Just picked up a 2019 SQ5! It’s a Premium Plus with a quantum grey exterior, quilted seats, and Audi puddle lights. I’m excited to dive into the Audi scene. Any tips for a newbie?
A stage 1 tune and some lowering springs will change your life. Congrats on the purchase, this platform is so much fun!
That’s what I’ve heard! What tuner did you go with? Most reputable for this platform is 034?
034 seems to be doing the most active development on the B9 cars. I run their tune in my car. Originally tried APR, which was great on other VAG products, but I wasn’t impressed. The factory tune for throttle response leaves a lot to be desired—after just the stage 1 tune it’s totally transformed. The Integrated Engineering polymer cold air intake is a bit pricey but adds a ton of drama to hard pulls. Totally worth it. 034 transmission insert also made a difference in the butt dyno department for hard shifts.
Did you buy the stage 2 transmission tune or just running the stage 1? Heard that makes a big difference as well.
Just stage 1 for now. I’ll end up doing a bigger turbo and intercooler sometime this winter. Check out the Need4built YouTube channel; David is the man and lives in my neighborhood. He works on my car, and his setup is the direction I’m (slowly) heading with my build.
Yeah, I love his channel! Lucky you! Thanks for the info.
Happy to help! Oh, and if you want more noise without adding drone or spending a bunch of money, cut the front two resonators out of the exhaust (closest to the engine) and keep the rest of the stock mufflers intact. Easily reversible and sound is significantly improved.
How’s the drive? I’m looking at just the Q5 if I can’t get my hands on the A5.
I’m coming from a 2015 S4 and this feels smoother and more comfortable in the ‘Comfort’ setting. Audi did a great job opening it up in the ‘Dynamic’ setting as well. This car has a good bit of power, though I’m not sure how that would translate to a Q5. I recommend test driving whatever car you consider, but I love this one.
Thanks! I’ll definitely be test driving the cars. I’ve only driven SUVs, so I feel like I’d be comfortable going into the Q5. The A5 looks mighty good, though; I fancy the look of it over anything.