Suspension - SQ5 versus 3.0T
 

How does the SQ5 suspension compares to the 3.0T? Does the adaptive suspension make a big difference on the 3.0T?

I feel that the suspension on my 2014 SQ5 is much tighter than the standard suspension in the 2013 Q5 3.0T that I test drove. The SQ5 feels "corvette tight" to me, and you really feel the road much more than the standard model's ride. This is independent of which driving mode you are in, as shock dampening is not a selectable option on my MMI (and I have the Prestige model).

I agree, it's very car like in the turns but obviously has a higher center of gravity.

It's stiff but not overly so. I don't miss the adaptive suspension I had in my S4.

But, per a good number of posts now...
 

and parts listing confirms there appears to be no difference in the suspension in the U.S. from the 3.0T (or others) to the SQ, other than the adjustment found w/ drive select. Are you sure its not just 20's or 21's vs a smaller size on the 3.0T, or the higher air pressures the SQ seems to be spec'ed with for the same size tires even w/out an underlying real difference in the suspension?

According to the Audi Sport 2014 brochure the SQ5 has a "tuned sport suspension". I don't doubt the statement from user MP4.2+6.0 that the parts are the same between SQ5 and Q5, since that's efficient German engineering. It's more likely that the SQ5 comes with the electronic suspension dampening is set for extra firm.

I do recall reports that the 2014 SQ5 would have a lowered ride height and shorter springs than stock, but I can find no proof of this in documentation online.

The brochure on the US site says "SQ5 sport calibrated suspension". Whatever that means.

On preceding two posts, if you read thru boards in last few months...
 

you will find the conclusion in recent months that the US SQ5 got stiffed on any real changes here in the U.S. It apparently happened because it has to qualify in Audi's framework as a "small truck" to play the CAFE fuel economy games all the manufacturers do, to deal with various safety regulations that diverge between the two classes (Audi doesn't typically play this game; non Euro players often do), and to deal with some overlapping areas to the prior like bumper heights. Simplifying, among other things you need a minimum ride height (around 7 inches?) to fit in the category. Sport or similar suspension ride heights and/or ones for lower Cd's thus get the ax.

Hence apparently no revisions for U.S. bound SQ5's. As a trivia matter but suggesting the same issue, the Hybrid was supposed to sit lower too for Cd but that doesn't seem to have happened either. The parts #'s check backs these conclusions up generally. A few posts at the owner's manual and door jamb tire sticker level have revealed the SQ tire pressure settings are apparently meaningfully higher, but it's a bit unanswered as to why, or whether it was a typo or mistake. But if they are inflated a lot more, it will change ride feel, albeit anyone can do that with any Q5 based model.

Meanwhile, not surprisingly Audi marketing got ahead of the spec. They often just seem to duplicate the Euro copy (and often use Euro stock photos), but in cases like this it creates misinformation. I've seen it before on Audi performance models where some things folks expected to be there don't make the translation to the actual U.S. product they finally ship.

I think what makes the difference is the lower profile tires. That's definitely going to make a difference on steering response.

I was under the impression that, yes - indeed - ride height (and spring rates) are identical to other US spec Q5's (and don't get the 'Euro' treatment here in the US), but the SQ5 has different/stiffer dampers/shocks and thus qualifies the statement "SQ5 sport calibrated suspension". I feel like this has already been confirmed on the forum already...but I could be totally wrong (it's happened before...just ask my soon to be ex-wife! lol!)

Mistake
The difference between the of factory wheels 255/45R20 and 255/40R21 is only 1mm

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