2015 Audi SQ5 FIRST DRIVE REVIEW: This or a Porsche Macan?

MotoMan drives the 2015 Audi SQ5. Yes, he covers the usual tech specs and driving dynamics of this supercharged 354 HP small Audi SUV, however the discussion turns to another go fast truck built on the very same platform – the Porsche Macan – to which he ponders the question of priorities . . .

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[happyobryan]

I've owned an SQ5 for over a year now. I have the Monsoon gray metallic, with Black and red interior. Carbon fiber inlays. You cannot buy a Macan that looks this good! This car is very fast and handles great! If you need more performance, although I can't see how you would, maybe you're not looking for a crossover. If you have an extra $30, 000, maybe buy the Macan Turbo, but don't settle for the Macan S. You'll find yourself saying, "I should have gotten the SQ5!"

[manne]

Well - for starters it's missing one important thing = The Target group. You own a performance car (example a Audi S4) but need more space (or share car with wifie) yet keep the S performance, you get a SQ5 (Audi owners are extremely loyal to the brand). The Macan has a trunk that is smaller and also the sticker price is a huge difference - not sure how you can compare a $62, 000 car with a $75, 000+, it's more than 20% difference in price. Other mentions: The interior - the new Q5 coming out next year = interior upgrades, he should know that. Transmission - he should know that the reason for not gearing up in down hill is because the transmission is programmed to engine break in S mode unless you punch it more. The reviewer should know that this car was first built for the European market. Different suspension (lower) and a completely different engine set up. The US version is a bit of a compromise, which should clearly have been pointed out when talking about the suspension. But again - maybe this review was all just about the Macan vs SQ5. In that case I will say SQ5 due to utility, lower price and space.

[breakingcycles]

Both the SQ5 and Macan are very nice cars with great styling inside and out, as well as great performance. In the end, I'd rather have the SQ5 because I like the way it looks more. One thing that's for sure though, is that the VW family definitely produces amazing vehicles. You can't really lose with either one.

[danielmulcahy]

I own an sq5 (as well as other performance cars i.e. f80 m3, f10 550i, ). the sq5 is a fantastic car, and it is exceptionally quick. I strongly disagree about this guys thoughts on the transmission not feeling matched to the car. The transmission is one of the highlights, and was one of my first observations when I first drove the sq5. I've never had a single complaint about the car. It is extremely practical and would run a lot of sportier cars on the street.

[patrickgordon]

MotoManTV I had the opportunity to test drive a Macan S spec'd out the same as a $63000 SQ5, and the Macan S was $91000. The Macan S is slower, doesn't sound as good as the SQ5, and didn't even have a cigarette lighter (smoking package) to power my electronics. Are you kidding me? Needless to say I walked over to Audi and left with the SQ5. In the test drive with the Macan, I was so distracted with all the buttons on the center console, I really couldn't focus on the fun part, driving it, and my utter fear of accidentally pushing the "wrong button" while driving along. The Audi doesn't have the adjustable suspension in the US, so it cannot be adjusted in Drive Select. Great review!!

[EricMParkerson]

I'd prefer the Audi SQ5 because you can get a loaded one with all the options for the same price as a base Macan with a few options. It's how my parents go through life as well, get the best you can when you need to get something. In my opinion, I want my things top of the line. I don't like basics or missing features (those empty buttons on the dash).

[brendantremmel]

Audi SQ5 because of the looks, and Price

[gordgee]

The driving experience of the Macan is simply in a different league from that of the SQ5!  Handling and just about the most perfect gearbox you can imagine set the Macan apart from any SUV/Cross-over on the market.  The SQ5 has a bit more kick-in -the-butt acceleration than the Macan S, but the Macan feels more refined.  The classic Porsche lines are also very apparent in the Macan (unlike the Cayenne) and subjectively looks better than the dated Audi. And unlike what a previous poster mentioned, even without the ashtray (Smoker Package) there is a power outlet present in both the console and the center compartment and the Smoker Package is a no-cost option- one of the few things that Porsche doesn't charge anything for, unlike most of the competition!

[felixturbo]

@MotomanTV, all Audi A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q5, Q7 have longitudinal engines, so mostly all Audis have longitudinal engine layout. That is specific for Audi platforms. Only the A1, A2, A3, Q3 have transversely mounted engines, because they use VW platforms.

[Loachie]

I actually started out shopping for a 2015 Macan, but lost to competitive buyers. I didn't want to get a car without having leverage, but that's impossible with a used 2015 Macan S. they're rare finds in my area. With that said, there was only one certified SQ5 in the whole state as well. So I ultimately compromised on the SQ5, but I at least had bargaining power unlike the Macan. In the future, I'm still eyeing on getting a Macan S one day because that best reflects my priorities, as the host discussed in this video.

[autoexpert]

Here is the issue. Many responses, included MotoMan are hypothetical "if I was going to buy". Find out from those who did. It was a tough choice but for my $60 k I picked the Audi as it was more complete and optioned. Sure, I could have gotten a poorly optioned Macan with less cargo space, but then why not just buy a car? The point is, if you are requiring utility and family hauling there are sacrifices, and there is less sacrificed in the SQ5 than in the Macan. That is the decision when the rubber hits the road and you are actually spending the money, not just pretendinding as if you did.

[theJW]

The choice of the Macan vs the SQ5 is a tough one, but after going back and forth a bunch, I would take the Macan due to its much better driving dynamics.  The Porsche option game is aggravating, but I was also able to get a nicely optioned Macan S for about the same 62K MSRP.  I picked the Sport Chrono Package, Air Suspension, and Torque Vectoring.  Also Nav (over 3K), a Back-up Camera ($1460, just ridiculous for what should be standard), and lastly Bose audio and heated front seats.  Somehow, I have a feeling the Macan would be more expensive to maintain and repair, but it would hopefully be worth it for the driving experience.

[Masemoto]

Looks: SQ5 > Macan
Performance: SQ5 < Macan
Price: SQ5 > Macan
 
Would I rather have a nicely optioned SQ5 or a base Macan? I love my SQ5.

[davidmwalraedrealtorreales]

SQ5 I am an Audi Guy Love the SQ5 Blk or Monsoon Grey Pearl with Lunar Silver is so nice 21" always I bought Blk with Drk Grey full leather seats and 21" Had S5 will always miss that car with the 3.2 Monsoon Grey Pearl with RS8 19"wheels and lunar seats.

[VictorPitstop]

Honestly, for the price point and performance? The SQ5. A Macan S if money was no option. Granted, the difference between the two is about 20k. Understand that, Motoman. This all seems like a huge Bash-Fest for the SQ5 from what I gathered from the video. *We get it, you don't like it*. Look at the cost to own over time and also going back to the 20k difference for the Macan S over the SQ5, you could go through a little company called APR and get your SQ5 running a 12.7 in the quarter mile (2-tenths a second faster then the Macan S) for a much smaller price-point then 20k. It's all obviously preference.

[vietnam]

which one is cheaper on mantenance? that's the question, and reliability

[Jonny_O]

Which one to choose will depend on your background. Anyone who would buy a Macan over an SQ5 solely for the driving dynamics needs to question why they are driving an SUV in the first place. After testing both the SQ5 and the Macan Turbo, I came away with the realization that neither gave me the grin-inducing visceral experience that my seven-year-old Z4M was still giving me. Their ability to defy physics and drive better than they have any legitimate right to is amazing, and the engineers who worked that magic should be commended. But it still isn't the full monty, and it likely never will be.

I went with the SQ5 because it did what I needed: utility with speed.  The money I saved over the Macan Turbo will go towards a grin-inducing fun machine to be named later (and perhaps some performance upgrades). I also have to admit that I have a bit of old-school Porsche blood in me: any model with more than two doors has too many, and I tend to hold their SUV owners in the same regard that die-hard fans of a sports team have for the fare-weathered.

[johnkeating]

I would choose the Macan Turbo but at the price of the Turbo I would choose the SQ5. Adding most options the Audi maxes out around $65, 000 and the Porshe maxes out above $80000! When I get my Audi (ordered) I will comment on my impressions. Great reviews and video's. Thanks.

[TrevCCook]

If the Macan is a sports car with utility and the SQ5 is a utility car with speed and performance, then VAG did a bang up job of not diluting either brand while sharing the platform.

[brucec]

The problem with the Macan is the cargo space is getting to the point where it's so small that you realize you're paying $10K extra to have a jacked up hatchback, rather than a real utility vehicle. Of course most of these things are jacked up hatches and wagons, but it just screams it to you. And it can't really out handle a good sportwagen. Or at least it won't feel as satisfying.