SQ5er

Hey Audi Members and fellow Q5/SQ5 drivers,


I know there are various exhaust threads out there but I thought I'd start a new one for anyone looking at aftermarket exhausts. If you are, you've probably looked at Dyanflow, Milltek, and AWE and I wanted to share my experience with the latter.


I just had AWE Tuning's Touring Edition Exhaust installed on my 2016 SQ5 last week and so far I'm thrilled with it. I really wanted an exhaust that would be me the best of both worlds - OEM quality refinement in day to day use with the family and an exotic, guttural growl when I'm on my own and having some fun. The Touring exhaust has this "Jeckyll and Hyde" personality.


Truth be told, I was concerned, right up until I got behind the wheel and drove the truck, that I'd make it unpleasant for every day use. But in "Comfort" mode with the transmission in "Drive", you hardly notice a difference from OEM. We took a day trip recently and my wife, who doesn't understand at all why anyone would ever want a "louder" vehicle (and who thinks I'm nuts for doing it), even commented to me that she didn't notice a difference.


On the other hand, select "Dynamic", drop the transmission into Sport mode and punch the accelerator and the thing growls and barks like a raging beast! It isn't "look at me" loud but it has a deep, raspy, guttural sound that you can feel deep in your gut. That's without the non-resonated downpipe option, which I'd imagine would "turn it up to 11" for those who were so inclined. For me, the resonated setup is perfect and just loud enough to suit the vehicle.


Another thing I like really like about the system is the range of sound you can through the combination of "Drive Select" and the transmission mode. The Touring Exhaust doesn't use valves, so "Drive Select" technically has no impact on the exhaust note, at least in terms of valve control. However the AWE Touring exhaust really responds to RPMs, and of course, "Drive Select" has an effect on that by modifying the timing of upshifts and downshifts. The transmission mode, Drive vs. Sport, impacts that to an even greater extent. So while Comfort/Drive and Dynamic/Sport and at the ends of the spectrum, selecting Dynamic/Drive or Comfort/Sport will give you an exhaust note that is somewhere in the middle. Of course, shifting in manual with the paddles or the gear level allows you to further customize the experience so you can make the truck sound extra quiet or have it howl a raging animal. All in all, it is really a great set up.


Bottom line, I find my SQ5 is SO MUCH MORE fun to drive now. The way it sounds (and feels) actually makes me look forward to rush hour!


As soon as I get the beast all cleaned up I will snap and post some pictures of the nice, 100mm exhaust tips and (although it won't do the sound justice) I'll also try to post a video.

SQ5er

Here is a link to some pics. Use the left and right arrow keys to scroll through the gallery

https://onedrive.live.com/?cid=60FAA...%21120&o=OneUp

Redevil

It's a beauty! Thanks for the pics and the info. I'm waiting for the new audi s4 to come out next year. Would like to get the awe installed as well. Where did you purchase/installed the exhaust?

Regards,

David

SQ5er

Hi David,

Vag Motorsport in Laval (www.vagmotorsport.ca). Its a bit of a drive, but well worth the trip. They have a clean, high end shop and the staff is really excellent - helpful and knowledgeable. Also offer complimentary loaner cars which is handy. Speak to Alex Coallier (alex.c@vagmotorsport.ca) he was excellent. Tell him the guy with the SQ5 sent you. I'm sure he'll remember me, I think I drove him crazy with questions. I really liked VAG. So much so that I'm thinking about doing a Unitronic tune with them as well, possibly the suspension at some point too. Oh and when the time comes, keep in mind most of the AWE exhausts are built to order, so waiting time is about 6-8 weeks.

Good luck with the S4, the new 17s are gorgeous!

Redevil

That's great insight. Thanks a lot. Can't wait!

Cheers!