Moved on to an Audi Q5

[Gibson6594]

I think it's important to say first that it was an absolute joy to own this car. Like many of you, it was a childhood dream to own an M3. I was obsessed with every component of the process, from the pre-purchase research, the allocation hunt, the tracking from the factory, the initial feelings of ownership, and the satisfaction of that dream. I'll never forget the looks and stares I would get daily while driving this car and the associated feeling of accomplishment. It's amazing how good a car can make you feel.

That said, this car was just not what I needed in my life right now. I won't go into the detail of the reasons, but as life evolves, so do your practical needs, as well as your personal motivations, and the M3 just was not fulfilling either of those anymore. So with a tearful eye and a overly-tight grip, I handed the key to the salesman in exchange for a another.

I picked up a 2018 Audi Q5 and I must say I am impressed with how well Audi put the Q5 together. She is basically fully loaded, even rocking the elusive warm weather package with the ventilated sport seats. Of course, when talking speed and performance, I am in a different universe, but as far as SUVs go, the Q5 is very nice total package. It's peppy enough, handles tightly, and is very comfortable, not to mention the legendary Quattro system and safety features galore. I must say I am very happy with it so far, and as I mentioned earlier, it fits the needs of my life at this time.

I don't think I can say I'll never go back to something like the M3, the enthusiast in me is not dead, he just has been temporarily superseded by an alternate part of my personality.

[///M///]

Awesome. Enjoy. I have to warn you though about the Q series. Two family members owned the 2012 and 2016 Q7's and had constant issues, mostly electrical but some related to burning too much oil. The brake rotors were changed twice for one of them. While they were fixed under warranty, their SUV's spent a lot of time at the dealership. I love AUDI's for their interior and overall looks but will not buy one till they have the reliability figured out.

Good luck with yours.

Cheers.

[Gibson6594]

Originally Posted by ///M///

Awesome. Enjoy. I have to warn you though about the Q series. Two family members owned the 2012 and 2016 Q7's and had constant issues, mostly electrical but some related to burning too much oil. The brake rotors were changed twice for one of them. While they were fixed under warranty, their SUV's spent a lot of time at the dealership. I love AUDI's for their interior and overall looks but will not buy one till they have the reliability figured out.

Good luck with yours.

Cheers.

Hey thanks. Can't say that's the type of thing someone wants to hear after just buying a new car, but I appreciate the warning. The 2018 model is all new, so let's hope they addressed some of the reliability issues, and if not, I suppose warranties exist for a reason.

[p912guy]

My wife's 2016 Q5 has been rock solid so far, but it has the 3.0 liter TFSI V6. She absolutely loves everything about it except the tech. It's not the new Q5 so it has Audi's old MMI which we both find clunky and dated in feeling. She still has trouble putting in an address while using the NAV, so much so she's really wanting either a Macan S or X3 M40i next, and sooner rather than later, which is really out of character for her since she's absolutely NOT at car person.

[Gibson6594]

Originally Posted by p912guy

My wife's 2016 Q5 has been rock solid so far, but it has the 3.0 liter TFSI V6. She absolutely loves everything about it except the tech. It's not the new Q5 so it has Audi's old MMI which we both find clunky and dated in feeling. She still has trouble putting in an address while using the NAV, so much so she's really wanting either a Macan S or X3 M40i next, and sooner rather than later, which is really out of character for her since she's absolutely NOT at car person.

Glad to hear. If there is one thing I can't complaint about in the 18 Q5, it is the tech. Not only is it all impressive, it's very user friendly. Everything just seems to be laid out nicely and exactly how I would want it. The Virtual Cockpit is more than just a gimmick, it is actually quite functional.

If I'm being honest, if you completely remove the performance aspects between these two cars, I must say I think I like the Q5 more than the M3. Which I guess is the same as saying I prefer the Q5 to the 3 series.

[ando]

Understand about moving on. Did you consider the X3?

[Gibson6594]

Originally Posted by ando

Understand about moving on. Did you consider the X3?

Heavily, I actually had an X3 loaner while my M3 was getting serviced and I really liked it. The only reason I didn't go with it is that I have been driving a BMW for about the past 10 years. It was time for something new.

[JamesMA]

Interesting. My wife has always had the practice/ winter car. From a E46 325i wagon when the first little one showed up to a pair of X5s when the second came (the 35Desiel was an absolute beast!) to a MB GL450 now that we needed more room for the dog etc. we use hers for just about everything family related, even date night. When I want / need "something different", I grab her keys. Good luck, I think you will be back

[Typeslice]

My wife has a 2017 2.0 Q5, and while its been a solid car for us - I wish we'd cross shopped a little more, or opted for the 3.0. For me personally, its very soft and seems somewhat disconnected. Power never really shows up, brakes feel overly sluggish. I know that is not its goal, but in that regard the X3 feels like more of a driver's SUV. From a more practical standpoint, the infotainment on the last gen is awful, and it's just not as roomy as we thought (that's our fault).

Overall, good car. Fit and finish is top notch - no rattles, wonderful interior. My wife is happy with it, but I'm looking forward to her next car.

[Gibson6594]

Originally Posted by Typeslice

My wife has a 2017 2.0 Q5, and while its been a solid car for us - I wish we'd cross shopped a little more, or opted for the 3.0. For me personally, its very soft and seems somewhat disconnected. Power never really shows up, brakes feel overly sluggish. I know that is not its goal, but in that regard the X3 feels like more of a driver's SUV. From a more practical standpoint, the infotainment on the last gen is awful, and it's just not as roomy as we thought (that's our fault).

Overall, good car. Fit and finish is top notch - no rattles, wonderful interior. My wife is happy with it, but I'm looking forward to her next car.

For 2018, there is only one engine choice. A turbocharged 2.0 4 cylinder, and I must say, it pushes the Q5 along very nicely. In fact, the 2018 is completely new model. It's very nice in my opinion. Maybe take a look at the new model when it comes time to renew.

Performance wise, I remember reading some reviews that said it will outbrake and out accelerate the X3. Handling I think went t the X.

[Typeslice]

Originally Posted by Gibson6594

For 2018, there is only one engine choice. A turbocharged 2.0 4 cylinder, and I must say, it pushes the Q5 along very nicely. In fact, the 2018 is completely new model. It's very nice in my opinion. Maybe take a look at the new model when it comes time to renew.

Performance wise, I remember reading some reviews that said it will outbrake and out accelerate the X3. Handling I think went t the X.

Interesting on the brake test - because they are honestly my biggest complaint on the Audi - but what do i know!

[Gibson6594]

Originally Posted by Typeslice

Interesting on the brake test - because they are honestly my biggest complaint on the Audi - but what do i know!

Take a look at the below article. It falls just barely short of the Macan S in braking. Also comes in second behind the Macan S in acceleration. Although the X3 isn't a part of the comparo for some reason.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...-driver-page-4

[Typeslice]

Originally Posted by Gibson6594

Take a look at the below article. It falls just barely short of the Macan S in braking. Also comes in second behind the Macan S in acceleration. Although the X3 isn't a part of the comparo for some reason.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...-driver-page-4

I wonder if they were updated on the 2018. Might just be the pedal feel in the 2017.

Yea - the way they describe the brake feel in the article does not describe my experience in the 2017 at all.

[Graves]

Nice SUV. My wife wants a Q7. Probably gonna grab one up before we leave Germany. They are super nice and the digital cockpit is on a whole other level. Enjoy it!

[p912guy]

Originally Posted by Gibson6594

For 2018, there is only one engine choice. A turbocharged 2.0 4 cylinder, and I must say, it pushes the Q5 along very nicely. In fact, the 2018 is completely new model. It's very nice in my opinion. Maybe take a look at the new model when it comes time to renew.

Performance wise, I remember reading some reviews that said it will outbrake and out accelerate the X3. Handling I think went t the X.

SQ5 actually gets you the V6. The SQ5 now has a V6 which is turbocharged as opposed to the V6 in the previous gen which was supercharged.

[spdandpwr]

Would be curious to know what you cross-shopped. I will say that the Q5 may have the better residuals / leases in that segment -- well, aside from the RDX. But who wants that car when you get the much better infotainment systems that Audi has (VC is teh beteststtest!!!)

[Gibson6594]

Originally Posted by spdandpwr

Would be curious to know what you cross-shopped. I will say that the Q5 may have the better residuals / leases in that segment -- well, aside from the RDX. But who wants that car when you get the much better infotainment systems that Audi has (VC is teh beteststtest!!!)

Cross shopped against the expected. The GLC, XC60, NX...slightly against the RDX, Velar, F-Type.

I wound up getting what I think is a solid deal, perhaps because they wanted to get rid of the 18s. I don't have residual and money factors in front of me, but the sale price was right at $45K. This is for a premium+ trim, with the cold weather, warm weather, navigation (VC), metallic paint, and 19 inch rims.

[paliknight]

Congrats man. Haven't had good experiences with audi before but I hope they changed.

[nicknaz]

You have to do what's right for your situation, so hats off to you OP.

Enjoy your new ride. It's a nice car built for a different purpose.

[JibSTir13]

Congrats on the new ride.

The Q5 is a top contender for my wife's replacement car.

[damnitBobby]

Originally Posted by Gibson6594

For 2018, there is only one engine choice. A turbocharged 2.0 4 cylinder...

They have a turbo V6 model that makes 354hp. It's called the SQ5. I know because I have one lol.

[rkyan661]

Hi,

If you don't mind me asking, which dealer did you go to and which sales advisor? I'm also interested in the same premium plus, with cold weather, navigation, 20inch wheels and B&O sound system. So did you end up purchasing/financing and is $45k including taxes?

I'm in NY as well.

Thanks,
Ray

Originally Posted by Gibson6594

Cross shopped against the expected. The GLC, XC60, NX...slightly against the RDX, Velar, F-Type.

I wound up getting what I think is a solid deal, perhaps because they wanted to get rid of the 18s. I don't have residual and money factors in front of me, but the sale price was right at $45K. This is for a premium+ trim, with the cold weather, warm weather, navigation (VC), metallic paint, and 19 inch rims.