scrmorling

Per an earlier post from Spijun, I recall that the CTXA and CTVD engine codes were for the US SQ5 motor. The CGOB code is the EU biturbo. Steve

spijun

+1

spijun

Both, engine code:
3.0TFSI = CTUD and CTXA

3.0TDI = CGQB

larryV

Nice review. Thanks.

And not only does the SQ5 3.0TFSI churn under 2k rpm at 60mph in 8th gear, it's still under 2k rpm at 80mph in 8th gear as well! (just a hair under)

JaXeN

If you look in pipes 2 & 3, you can see them.
Open when in "comfort" and closed when in "dynamic" to produce a more throaty, burbly sound. (for lack of better words)

gtwagon941

Are you sure that isn't backwards? I'd think that the valves would be closed in comfort and open in dynamic. On my RS4 the valves are closed (quiet) until you engage S mode and then the exhaust is louder (unless you mod it to always be open because it sounds so nice!)

marnes

Having recently test driven both cars myself, I prefer the SQ5. For me, I just need something a little bigger (skiing, luggage, family). And there is always the advantage of a better vantage point. So at the simplest, I want an SUV over a sedan.

Things I like about the SQ5:

• Panoramic Sunroof is amazing! Feels like an SUV convertible.
• More comfortable seats (because I just sit in them, versus falling into them). I don't know if they are the same seats or not.
• More headroom and interior sitting space, including adults sitting in back seats.
• Luggage capacity. While smaller than other SUVs, the layout is perfectly box like -- doesn't have the wheel-well nook and crannies, and the seats fold down perfectly flat and they lock.
• Smoother shifting. I've seen arguments between DSG and Z8, but the Z8 makes the SQ5 feel amazing as a "jeckyll and hyde" car, more so than the S4. Drives perfectly fine in calm slow conditions, nothing jerky at all. But when you punch it, it really goes. I'm wary of DSG due to expensive maintenance and breakdown stories.
• Resale is crazy on the SQ5. I can buy a new one for $66k CDN or a two year old used one with same options for $56k. They are also nearly impossible to find for sale in Vancouver and when they pop up, they usually sell before you can test drive them. They are crazy rare. S4's are definitely more common (Vancouver BC area). It doesn't really matter though because I plan on driving mine for 8+ years.
• The extra HP negates the heavier weight, but for whatever reason, the SQ5 feels faster in a straight line even though it is basically the same as the S4.

Things I like about the S4:

• Noticeably better handling around corners, especially with Sport Diff.

The SQ5 is unnaturally nimble given it's a SUV with a higher center of gravity, but cornering performance doesn't feel nearly as confidence inspiring as the S4. Without the sports-diff, it's already a huge difference. The SQ5 has noticeable understeer relative to the S4, as well as some side-tipping. The SQ5+ in Europe does come with a sports-diff now, so the hope is that the new release of the SQ5 will have this as an option in North America.

You can't go wrong with either car, family size may dictate which one you get. But even without a family, I prefer the SQ5 anyways -- more roomy and higher. And one more thing, people don't expect SUV's to accelerate like this

I reserved my all-new 2018 SQ5 -- which I won't even get for at least 2 years.

tbennett017

My SQ5 is at the dealer today for a few issues, and I am driving the S4 as a loaner.

Butt dyno says the S4 feels more nimble, quicker, but that's not a surprise due to a number of factors. The SQ5 to me feels heavier. Basically repeating a lot of what is said here... though I do appreciate the huge sunroof etc. That, and the Jekyll/Hyde thing with the accelerator. That is vastly entertaining.

The only real gripe I have about the SQ5 is the barn door mirrors. I feel they create huge blind spots in traffic (and maneuvering around curbs and random objects in parking garages etc...). I appreciate the tiny S4 mirrors.

kreativecid

I demo'd a 2012 or 13 S4 and currently own a SQ5. Tbennett and Marnes wrote pretty much 100% what my opinions are. Single, no family, wanted higher up SUV, couldn't live without the sport seats (but wished they were lighter colored and vented instead of alcantar black), everyone goes crazy over the roof glass and I like having a sleeper car. And those dumbo mirrors are becoming a pain in my **** especially on tight slow neighborhood turns from a full stop.

I thought the S4 accelerated harder and crazier from a stop.
Wish the suv had sport diff.

marnes

There have been some leaked nearly undisguised photos of the new car, and like the new S4, the new Q5's have the mirrors on the doors, so they are lower, but the mirrors are also much more narrow too (which I suspect is also good for aerodynamics). It looks like it'll address that issue too. The speculative renders look pretty accurate, except for the headlights. The taillights have been spotted undisguised. Audi Q5 (2016): Bis zu 400 PS im Audi RS Q5! - autobild.de