borl2k

Hi guys,
I currently have a 2012 A4 Avant S-Line. Sadly my lease is going to be over soon, and I will need to either buy out my A4 or lease something else.

I'm looking at an SQ5 and I was wondering if anyone had a chance to drive an A4 and a SQ5 and to compare their handling?

I know that the European SQ5 model has a lowered suspension, but as far as I know Audi didn't do that for North America? Is the ride quality closer to an A4 or Q5?

I test drove the A4 Allroad and I couldn't stand the body roll and the floaty ride. I much prefer stiffer/sportier suspension setup.

Thanks!

MFT

I am probably in an ideal position to comment on your question: I have a 2012 A4 Avant S-line and I just added a 2015 SQ5 to the stable (previous cars were BMW M5, 2011 S4, 2008 RS4).

I just picked up the SQ last night and immediately put winter tires/rims on it (19") which likely did not improve the handling, but I think I have an idea of how they will compare.

In straight-line speed and braking the SQ will beat the A4 (or an Allroad) handily, which is not surprising. With respect to handling, I could definitely tell I was in a crossover/suv, especially compared to the M5 I had just driven to the dealer to trade in. I would say the A4 (particularly with 19" wheels and summer tires) will be much more taunt in handling and more direct/responsive. Without having driven the Allroad, I suspect it will perform more like the SQ given it's elevated nature, though I also suspect that the SQ is more stiffly sprung than the Allroad.

You are right in that the European SQ is lower than the North American Version. My understanding is that Audi had to keep it elevated here in order to be classified as a truck (for fleet fuel economy targets I believe).

Based on my short time with it so far, the SQ is a great vehicle, and I would definitely go for it over an Allroad. The exhaust note and engine alone are worth the price of admission.

borl2k

Thanks for the answer!

If I could keep the A4 and still get the SQ5 that would be ideal Very nice stable!

I will find one to test drive once it gets a little bit warmer, but for now I really appreciate your insight.

Do you find the SQ5 larger inside than the A4? From my brief experience with Q5, it was pretty much the same as my Avant except for more headroom.

If I may ask - how long was the wait time for the delivery and were you able to negotiate it to below msrp?

Thanks again!

MFT

Yeah, my wife has been driving the A4 when I had the S4 and M5 (both manuals, which my wife doesn't like to drive)...I fear that she's going to be taking over the SQ5 now though LOL.

I put my 1 year old in the car seat this morning for the first time, and there is definitely more legroom - maybe 2 inches in the front? In the rear hatch area it's obviously taller and maybe a bit wider, but I don't think it is any deeper. Overall the cabin does feel more spacious.

With respect to wait time, I had my local dealer get one from another dealer in the province that had a few 2015s on their lot already, so no wait time for me. I wasn't overly picky about options, just two must-haves: Sepang Blue and Nav. This one has that and also carbon trim, so pretty close and much faster! I was able to negotiate under MSRP, but I have a good relationship with my dealer (bought and serviced a number of cars from them). So, I think it's possible get under MSRP, just have to find a willing dealer and the right car. Probably a bit easier this year since it's the second year for the SQ.

55cadillacking

I wasn't sold on the SQ5 at first. I was going to wait on the 2nd Gen Q7 (Glad I didn't make that mistake), but 8 seconds into the test drive, I was sold. It is intoxicating.

borl2k

Guys, thanks so much for the answers!

55cadillacking

I should have probably said "5.1 seconds into the test drive".

ed@mtl

I had a 2010 Q5 and currently 2014 Allroad (A4 and Allroad interior is the same). The Q5 interior is slightly bigger than the Allroad, especially the rear seating. I was able to fit 3 adults comfortably in the Q5. The Allroad, they seem a bit tighter.