ride and ease of lowering -- how can I tell the car has that feature?

Seems like the b9.5 (2021+) is about 10k more in the used market so trying to figure out if it's worth the premium. Currently looking for a clean 2018+ with <50k miles around the 30k mark. Thanks!

[B18b1ex]

Did some searching but could not find a definitive source. It seems like the front end is refreshed in 2021 with new headlights and maybe new infotainment.

Anything else that would be pertinent? I'm coming from a b7 A4 avant and b8.5 S4 previously and wanted something sporty with more space for the family. Don't think I need the sport diff but would like the air suspension for the ride and ease of lowering -- how can I tell the car has that feature?

Seems like the b9.5 (2021+) is about 10k more in the used market so trying to figure out if it's worth the premium. Currently looking for a clean 2018+ with <50k miles around the 30k mark. Thanks!

Don’t get the 18, risk of cam lifter failure is small, but why even worry, headlights and tails are updated, and the prestige is different from the premium plus, if you have red calipers in the 9.5 you have sport diff and air suspension, the infotainment is different CarPlay is a wireless and I believe screen size, the hood liner is missing in 9.5 and engine cover is all black.

Prestige gives headlight washers, variable, ambient colors inside heads up display rear door, puddle lights, and the headlights are upgraded. There might be some other things, but those are the ones that I think I think of.

Hope this helps


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[ballinb5]

Thanks for the reply.

Does the issue go away in 2019 and do any b9’s have the air suspension?

[Hoosteen]

Thanks for the reply.

Does the issue go away in 2019 and do any b9’s have the air suspension?

I have heard the 2019+ had revised rocker arms. If it has red brake calipers in the US, it likely has the Sport package, which includes air suspension and the sport differential. As far as I know, those were the only B9's to get air suspension (it wasn't a standalone option).

[JMURiz]

'19 SQ with sport package here. I personally like the non touch screen, but I'm old :) I can twist the selector and press to click w/o looking much at the screen.
I did notice the '22+ SQ seem a little more frantic. The small gearing change and tune on them is a bit more difficult to drive smoothly. It does feel fun when romping on it, but around my 25-30mph neighborhood it's not as relaxing. Other than that they are similar.

If you can get a Prestige with the better windows, it really does make a difference. I was surprised when I drove the '23 loaner while mine was in for service.

[Hostile]

I did notice the '22+ SQ seem a little more frantic. The small gearing change and tune on them is a bit more difficult to drive smoothly. It does feel fun when romping on it, but around my 25-30mph neighborhood it's not as relaxing.

I don't agree with any of that.

[nodal]

I did notice the '22+ SQ seem a little more frantic. The small gearing change and tune on them is a bit more difficult to drive smoothly. It does feel fun when romping on it, but around my 25-30mph neighborhood it's not as relaxing. Other than that they are similar.

What? Are you driving around your neighborhood in S mode all the time? I agree S mode is a bit harsh ('23 MY) at low speed as the car wants to stay in the lower gears but I turn S mode off when entering the neighborhood to respect other people. I don't want my car popping and burbling between houses. Never know if I'm going to set off some poor kids autistic triggers or wake another one from a nap and don't want my neighbors mad at me.

[Local]

Personally I really like the revised front end of the 9.5

Get the newest, lowest mileage one you can afford.

I don't love the touch screen, but you can do almost everything you need with the steering wheel controls.

your best bet is to get a 21 - early build 22.

That way you can still tune it (if you want to) and you will save some money off buying at 23 - 24.

regards,

[puckerth]

your best bet is to get a 21 - early build 22.

That way you can still tune it (if you want to) and you will save some money off buying at 23 - 24.

Can you clarify "early build 22"? Is there a certain date cutoff where tunes are more readily available? Thanks.

[Local]

I can't.

But I have a 2022 SQ5 Premium plus and I was able to tune my car and transmission.

Some people with 22's have the new transmission software that hasn't been cracked yet.

as I understand it, some people with the 23+ cant even tune their ECU yet.

[JMURiz]

What? Are you driving around your neighborhood in S mode all the time? I agree S mode is a bit harsh ('23 MY) at low speed as the car wants to stay in the lower gears but I turn S mode off when entering the neighborhood to respect other people. I don't want my car popping and burbling between houses. Never know if I'm going to set off some poor kids autistic triggers or wake another one from a nap and don't want my neighbors mad at me.

Not sure you guys understood my post. I took my ‘19 sq5 in for service and got a ‘23 sq5 loaner. In all modes the b9.5 was more on-edge than the b9. So for my mostly 25-30mph neighborhood driving, I like my b9 better…but that’s probably not the case for most. I drive my in normal mode 95% of the time.

If I’d have gone from the S6 avant to the b9.5 I’m sure I wouldn’t notice as much of a difference. That 40v 4.2 had great throttle response (in S mode it was almost-like-a-manual responsive.

[GoCougs1234]

IME when shopping (I bought right on the line - 2021 SQ5 Prestige). For me, B9.5 differences that mattered (each was a dealbreaker for me for the B9):

1.) Infotainment: Touchscreen w/wireless CarPlay
2.) Styling: Legit exhaust tips (albeit factory aftermarket)
3.) Performance: AMAX shifts and slight steeper gearing (stock, the B9 slow)

Sport Package is easy to see - red brake calipers (instead of black).

IME, the major tuners have ECU tunes for MY2021 but only 034 has a TCU stage 2 tune.

[Hostile]

Can you clarify "early build 22"? Is there a certain date cutoff where tunes are more readily available? Thanks.

You don’t want a late build ‘21 or early build ‘22, they are going to have missing features due to the microchip shortage during COVID.

[ballinb5]

Thanks for all the tips guys! Going to try to get a 2019+ or 2021 if possible with the sport package.

[puckerth]

You don’t want a late build ‘21 or early build ‘22, they are going to have missing features due to the microchip shortage during COVID.

Looks like I'll have to do some research. I'm not going to dump my car, but should figure out if I'm impacted.

[B18b1ex]

You don’t want a late build ‘21 or early build ‘22, they are going to have missing features due to the microchip shortage during COVID.

Like what? Curious now.


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[Hostile]

Like what? Curious now.


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At first it was a 2nd key.
Then it was the phone box and charging pad.
Then the electronic steering column.
Then they started pulling some of the advanced safety systems- blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic and collision detection, adaptive cruise and the integrated toll module and heated/cooled cupholders (prestige).

[SQ5-4RiNGS]

At first it was a 2nd key.
Then it was the phone box and charging pad.
Then the electronic steering column.
Then they started pulling some of the advanced safety systems- blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic and collision detection, adaptive cruise and the integrated toll module and heated/cooled cupholders (prestige).

But that’s all history now!


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[ballinb5]

At first it was a 2nd key.
Then it was the phone box and charging pad.
Then the electronic steering column.
Then they started pulling some of the advanced safety systems- blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic and collision detection, adaptive cruise and the integrated toll module and heated/cooled cupholders (prestige).

Dam that really sucks. I guess I will have to test all those features during the test drive which is annoying.

Btw, does the flat bottom steering wheel also indicate sports diff and/or air suspension?

[Hostile]

Dam that really sucks. I guess I will have to test all those features during the test drive which is annoying.

Btw, does the flat bottom steering wheel also indicate sports diff and/or air suspension?

No, all B9.5 facelift cars have the round steering wheel.

[Hoosteen]

Dam that really sucks. I guess I will have to test all those features during the test drive which is annoying.

Btw, does the flat bottom steering wheel also indicate sports diff and/or air suspension?

A B9 with a round steering wheel means it has the Cold Weather Package, which includes a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats.

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[NRigs]

If you find a 2020, it has everything. My 2020 prestige has every option except dynamic steering

[Dan99]

Did some searching but could not find a definitive source. It seems like the front end is refreshed in 2021 with new headlights and maybe new infotainment.

Anything else that would be pertinent? I'm coming from a b7 A4 avant and b8.5 S4 previously and wanted something sporty with more space for the family. Don't think I need the sport diff but would like the air suspension for the ride and ease of lowering -- how can I tell the car has that feature?

Seems like the b9.5 (2021+) is about 10k more in the used market so trying to figure out if it's worth the premium. Currently looking for a clean 2018+ with <50k miles around the 30k mark. Thanks!

if you are coming from a B8.5 S4 you won't gain that much space. The sportback has more luggage space, but the passenger space is about the same. Also, there is no air suspension on the B9/9.5, which are the 4/5 models. You have to go up to the 6/7 models to get more space and an air suspension, but I'm not sure if the air suspension is standard or an option - I suspect it's an option.

For me, the biggest difference between the B9 and B9.5 is the MMI. The B9 does not have a touch screen and uses a dial on the console that also has a touch pad on it. The B9.5 went to total touch screen. I prefer the dial over the touch screen, but it's really a matter of personal preference. Others have reported that the B9.5 transmission behaves a bit better, but I have not personal experience with this.

Personally, I would not buy a B9/9.5 without a Sport Differential. I would also stay with model years 2019 and above to get the newer rocker arms and, if you want to be certain about the rocker arms, have a shop inspect them with a borescope to make sure you have the newest version, before you finalize the purchase.

[Hoosteen]

You have to go up to the 6/7 models to get more space and an air suspension, but I'm not sure if the air suspension is standard or an option - I suspect it's an option.

AFAIK, the ONLY way to get air suspension on these is with the Sport Package, which includes the sport differential, air suspension, and red paint on the brake calipers. Air suspend and the sport differential weren't individual options.

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[Dan99]

AFAIK, the ONLY way to get air suspension on these is with the Sport Package, which includes the sport differential, air suspension, and red paint on the brake calipers. Air suspend and the sport differential weren't individual options.

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Are you talking 4/5 models or 6/7 models? The 4/5 models do not have air suspensions, regardless of options.

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[Hostile]

Are you talking 4/5 models or 6/7 models? The 4/5 models do not have air suspensions, regardless of options.

Of course the SQ5 has air suspension with the S sport package. It's been that way since 2018...

[NRigs]

Of course the SQ5 has air suspension with the S sport package. It's been that way since 2018...

S4 and S5 with the sport package have an adaptive sport suspension but it isn't air. I think that is what he is referring to

[Dan99]

Maybe OP can tell us which specific models he's looking at. He's coming from an S4, and he wants an air suspension to make it easier to lower.

[Hostile]

S4 and S5 with the sport package have an adaptive sport suspension but it isn't air. I think that is what he is referring to

We're in the Q5/SQ5 forum so, unless the OP just flat out posted in the wrong subforum, the S4 and S5 are completely irrelevant here.

He also made a blanket statement that only 6/7 vehicles can have air suspension and 4/5 cars don't get air suspension. That is wrong. The SQ5 can have air suspension, it's available on Premium Plus and Prestige trims since the B9 was introduced in 2018.

[puckerth]

At first it was a 2nd key.
Then it was the phone box and charging pad.
Then the electronic steering column.
Then they started pulling some of the advanced safety systems- blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic and collision detection, adaptive cruise and the integrated toll module and heated/cooled cupholders (prestige).

Didn't notice your link until now. Good article. I've got a premium so not much impact in the worst case anyway.

[ballinb5]

Yes, looking only into the SQ5 as the S4 is previously sold :(. Still have the A4 but the wife can't drive manual haha.

Btw, how is the adaptive cruise control on these cars and any differences between b9 and b9.5? I do like having some form of adaptive cruise or lane keep on long road trips but curious how well it functions. Does it only come with the drivers assistance package?

[Hostile]

Yes, looking only into the SQ5 as the S4 is previously sold :(. Still have the A4 but the wife can't drive manual haha.

Btw, how is the adaptive cruise control on these cars and any differences between b9 and b9.5? I do like having some form of adaptive cruise or lane keep on long road trips but curious how well it functions. Does it only come with the drivers assistance package?

For 2021+ it was added as standard on Premium Plus and Prestige. It was not available at all on Premium trim.

It works pretty well, I don't have any complaints about either on the highway. I do wish that the car also had "dumb" cruise control. It's Adaptive Cruise or nothing.

[NRigs]

Yes, looking only into the SQ5 as the S4 is previously sold :(. Still have the A4 but the wife can't drive manual haha.

Btw, how is the adaptive cruise control on these cars and any differences between b9 and b9.5? I do like having some form of adaptive cruise or lane keep on long road trips but curious how well it functions. Does it only come with the drivers assistance package?

My only complaint with the B9 2020 adaptive cruise is it has you needing to "take control" too often. If if doesn't sense any input in the steering wheel every few seconds it will turn off lane keeping. In stop and go traffic, it will result in the car slamming on its brakes and putting the emergency brake on.

[unluky]

My only complaint with the B9 2020 adaptive cruise is it has you needing to "take control" too often. If if doesn't sense any input in the steering wheel every few seconds it will turn off lane keeping. In stop and go traffic, it will result in the car slamming on its brakes and putting the emergency brake on.

100% why I turned off lane keeping within the first week of ownership and never turned it back on. Adaptive cruise - like anything has it's pro's and cons. On 2 lane highways where you don't want to (or can't) pass - it is amazing. On the interstate - it is hit or miss for me. I wish you could turn it off when you wanted to have "normal" cruise, but whatever. But the traffic jam assist is great IMO. They were doing bridge work between my houses the summer I bought it and when traffic never totally stops it works flawlessly. Super handy and kept my road rage at a much more manageable level. LOL

[Hostile]

My only complaint with the B9 2020 adaptive cruise is it has you needing to "take control" too often. If if doesn't sense any input in the steering wheel every few seconds it will turn off lane keeping.

Your car isn’t self-driving…

[ballinb5]

Put a deposit on a white 21 prestige black optics. Pretty excited but have to go pick it up out of state

[mtwallace85]

My only complaint with the B9 2020 adaptive cruise is it has you needing to "take control" too often. If if doesn't sense any input in the steering wheel every few seconds it will turn off lane keeping. In stop and go traffic, it will result in the car slamming on its brakes and putting the emergency brake on.

He was asking for differences between the B9 and B9.5, not similarities lol. It’s not a self driving car, not sure why you’d expect it to behave differently.

[greasykid]

Looks like I'll have to do some research. I'm not going to dump my car, but should figure out if I'm impacted.

I have a 2020 Q5 prem+. Great improvement over my previous 2018. Many better features & reliable. Very good mileage too.

[ballinb5]

Some pics







Thinking of getting some spacers in the back... any recs for 10-15mm on these wheels?

Anything else I should do? Planning to keep this pretty stock but wanted tint (already done), maybe an air filter for some turbo whine (is that a thing?) and eventually the sport exhaust tips if thats easy to do? Also, how hard is it to do a clear corner mod here (done it on all my cars myself by taking apart the headlights but these seem pretty expensive)?

Wanted to get some vagcom mods to disable the auto start/stop but it's not on obdeleven -- any other suggestions?

[fusion3214]

Some pics







Thinking of getting some spacers in the back... any recs for 10-15mm on these wheels?

Anything else I should do? Planning to keep this pretty stock but wanted tint (already done), maybe an air filter for some turbo whine (is that a thing?) and eventually the sport exhaust tips if thats easy to do? Also, how hard is it to do a clear corner mod here (done it on all my cars myself by taking apart the headlights but these seem pretty expensive)?

Wanted to get some vagcom mods to disable the auto start/stop but it's not on obdeleven -- any other suggestions?

congrats on the car!

an intake will add turbo noise but will not add any power unless you tune it. i threw the 034 super duper intake bundle onto my b9.5 sq5 and its quite loud even from inside the car. if you decide to go the whole 9 and throw the inlet on as well, the bottom bolt may be a challenge without a ratcheting low profile wrench. id also recommend a pick and a pry bar to get that front PCV hose off. ignition tube on youtube has a video explaining how to do this with the inlet.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YCP213C...roduct_details
https://www.034motorsport.com/superd...-audi-sq5.html

sport exhaust tips can be installed yourself with the use of a sawzall and a few hours. this guy on youtube has a good video on what and where to cut. i think these retail for about 1350 USD but can be found cheaper. some users just throw their own tips on as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aw_iZ_ynLA
https://www.audiusaparts.com/oem-par...-kit-80a071904

not too sure if the headlights can be taken apart without breaking something. i do believe you can turn the orange markers off with VCDS or OBD11.

the start/stop module off of amazon works better than the HVAC based coding. super easy to install/uninstall, save the tools it comes with for future use.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1