Come on, no comparison between these two. The SQ5 has a lot less rear legroom and rear cargo. You said the SQ5’s rear cargo is just as tall.. Yes I’ll give you that. We have practically that exact Q8; it’s giant! It dwarfs our GLC43 in the garage. The Q8 drives very quiet, comfortable and refined (we have the air suspension) where the SQ5 has more road and wind noise from the pillars with a less compliant suspension (after all its in a lesser class and platform). True there’s a sizable price gap, but here you get what you pay for. If you prefer the cheaper compact but sportier SQ5, do yourself a favor and test drive a GLC43; it’s fun, fast and sexy.
Agreed. The Q8 is a superior vehicle is every way except for driving dynamics. That's simply because the SQ5 is more nimble based on size. The Q8 is close to Q7 size and you do feel the difference between the two models in the video. I'd love to drive the GLC43. Another important aspect I've noticed between these models is the comfort with the seats. The Q8 seats are more plush compared to the SQ5 and even Q5 which definitely feel more sporty. There's a significant difference in seating comfort when you sit in the Audi 6 series and up, compared to the 3, 4, & 5.
You should drive the GLC43, it's fun, rowdy but also can be a comfortable cruiser/daily driver. With the standard air suspension and staggered wheels (tires 255/40-21; 285/35-21) it handles quite well, but surprisingly I find the seats are more comfortable than our Q8's (wish we had gotten the Q8 Luxury pkg seats), at least for my larger frame. Still, if you want a beautiful yet sporty mid-size premium SUV (don't need 3 rows) the rare Q8 is a top option. This is one SUV you and passengers can cruise long distances in style and comfort, loving every minute of it along the way. I can't wait until our next road trip!
I would take a sq5 any day over a base q8 no comparison. The sq5 with the air suspension rides better and is way more fun plus the sound of the engine and more power Napa leather seats carbon fiber trim.
Our Q8 has air suspension with rear wheel steering - guaranteed it rides better and has a more solid/stiff chassis. The SQ5 should be more fun to drive since it's a smaller vehicle and about a thousand pounds lighter (smaller vehicle segment), but then you don't get the acre of rear seat space w/ extra cargo volume and giant width across that the Q8 has, yet still look sporty and menacing as hell (unlike the Q7 or SQ5 for that matter). Did I mention the SQ5 looks frumpy? Sound of the engine? They both have the same 3.0L V6 turbo engine, so there's no difference in actual engine sound. Are you talking about exhaust sound? Well that's not what most drivers of the Q8 (like my wife) are interested in, however my personal daily driver, a 2020 GLC 43 AMG (direct competitor to the SQ5) has more hp and torque than the SQ5 (385/385), perhaps the best sounding factory sport exhaust (option) in the business, with all the growls, pops and bangs you'd find at a Le Mans race. It also has a nicer styled wrap-around interior with supple more comfortable nappa all leather seats front and back, lots of CF in the center console, better more customizable infotainment system (MBUX), AMG sport steering wheel with chunky real aluminum paddle shifters, better styled exterior with matrix headlights, AMG Panamera grille, staggered 21" wheels (F-255, R-285), etc, etc. Did I mention that the SQ5 is frumpy looking, especially from the rear, always has been? Also one that we test drove a couple years ago had an irritating air whistling sound coming from the B-pillar when going over 50 mph. Oh, the SQ5 is also made in Mexico. I like my Euro cars made in Europe; just me, nothing personal against Mexican manufacturing of course. ;)
Wow you really went all out haha. Anyways I think you understand what I meant, the sq5 is more for a driver enthusiast like me and you. I was not saying your q8 is not superior to an sq5 I said a base q8 without the air suspension is.
