[unluky]

Originally Posted by Jodway

We have a 2019 SQ5 Prestige with Black Optics and Sport Diff options. My wife absolutely loves it and has gotten completely spoiled by the air ride and the acoustic glass. In my opinion, the Premium/Premium Plus just don't feel as "special" after having the loaded Prestige

The interior is fantastic, although everything is different than the BMW layout. My biggest gripe is the center console/arm rest/cup holder area. I have a hard time setting the arm rest to be comfortable and the sliding tray/phone charger requires anything in the cup holders that sticks up to be removed in order to access the small console storage area.

The B&O is decent, but lacks low end bass, if that's a concern for you. It generally is good though, especially coupled with how quiet the interior is.

The 3.0 turbo engine is definitely choked back by the factory installed tune, but has plenty of power to keep you satisfied for a while. Once that wears off, they are very responsive to tuning should you wish to add more power.

Overall, neither of us regrets the purchase. We drove the SQ5 back to back with an X3 M40i and the Audi was a better driving experience in every way under daily driven conditions.

I have almost the same spec in a 2020 - Quantum grey though, but everything else sounds the same.

Console area eats balls - but I'm getting used to it (which means ignoring it) Lack of storage is terrible. When I went from a explorer to a X5 back in the day - I thought the X5 was bad - this is way worse.

But you are right - I wish it had the same tranny tune as my X5 in sport mode, but the engine is a different world. Can turn from highway comfy to dialed in street feel with the flick of a switch and pop of the gear shift. The Virtual Cockpit is one of my favorite things - love that. Not to mention.........drum roll...........NO ORANGE DASH. After several bwm's in a row - I could not stand that orange anymore. My barin always said "1969" when I saw it.

B&O seems to have bas for me, but zero mid-range. Just "hollow" sounding to me. I feel like my mid-range X5 system sounds better when I drive it. Just "fuller" for lack of a better word, but less bass.

For my first Audi - I am really enjoying it. Miss that little extra cargo room of the X5 - but I can live with it.

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by Alvin Mpower

Yes, I had that one in mind. The thing is it's really hard to find one, especially with 6MT. and I heard the haptic touch on the steering wheel along with touch control climate are a nightmare to deal with.

Almost everyone who owns one says the steering wheel buttons and climate controls are a non issue after they get used to it. It's mainly YouTube reviews that bag on it.

[strohw]

Originally Posted by Alvin Mpower

Yes, I had that one in mind. The thing is it's really hard to find one, especially with 6MT. and I heard the haptic touch on the steering wheel along with touch control climate are a nightmare to deal with.

I see a bunch on Autotrader. Should be able to ship one no problem.

[evomike]

Originally Posted by Alvin Mpower

I rather have sq5 over macan s.

i think you really should drive the 2 and then make that decision, the steering, handling and quality of the macan are way better than the SQ5

[Davil]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

I mean an Audi, jesus, missionary position with the lights off.

So accurate.

My brother is in his 3rd straight Alfa. Giulietta Cloverleaf, then Stelvio, now Guilia. Not a single problem in 7 years.

Guilia is hands down the best looking, most fun mid sized car on the market.

[eluded]

V8 would be nice but twin turbo V6 it is. GM magnetic ride control is best in class.

Originally Posted by Humdizzle

i'd say the ct4v bw is probably the best manual sport sedan on the market. if they had put the LT1 or 2 in there instead of the supercharged v6 it would be perfect.

but the audi's air suspension and interior are going to be leagues above.

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by Davil

So accurate.

My brother is in his 3rd straight Alfa. Giulietta Cloverleaf, then Stelvio, now Guilia. Not a single problem in 7 years.

Guilia is hands down the best looking, most fun mid sized car on the market.

This proves they are reliable during a 28 month lease?

[blinkme323]

Originally Posted by Alvin Mpower

Yes, I had that one in mind. The thing is it's really hard to find one, especially with 6MT. and I heard the haptic touch on the steering wheel along with touch control climate are a nightmare to deal with.

I own a 6MT MK8 R and it is shockingly good (coming from multiple M cars). The haptics issue is largely overblown. Definitely worth considering IMO, but feel free to PM me if you like with any questions.

[BlkGS]

I think I saw in a review from throttle house they're switching to real buttons for 2025.

[blinkme323]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

I think I saw in a review from throttle house they're switching to real buttons for 2025.

Yes but the 6MT is gone after the 24 model.

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by blinkme323

Yes but the 6MT is gone after the 24 model.

Well that's like, 2 steps backwards one step forward

Simple solution. Buy a manual 24, buy the steering wheel buttons out of a 25. Swap them into the 24.

[Germanauto]

SQ5 is boring asf, both to look at and to drive. Why would you wanna drive a suburban mom car?

Integras are nice I have a buddy who is happy with his. I'd recommend stepping up to the TLX however as its a nicer product and likely heavily discounted. M340, S4/5 sedan also nice options.

All seem like relatively spacious cars with a sporting edge when you want it but lean more toward comfort.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by Davil

So accurate.

My brother is in his 3rd straight Alfa. Giulietta Cloverleaf, then Stelvio, now Guilia. Not a single problem in 7 years.

Guilia is hands down the best looking, most fun mid sized car on the market.

Agreed, total go kart.

With that being said, it seems OP is looking more for a cruiser; and the base engine of the Giulia is gonna be a downgrade from what he's used to. Sad there was never a 6 cyl version in the M340/C43 power/price range.

The 2.0s are reliable enough cars...mine has had 30k flawless miles, but the QVs are an accident waiting to happen. OP is making the right call, with no nearby dealers to him doesn't make sense.