2021 SQ5 vs S5

[boostin20v]

For those who've driven both an SQ5 and S5 I'm struggling to decide which direction to go...anyone with experience driving both for an extended period? Seems like you can option them basically the same. Coming from a B7 Avant 6spd on coils, somewhat interested in the SQ5 so I don't drop the car too much but don't want to miss out on handling and driving twisties.

Thinking of a '21 SQ5 or S5 Sportback (or maybe a '19 RS5 Sportback).

[Zombie5150]

I previously had a ‘21 SQ5. Kept it a year before selling and ordering the RS5. Both great cars, really love both. The SQ5 was fun and comfortable to drive. Pretty fast and loved the air suspension. RS5 is lower, faster and more engaging to drive. SQ5 has framed door windows, RS5 frameless. Interiors on both are nearly identical. Rear storage probably pretty close to the same. Kinda just depends in whether you want to drive a SUV or Sportback sedan.

[boostin20v]

more engaging to drive

Likely what will keep me out of an SQ5. How would you compare the rear seating and cargo area functionality between your vehicles?

[njspeedfreak]

I drove a 2018 S5 Sportback for 6 years before moving into a 2021 SQ5. Obviously they are different vehicles despite the similarities, and there are elements about each that outshine the other just due to the difference in the vehicle type. But just off the top of my head, here are my observations...

S5 was a more sporty and aggressive ride - that's down to weight and ride height - but the SQ5 with the air suspension in sport mode certainly holds it own. I was surprised how little I had to give up when moving to the larger vehicle.

Engine power feels very similar despite the weight advantage the S5 has.

S5 had a more usable center console area compared to the SQ5.

SQ5 is MUCH easier to get in and out of and is generally just a bit more comfortable for longer drives. A lot more headroom and noticeably more space for rear seat passengers.

The Sportback cargo area was very usable and held a lot of stuff. The SQ5 is more convenient due to it's higher load floor. No need to bend over to load/unload the golf bag or groceries.

I really enjoyed the time I had with the S5, and I still think it's one of the best looking yet affordable GT cars on the road today. But for me the SQ5 is just an easier vehicle to live with on a day to day basis and while it's a step down in performance drivability, that step is small enough that I could not see going back.

[Zombie5150]

I drove a 2018 S5 Sportback for 6 years before moving into a 2021 SQ5. Obviously they are different vehicles despite the similarities, and there are elements about each that outshine the other just due to the difference in the vehicle type. But just off the top of my head, here are my observations...

S5 was a more sporty and aggressive ride - that's down to weight and ride height - but the SQ5 with the air suspension in sport mode certainly holds it own. I was surprised how little I had to give up when moving to the larger vehicle.

Engine power feels very similar despite the weight advantage the S5 has.

S5 had a more usable center console area compared to the SQ5.

SQ5 is MUCH easier to get in and out of and is generally just a bit more comfortable for longer drives. A lot more headroom and noticeably more space for rear seat passengers.

The Sportback cargo area was very usable and held a lot of stuff. The SQ5 is more convenient due to it's higher load floor. No need to bend over to load/unload the golf bag or groceries.

I really enjoyed the time I had with the S5, and I still think it's one of the best looking yet affordable GT cars on the road today. But for me the SQ5 is just an easier vehicle to live with on a day to day basis and while it's a step down in performance drivability, that step is small enough that I could not see going back.

That’s a pretty good comparison, stated much better than I so there’s really not a lot I could add. Both are great vehicles and fun to drive.

[boostin20v]

Thank you both for the input, quite helpful.

[GoCougs1234]

The SQ5 definitely blunts the driving experience - less precise steering/brake feel/handling as one would expect with an additional ~500 pounds vs. the S5. Is it a huge difference? IMO, no, but it is noticeable. SQ5 air suspension (mandatory IMO as is the Sport Diff, both which come in the same package) makes up for it a bit with its improvement in NVH. I was vacillating between the SQ5 and RS5. I wanted ground clearance (snow and dirt road driving) and extra cargo capacity, however slight, plus I am also not a fan of the sportback look in general. Either way, I ended up with a 2021 SQ5 and eventually went APR stage 3 and now have quite a potent vehicle. Works for me and don't regret it.

[A4Maine-iac]

And surprisingly the SQ5 is shorter only by about 4". #'s say it all though. 0-60 SQ5 4.7s, S5 4.3s, Too minimal in my opinion to not go with the SQ5 for an all around vehicle. Also depends on your location, roads and all. Now if you are talking RS5 0-60 3.3 nice!!! But with the 034 stage 2 and high flow cat with my SQ5 is plenty for me. For now :)

[TheContrarian]

It seems to really come down to how much utility you require. Hauling loads, long road trips, towing are the domain of the SQ5. If you don't need any of those capabilities, buy a S5.

[njspeedfreak]

It seems to really come down to how much utility you require. Hauling loads, long road trips, towing are the domain of the SQ5. If you don't need any of those capabilities, buy a S5.

You have to include comfort as well. I always found the S5 hard to get in and out of, noticeably so, even compared to an S4. It's effortless in the SQ5. If your someone who has to deal with getting in and out of the car frequently, that could be something worth considering.

Additionally, I find the higher seating position to be a little more comfortable on your average commuter type drives. The lower position of the S5 felt sportier and was great for spirited drives but it could also be a little taxing on road trips or when just sitting on the highway stuck in traffic.

It all comes down to what you are trying to get out of a vehicle - S5 is the car you wan to "drive" with, the SQ5 is the car you want to "live" with.

[Local]

The comfort factor and hauling is what did it for me.

I have driven sports cars my whole life.

My SQ5 is pretty modified - but as she is now she rides the perfect line between comfortable family / dog hauler and awesome sports car.

I wouldn't trade my SQ5 for an S5. Now an RS5 is an interesting question .. but if you have a family / wife / friends / dog - the SQ5 is a no brainier.

[boostin20v]

This evening I got to finally drive an SQ5 (solo test drive in the dealer's vicinity) and then the S5 sb right after just around the dealers (large) loop road. Both in M and in Dynamic drive mode (both had sports package). I was shocked at how laggy the SQ5's shifting was, it could move...but shifts via the paddles really removed any sportiness. Others feel that way? Could a TCU tune make it closer to the S5 (assume both tuned)?

[GoCougs1234]

You have to make sure the transmission is in "S" as shown on the dash (by pulling back on the shifter to toggle from "D"). I'm guessing you were in "D." All around drivetrain response in "D" is somewheres between criminal and lethal, and yes, you can be in Dynamic and in "D" (which is total nonsense IMO).

[boostin20v]

Dash I recall saying M...was that just D but with more work (pulling the paddles)? Thats how I'd driven both, back to D then to the right.

[Hostile]

This evening I got to finally drive an SQ5 (solo test drive in the dealer's vicinity) and then the S5 sb right after just around the dealers (large) loop road. Both in M and in Dynamic drive mode (both had sports package). I was shocked at how laggy the SQ5's shifting was, it could move...but shifts via the paddles really removed any sportiness. Others feel that way? Could a TCU tune make it closer to the S5 (assume both tuned)?

If the shifting was laggy you don’t have the transmission in S mode.

[Hostile]

Dash I recall saying M...was that just D but with more work (pulling the paddles)? Thats how I'd driven both, back to D then to the right.

Yea, you needed to put it in S mode.

The shifts in D are super laggy, bordering on dangerous imo.

Using the paddles in D just put it in manual shift-mode with the D transmission behavior.

Pulling the shifter back towards you switches it between D and S. Go drive it in S.

In either mode pushing the shifter to right engages manual mode and the transmission will stay in manual mode until you move the shifter back to the left. Or, the car will move the shifter back to the right on its own if you put the car into Park.

You can also just use the paddles in D or S to shift manually. When you stop shifting for a while (or hold on the + paddle for a few seconds) it will return to automatic D or S.

[boostin20v]

Hmm. That's annoying, guess I need to go back.

[Hostile]

Hmm. That's annoying, guess I need to go back.

I mean, that’s how literally every VW/Audi automatic transmission has worked for the last 20 years.

[boostin20v]

I mean, that’s how literally every VW/Audi automatic transmission has worked for the last 20 years.

Thats well and good, I just have no experience with auto vehicles.

[GoCougs1234]

Hmm. That's annoying, guess I need to go back.

Totally agree, and just in general drive modes are probably the worst modern feature extent. Should be banned IMO. Want a vehicle that drives differently? Buy a different vehicle.

[boostin20v]

I went back and test drove the SQ5 again, okay I 100% totally missed the S mode stuff and it is really makes for a wildly different experience. So now after thinking I'd written off the SQ5, its back as a primary car to look at.

Anyone want to drop their thoughts on Premium Plus vs Prestige trims? I love the adaptive headlights on my B7 and I guess the Prestige trim's laser headlights are similar, are those lights worth it for the rest of the package?

[Hostile]

I went back and test drove the SQ5 again, okay I 100% totally missed the S mode stuff and it is really makes for a wildly different experience. So now after thinking I'd written off the SQ5, its back as a primary car to look at.

Anyone want to drop their thoughts on Premium Plus vs Prestige trims? I love the adaptive headlights on my B7 and I guess the Prestige trim's laser headlights are similar, are those lights worth it for the rest of the package?

I mean, everyone that pays for the Prestige trim is going to claim it’s a must.

The only thing I wanted from it when I ordered my car was the interior lighting so I passed on it and went with Premium Plus. P+ had all of the safety tech and came very well equipped.

After getting my car I would have like to have had the thicker, acoustic front windows. They supposedly cut down on the wind noise on the highway.

Also, frankly I think the SQ5 is also a poor value when it’s that expensive. $71k is too much for only 350hp in a “performance” SUV. If I were buying on the used market I would probably try to get a Prestige trim.

[boostin20v]

Being able to afford new, but not able to stomach the cost has me eyeing 2021s for the updated facelift look. Of the Prestige trim the cup holder heater/cooler, thicker windows and heads up display feel like the least desirable items. The headlights and interior lighting seem the most interesting.

[GoCougs1234]

I went back and test drove the SQ5 again, okay I 100% totally missed the S mode stuff and it is really makes for a wildly different experience. So now after thinking I'd written off the SQ5, its back as a primary car to look at.

Anyone want to drop their thoughts on Premium Plus vs Prestige trims? I love the adaptive headlights on my B7 and I guess the Prestige trim's laser headlights are similar, are those lights worth it for the rest of the package?

Totally go Prestige (and S Sport Package). IMO, both are mandatory, esp. the air suspension (and getting ride height down low). Yes, it costs (A LOT new) but the advantages IME add up, esp. for me, as I drive a lot (~25,000 miles/year).

[SQ5-4RiNGS]

I went back and test drove the SQ5 again, okay I 100% totally missed the S mode stuff and it is really makes for a wildly different experience. So now after thinking I'd written off the SQ5, its back as a primary car to look at.

Anyone want to drop their thoughts on Premium Plus vs Prestige trims? I love the adaptive headlights on my B7 and I guess the Prestige trim's laser headlights are similar, are those lights worth it for the rest of the package?

On my ‘24, I chose prestige (not a must, but prefer top level trim when buying cars) for all the cool quirks and features it provides… i sprung for the s sport pkg with red brakes, rear diff and air suspension. Acoustic front glass, heads up display, heated/cooled cup holder sorta does the job), and the wireless charging pad, matrix LED headlights, OLED tail lights, interior LED lighting are cool to have. Hard to say no to things when ordering it fresh from factory. Only option mine didn’t get was the hitch. But soon enough! Also am thinking for resale later on as well many many years down the road.

[SQ5-4RiNGS]

And surprisingly the SQ5 is shorter only by about 4". #'s say it all though. 0-60 SQ5 4.7s, S5 4.3s, Too minimal in my opinion to not go with the SQ5 for an all around vehicle. Also depends on your location, roads and all. Now if you are talking RS5 0-60 3.3 nice!!! But with the 034 stage 2 and high flow cat with my SQ5 is plenty for me. For now :)

What do you think 0-60 is with your setup?

[SQ5-4RiNGS]

You have to make sure the transmission is in "S" as shown on the dash (by pulling back on the shifter to toggle from "D"). I'm guessing you were in "D." All around drivetrain response in "D" is somewheres between criminal and lethal, and yes, you can be in Dynamic and in "D" (which is total nonsense IMO).

My 24 sq5 puts it in S automatically when you toggle to dynamic mode

[boostin20v]

On my ‘24, I chose prestige (not a must, but prefer top level trim when buying cars) for all the cool quirks and features it provides… i sprung for the s sport pkg with red brakes, rear diff and air suspension. Acoustic front glass, heads up display, heated/cooled cup holder sorta does the job), and the wireless charging pad, matrix LED headlights, OLED tail lights, interior LED lighting are cool to have. Hard to say no to things when ordering it fresh from factory. Only option mine didn’t get was the hitch. But soon enough! Also am thinking for resale later on as well many many years down the road.

The dealer I was talking to seemed to suggest Prestige trim doesn't hold value on the used market, wonder if that's regional.

[SQ5-4RiNGS]

The dealer I was talking to seemed to suggest Prestige trim doesn't hold value on the used market, wonder if that's regional.

99% of getting it was for my liking though. By the time I’ll sell, many years from now it may not be worth much lol

[boostin20v]

99% of getting it was for my liking though. By the time I’ll sell, many years from now it may not be worth much lol

Is it worth it to hold out for a Prestige? A lot more '21s out there that check boxes for me from my searching right now. The only feature I'd really be after would be the matrix lights, everything points to them being superior at night...but are they and to what degree?

[Hostile]

For used cars, mileage and condition have way more bearing on price than the trim package. This goes for all mass market cars.

[SQ5-4RiNGS]

Is it worth it to hold out for a Prestige? A lot more '21s out there that check boxes for me from my searching right now. The only feature I'd really be after would be the matrix lights, everything points to them being superior at night...but are they and to what degree?

I would find the package that meets your needs or wants to be happy with your purchase. For me I wanted a sq7 prestige but can’t pony over $117k for a car. So sq5 prestige ticked all the boxes and made me smile!