tgt

I think many of us (myself included) are fighting the same questions....TDI vs SQ5 (numerous historical posts prove it).

I'll be interested to hear how it shakes out for you.

-tgt

acadianbob

Isn't the suspension in the U.S. SQ5 identical to the standard Q5? If so, how could it be harsher? Might speak to the subjectivity of many of these "tests".

visualguy

I'll certainly report my experience once I get the SQ5...

One thing I noticed with the S5 is that fuel consumption is almost tolerable in normal driving. Maybe 19 mpg in mixed city/hwy. However, in congested traffic or when driving somewhat aggressively, it gets really bad really fast, as in dropping to the mid-teens in those cases. The EPA numbers are somewhat misleading on this car because it's so sensitive to how you drive it. Considering the small fuel tank of the S5 (16 gal), you become a frequent visitor at the gas station.

I expect fuel consumption to be somewhat worse on the SQ5, but at least there's a 20 gal tank.

I was really close to ordering the Q5 TDI S-line-plus because of this and to get the adaptive suspension. I expect the diesel to be less fun to drive, but maybe this is unwarranted. One thing that surprised me is that most of the gas stations in my area do not sell diesel. There's actually only one "brand name" (Shell) station nearby that sells it, as well as one generic station. The other half a dozen or so stations in the area don't sell diesel.

visualguy

The height is identical, but it's not an identical suspension.

scrmorling

I really like the ride . It's definitely firm but not all harsh.

I'll add that my passengers have also commented on how comfortable the ride is. I've had both a Boxster owner and an Equus owner rave equally about the handling and ride - there's a couple of extremes for you.

Steve

stash64

My 2.0T is stiffer than I expected based on my test drive of a 3.2 some time back, especially when the suspension is cold. I would even go so far as to say my A3 with sport suspension was more compliant over bad roads. My mom thought the same the first time I took her for a drive. She did not like "the ride" and said it was too rough.

koobah

I'm actually pleasantly surprised with fuel economy. For some reason it's noticeably better than my S4 with the same motor.

visualguy

Are you sure it doesn't just seem that way because of the larger gas tank on the SQ5? The EPA ratings for the SQ5 are worse than for the S4, and this makes sense - much heavier car, more aggressively-tuned engine.

wrcardon

I drove both the TDI and the SQ5 before deciding on the SQ5. I previously had a 3.2 2012 Q5. The TDI felt an awful lot like my 3.2... while the SQ5 was amazingly smooth and deceptively fast. I catch myself not realizing how fast I accelerated and above the speed limit. The SQ5 is very very fun as a daily drive. The TDI was great too... a great ride... but I wouldn't describe it as "fun."

I had 20" wheel on my 2012 Q5 and the SQ5 with 21" feels marginally firmer. Then again, I am in So Cal with good roads.

koobah

It did cross my mind, but the tank is not really a whole lot bigger. I probably owe it to not pushing it very hard, though by no means I baby the motor.