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Audi Seats & Lower Back Pain?

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Old 12-12-2011, 04:54 PM
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Default Audi Seats & Lower Back Pain?

Hi all,

Just wanted to see if anyone else has experienced this. My Q5 was my first Audi and I love it except for the incredible lower back pain it causes me. I have never had back issues...ever...until I got my Q5. I generally don't have the pain except for when I drive the Q5, it starts about 20 minutes in and gets worse the longer I'm in the seat.

I am now seriously looking to trade the Q5 for an A7 and have been able to do two extended test drives in the A7. While the pain is better in the A7 it's not completely gone. I absolutely LOVE the A7 and am very close to pulling the trigger but I'm afraid of "jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire" kind of thing. Don't want to go through this saga a second time. From what I understand the seats in the A7 are VERY similar to the Q5 and my test drives seem to confirm that.

I've been to back specialists, adjusted the Q5 seat about 900 different ways, had an MRI (nothing), used back cushions, seat cushions all to no avail. One specialist suggested it may not be the seat at all but the vehicles ergos.

I posted this issue some time ago on the Q5 forum and no one else seemed to have the same issue. Was just wondering if any A7 owners out there have experienced this issue and if so, what they did about it.

I'm extremely bummed as this issue, which I never had before, is keeping me from enjoying a brand that I have really come to love. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Old 12-13-2011, 01:50 AM
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No issue in the A7 for me so far, whereas my previous A5 did give me some pain after an hour or so driving. I know you said you adjusted the seat a load of ways but this is often the cause however I am not sure there is a right way for everyone!
Old 12-13-2011, 04:11 AM
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I experienced discomfort with my 2011 A4 Avant S-Line. The sport seats were fully adjustable but also very firm in the lower back area. I couldn't remain comfortable for an extended period of time and took to using a small pillow for support. That helped a lot.

For me the ultimate answer was trading the lightly used A4 Avant for an A7. The seats are softer and I haven't had any problem.
Old 12-13-2011, 02:12 PM
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Thanks for the replies. It really does seem to be a very individual specific issue. Man I want that A7, doing everything I can to justify it at the moment!
Old 12-13-2011, 04:50 PM
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No issues here - and my back is generally sensitive to uncomfortable seats. In fact, anyone who has sat into my car - some 2011 A4 owners - cannot believe how comfortable and luxurious the seats feel.

To be 100% sure, you could go to your local dealer and ask if you can sit in an A7 for 30 mins - maybe play a christmas DVD?

Originally Posted by tridentnyc
Hi all,

Just wanted to see if anyone else has experienced this. My Q5 was my first Audi and I love it except for the incredible lower back pain it causes me. I have never had back issues...ever...until I got my Q5. I generally don't have the pain except for when I drive the Q5, it starts about 20 minutes in and gets worse the longer I'm in the seat.

I am now seriously looking to trade the Q5 for an A7 and have been able to do two extended test drives in the A7. While the pain is better in the A7 it's not completely gone. I absolutely LOVE the A7 and am very close to pulling the trigger but I'm afraid of "jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire" kind of thing. Don't want to go through this saga a second time. From what I understand the seats in the A7 are VERY similar to the Q5 and my test drives seem to confirm that.

I've been to back specialists, adjusted the Q5 seat about 900 different ways, had an MRI (nothing), used back cushions, seat cushions all to no avail. One specialist suggested it may not be the seat at all but the vehicles ergos.

I posted this issue some time ago on the Q5 forum and no one else seemed to have the same issue. Was just wondering if any A7 owners out there have experienced this issue and if so, what they did about it.

I'm extremely bummed as this issue, which I never had before, is keeping me from enjoying a brand that I have really come to love. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Old 12-16-2011, 08:12 PM
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One of the reasons I traded my A5 for an A7 was that the seats on the A5 were so uncomfortable -- 30 minutes and I would get back pain. The A7 seats are much better and lots of usable adjustments. I've had no problems with them.

I've heard that the S7 will offer a 'comfort seat' option. This is currently available in Europe and has had favorable reviews. Maybe the S7 will be a better choice for you?

BTW, I also really like the seats in my wife's Q7 TDI. The seats, and the more upright driving position are superb.

muski
Old 08-01-2014, 12:10 PM
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Default Yes q5 seats cause back pain for me

Yes
I have the same issue

Originally Posted by tridentnyc
Hi all,

Just wanted to see if anyone else has experienced this. My Q5 was my first Audi and I love it except for the incredible lower back pain it causes me. I have never had back issues...ever...until I got my Q5. I generally don't have the pain except for when I drive the Q5, it starts about 20 minutes in and gets worse the longer I'm in the seat.

I am now seriously looking to trade the Q5 for an A7 and have been able to do two extended test drives in the A7. While the pain is better in the A7 it's not completely gone. I absolutely LOVE the A7 and am very close to pulling the trigger but I'm afraid of "jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire" kind of thing. Don't want to go through this saga a second time. From what I understand the seats in the A7 are VERY similar to the Q5 and my test drives seem to confirm that.

I've been to back specialists, adjusted the Q5 seat about 900 different ways, had an MRI (nothing), used back cushions, seat cushions all to no avail. One specialist suggested it may not be the seat at all but the vehicles ergos.

I posted this issue some time ago on the Q5 forum and no one else seemed to have the same issue. Was just wondering if any A7 owners out there have experienced this issue and if so, what they did about it.

I'm extremely bummed as this issue, which I never had before, is keeping me from enjoying a brand that I have really come to love. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Old 08-01-2014, 02:08 PM
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I had a nervous couple of weeks when first had the A7 because couldn't get comfortable. 6ft 4 and long history of back problems but remembered the salesman stressed make full use of the seat adjustment. It is a case of trail and error but cracked it when increased the support under my legs so a kind of tilted back seat position. That meant my back was fully supported by the back of the seat. Did have to move seat closer to the wheel than I was use to but wasn't anissue. Now more comfortable that the house comfy armchair. Regularly fall asleep in the latter but having too much fun in the BiTDI to doze off
Old 08-05-2014, 12:33 AM
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I'm looking at the 2014 Q5 and have only been looking at sport interiors because my wife has back and neck issues. I believe the lumber support will help? The challenge is finding cars with the sport interiors!
Old 08-05-2014, 09:49 AM
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I purchased my 2013 A7 and my wife's 2013 A4 Allroad at the same time and I totally love her seats better than mine. I am guessing Audi built the Allroad for long road trip comfort. I have finally adjusted my A7 seats to be comfortable, as I too am 6'4" and found that the thigh support helped if raised. The Allroad seats, however, really hug you in a cradle of comfort I cant explain.


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