2018 Audi SQ5, An Oppo Review (Updated)

"Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)" (galileo-humpkins) 02/27/2018 at 18:05 • Filed to: Oppo Review, 2018 Audi SQ5

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Those wheels photograph a lot lighter than they look in person.

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , allow me to introduce you to Suzie Q (possibly Suzie Q5?). We signed and took delivery on Thursday afternoon and promptly took a short road trip to snowboard in Wisconsin and I’ve actually had a lot of client visits outside the city. So we acquired her with 17 miles and are up to almost 400 as of writing. I know, she needs a bath. Well, you’ll be happy to know she got a bath later in the day after these pics but I’m too lazy to take more, so this is what you get.

(Disclaimer: Audi wanted us to drive and review the 2018 SQ5 so badly, they sold us one! Here are my non-professional thoughts and opinions.)

Exterior: 9/10

Washed!

I know, I know…it’s grey, it’s not a color, loss of JalOppo Cred. Our first choice of Moonlight Blue Metallic proved to be difficult to find. Every time we thought we found one with the right packages and without those awful 21” rims, it turned out to be a paid order. Daytona Gray Pearl was our second choice, and we’re happy with it. It’s pretty and you know it. I love the new Audi styling. A few harder angles really make a big difference. My only knock on the exterior is the use of fake exhaust tips in the rear bumper trim. A number of manufacturers are doing this now, so I fear it will become the norm.

As usual, the attention to style and detail in the headlights really sets Audi apart, in my opinion. They really excel in this area, to me anyway.

Interior: 9/10

The interior is beautiful. We were pretty set on getting the Warm Weather Package, which meant no quilted leather but we made a game time decision that we really didn’t want to lose those beautiful seats. Overall the interior design is familiar to the old Q5. The MMI controls have been moved to behind the gear shift, which is fine. My only gripes are that they made the main cupholders slightly smaller, the cup holders in the door more difficult to use (due to the new angles and tighter spaces, larger bottles are more difficult to get out), and the center console compartment now has a sliding tray that while useful, cuts down on the storage space a bit. Also, so much Carbon Fiber.

Tech/Toys/Features: 9/10

Virtual Cockpit Current Layout.

Audi MMI with Virtual Cockpit is fantastic. There are a fair amount of customizations one can make. It is not, as far as I have found, 100% completely customizable, however there are a lot of different view options and layouts. Easy to use and navigate.

UPDATE: For some reason, Bluetooth and Aux connected devices play at much lower volume than Sirius. Therefore, when switching from one back to Sirius, it’s so damn loud. The old Q5 did not have this issue. I’ve messed with all the input level settings I can find. Oh well, just one of those things I guess. I suppose I could edit all the music on my devices to increase their playback volume, but that’s a lot of work. Time to Google this issue...

Virtual Cockpit Map View.

Pointless touchpad pictured at bottom.

Heated steering wheel means we lost the flat bottom “racing” wheel, but no biggie. It’s a nice feature to have as part of the Cold Weather Package. Also part of that package are heated rear seats, which our dogs will love.

Heated rear seats. You’re welcome, dogs.

The controls feel very solid and well done as well as being aesthetically pleasing.

The silver toggles are touch sensitive. When touched they cause a magnification animation of what that button controls (though it’s whatever is directly above them, so neat, but not really necessary).

As part of the S Sport Package we have the air suspension. We probably won’t ever be hauling anything that would require us to be able to drop the suspension down a few inches to make loading easier, but I guess it’s a nice option to have (control is in the trunk, has nothing to do with drive mode, is specifically for loading). The main benefit of the air suspension is the added various drive modes that all raise or lower the suspension and tighten up the steering. More on that coming up…

Engine: 9/10

What can I say here, going from a 2.0L Turbo 4 to a 3.0L Turbo 6 that is tuned for performance is a pretty noticeable jump (even if it is only 134 hp and 111 lb-ft torque). It sounds amazing to me. It’s not loud and overcompensatingly aggressive. It’s got a nice throaty gurgle that isn’t afraid to be somewhat boisterous when asked, but is willing to purr and hum along at lower revs without trying to scream, “Hey! I’m loud! Look at me!”

I’m not sure what Audi calls it because I can’t recall them marketing it, but the Eco mode is on by default in almost every drive setting except Sport and Dynamic handling/suspension. I thought I would find it super annoying (like I did back when we had a C300 loaner a few years ago) but I don’t. I actually kind of like hearing it rumble back to life when I take my foot off the brake. There is a simple button to turn it off or on, for now it’ll stay on - unless I’m in the aforementioned drive modes ;).

Currently averaging just under 23 mpg. After a few more fill ups we will have a better idea of how it will compare to the ’15 Q5 consumption in real life. I do think, also, that the ’18 SQ5 tank has less capacity than the ’15 Q5, but am too lazy to look it up.

I much prefer these 20" 5 spoke wheels to the 21" wheels that seem to be very popular on these. Also, OOHH red calipers.

Speed: 9/10

See: First sentence of Engine section. 0-60 in 5.1 seconds is pretty decent performance to have in a crossover. I love it. There’s not a whole lot to say here, it’s faster than a lot, not as fast as some (or something like that) and, again, I love it.

Handling: 9/10

This is another area where Drive Select changes things up. In Comfort mode the handling is responsive but soft and a little loose. In Dynamic mode the suspension lowers and the steering becomes tight and responsive. I’m not nuanced/experienced enough here to truly feel all the little differences, but I do feel them in general terms. Someone who knows more than I can talk about this better. It handles well at any speed I’ve been driving (will neither confirm nor deny any numbers).

Ugh, those stupid fake exhaust tips! The only real knock against it.

Safety: 10/10

I haven’t died in it, yet, so full mark! It has all kinds of airbags, so that’s a plus. It also has a lot of nanny systems installed. I thought the old Q5 beeped at us a lot, I knew nothing of excessive beeping. Gonna have to mess with these further.

Value: 8.5/10

Could’ve paid a $10K Premium to have basically the same car with a Porsche badge, however we also could’ve paid a little less to get comparable performance from a variety of cars from a variety of makers. Value is also very subjective, so take my value ranking with a grain of salt, knowing that I love Audi and their S/RS models and feel like they’re worth every penny.

Overall Performance: 10/10

Generally speaking here. It’s fast, handles well and is fun to drive. This is a car that is quite happy chugging along in Comfort mode where you give it the occasional punch, and it’s even more at home when you put it in Sport-Dynamic and put the hammer down. Very solid and responsive. Did I mention it’s fun? I’d give that a full mark.

Washed!

Overall Comfort: 8.5/10

So, about those sport seats. They actually, to my surprise, are not as firm and uncomfortable as I’d expected. They’re pretty well padded and I think could be comfortable for hours at a time. The ride comfort is top notch. Easily can spend a long commute in it, or go on a road trip, without having to peel yourself out of it because you’re sore or stiff. Feels solid, feels like the car has a mind and that mind thinks, “Whether you want to get there quickly, fast, or faster, I shall get you there, above all else, comfortably.” I love it.

Because a normal puddle light just won’t do. Look at how much ground it illuminates. If there’s a puddle in that 3"x10" area, I’ll surely see it!

Final Verdict: 91/100
A truly fantastic vehicle that anyone interested, should seriously consider.

Azrek > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) 02/27/2018 at 08:40

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Does it feel like a big car or is it a nimble SUV? I am debating that 10k Porsche markup and this suddenly appeared like a Pokemon

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) 02/27/2018 at 09:16

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Man I really do love Audi interiors and especially all the controls. Drove a full loaded A4 recently and the Virtual Cockpit + HUD setup is fantastic.

Even the 2.0T felt plenty peppy and I can only imagine how much more fun a 3.0T is

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 02/27/2018 at 10:04

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The 2.0T definitely has some pep in it’s step, with this though there’s just power as soon as you step down on the accelerator. It’s fantastic, really.

I like the Virtual Cockpit a lot. The only feature of the MMI that I don’t think we’ll ever use is the touchpad input. If we have voice recognition, why would I write out what information I need entered? We’ll see though, maybe something in the future will come up and we’ll use it.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) 02/27/2018 at 10:07

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I hated the touchpad input and used it just once to enter a destination. I found the voice control more useful.

Also, I kept touching the screen to select stuff instead of using the MMI controller as I am used to touchscreens. Did the same thing in the new Cx9. Maybe they should allow both inputs to make it easier but I guess you’ll learn eventually.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Azrek 02/27/2018 at 10:14

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My assumption is that the Macan, with the similar engine, is probably a little more nimble and engineered to move about in a sportier way more of the time but would ultimately be fairly comparable. Isn’t the Macan also a bit smaller? My wife was pretty deadset on Audi (I don’t blame her) so when I tried to talk her into considering the Macan S, it was a lot of wasted breath - therefore I did not drive it to really be able to compare.

However, the SQ5 generally doesn’t feel like an SUV. It feels like if/when I am to push it a bit, with speed and handling, that it would handle it with comfort and ease. The only times so far I think, “Oh, that’s right, SUV/CUV” is when I remember I’m sitting higher up, or when I look at my mirrors.

My opinion might be a little biased since the past 3 years we were in a Q5. I’m used to how the size feels and neither the SQ5 or Q5 to me felt like a big vehicle.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 02/27/2018 at 10:19

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I think they could’ve done without the touchpad, I just don’t see it’s practicality as compared to the other means of input. The touchscreen, or lack thereof, is just one of those things you’ll get used to. Only cars I’ve driven with touchscreens were all my in-laws and I kinda like them.

Bo Knows > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) 02/27/2018 at 10:36

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“at lover revs”

The w is nowhere near the v....whatcha doin with the car?

ETA: if I ever name a car, it’ll be Old dirty bastard.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Bo Knows 02/27/2018 at 10:41

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I’m not sure how that happened. Fixed.

Bo Knows > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) 02/27/2018 at 10:43

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Don’t worry. I screen-shotted for posterity.

Textured Soy Protein > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) 02/27/2018 at 10:44

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How’s that touchpad BS in front of the shifter? My dad was looking at a regular Q5 but got an XC60 instead. He said ease of interior controls was a big factor for him.

Also he’s better at picking colors than you. 

BlueMazda2 - Blesses the rains down in Africa, Purveyor of BMW Individual Arctic Metallic, Merci Twingo > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) 02/27/2018 at 10:51

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I helped a family friend trade a 2014 ATS 2.5 for a 2017 SQ5 Prestige.

It was certainly an upgrade to say the least.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > BlueMazda2 - Blesses the rains down in Africa, Purveyor of BMW Individual Arctic Metallic, Merci Twingo 02/27/2018 at 10:56

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Oh yeah, that’s quite the jump.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Textured Soy Protein 02/27/2018 at 11:00

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I covered the color thing at the beginning! If they had that green in a SQ5, knowing they didn’t have the blue we wanted nearly anywhere, that would’ve been it. Oddly, within a reasonable search distance, there were no green SQ5's at all. The Blue ones were all already paid orders but still show up in the dealer’s inventory for some reason.

I love the XC90 he got. The touchpad, to me, is unnecessary. I don’t think we’ll use it. Apparently you have to write the numbers and letters in specific ways and it seems to be driver oriented, so the passenger has trouble getting it to register properly. Also, with voice activation or just entering the info on the phone nav, it’s not necessary.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Bo Knows 02/27/2018 at 11:00

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To answer your original question, what I do to or with my car is my business. Not yours.

Textured Soy Protein > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) 02/27/2018 at 11:06

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Yeah I’m just giving you shit about the color.

He’s what I would call a tech literate, but not tech savvy, baby boomer. So he’s like, “well I guess all new cars have these screens and shit in them, so I want one that’s easy for me to use.”

He seemed to think the touchpad was the main way to control the infotainment crap. Don’t know if that’s what the Audi sales guy showed him or what. I told him I thought Audis had a main knob to control the screen but he mentioned the touchpad. I see there’s some kind of knob there too in your car. Without having personally used either car’s UI, I dunno, I guess he found the Volvo easier.

Just from looking at the pictures though it feels to me like the touchpad and shifter should flip spots.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Textured Soy Protein 02/27/2018 at 11:56

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I knew it was in jest for sure. But really, there was a Q5 in that green and honestly, if a SQ5 were available in it, within reasonable dealer trade distance, we probably would’ve opted for it. But there were literally 0.

Actually they used to be switched. Not sure why the decision was made to move the MMI controls behind the shifter. But now that the shifter is smaller, it’s not as in the way as you’d think. I do, however, agree they should go back to where they were.

The knob and various buttons control the MMI system. The touchpad is just, as far as I know, for text input. So instead of using the knob to select letters and number you can write them in. But it’s a bit finicky and, to me, with the other ways to input the info, not needed.

I’d think for someone like your dad, the Volvo would probably be more user friendly. My mother in law, always been very tech savvy, has always gotten into our Audis and been confused for a bit on how to work the system. Once you learn it though, I’d say it’s pretty user friendly.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) 02/27/2018 at 13:10

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might i say, i love the stone face of your garage lol. and the SQ5 is nice too i guess haha

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 02/27/2018 at 13:29

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That’s actually outside a client’s house. Our garage is far less interesting or welcoming. Thanks, I guess. ;)

Saracen > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) 02/27/2018 at 17:43

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Those are really, really nice.

I’m likely going with the Porsche-badged version (which isn’t really the same car) to replace two of my three vehicles.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Saracen 02/27/2018 at 17:49

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Thanks, it really is a step up from even our previous Audis. Yeah, not quite the same car, but comparable enough to be closely related.

Ike > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) 02/27/2018 at 18:43

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Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Ike 02/27/2018 at 18:45

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Exactly!

RPM esq. > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) 02/27/2018 at 19:29

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I really like the new front end but the switch to fake exhaust tips makes me sad. The new controls are neat, though. Also, other than eleventy billion minus points for the fake exhaust tips, and assuming that you intend each of these category ratings to be appended with “....for a crossover,” I agree with them.

wafflesnfalafel > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) 02/27/2018 at 20:35

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Those look really nice, a nice overall rig - enough room, capable, fast, comfy, cruisable, look good, etc. Kinda ‘spensive but they’d be on my list if I had more dough.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > wafflesnfalafel 02/27/2018 at 21:46

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That’s definitely the shorter way to sum it up. We were pleasantly surprised to find it fit in our budget when we started shopping a few months ago.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > RPM esq. 02/27/2018 at 21:49

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Eleventy billion might be a touch harsh. Eleventy million seems fair. I get sad when I see them on any car from any manufacturer. It’s definitely more of a personal rank. But, I have a feeling we’ll also talk about this in the other thread...Thanks for stopping by though, glad you did.