[Stockwell]

I've been waiting for 2021 X3 update and so far nothing.. AUDI just released 2021 Q5, looks OK and they usually 5-10% cheaper. What do you guys think ?


https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a3...-sq5-revealed/

Video :

[stein_325i]

Not too many differences to my eyes, still a clean design if a bit forgettable, hopefully they improved the wheel choices though, the pre-refresh wheels all looked cheap in my opinion, and the fake exhaust at Audi look really stupid, not sure who they're trying to fool.

My biggest issue with any new Audi is the removal of the MMI control knob. Along with iDrive, the previous MMI was simply one of the best infotainment systems in the market, and as someone who isn't a fan of touchscreens I would go with a pre-refresh simply for the ease of use of the controller.

[hinckley]

I think the Audi update is nice, but not special. When I cross-shopped the SQ5 and the M40i, I found nothing about the Audi that I strongly preferred over the BMW, and many things about the M40i that I strongly preferred over the Audi. And the price was pretty much identical with slightly better incentives from BMW.

btw, if you're waiting for major updates for the X3/4, you've got another year to go. MY20 had an extraordinary amount of updates for a non-LCI, so I wouldn't expect much more until the real LCI is introduced as a MY22.

[Auricom]

Audi designs some cool lighting design these days but that's the extent of my compliment. Too bad it's a refresh, the dated interior is showing its age though the sport seats are quite nice.

ROFL at his reaction to the continued use of fake exhaust tips.

[chicagofan00]

Based on the following dates I'd say we won't see what the LCI changes are until next year.

EOP: G01 X3 - 10/24 (LCI SOP 07/21)

[leon360x]

That fake exhaust is really a deal-breaker, for me. Went to check the SQ5, after saw that rear bumper, so disappointed.

[Stockwell]

BMWBlog just posted some photo comparison between X3 and 2021 Q5..

Personally, I want to stay within BMW family. In considering I lease car on 4 year term for the last 20 years, and I don't want to sign up car which will be old model with 10months, I am sold for the Q5. I know 4 other family also on X1 or X3 leasing, and they all need to make a decision between now and Dec.

https://www.bmwblog.com/2020/06/29/p...i-q5-facelift/

[dmicah]

Originally Posted by Stockwell

IAUDI just released 2021 Q5, looks OK and they usually 5-10% cheaper. What do you guys think ?

I cross shopped these cars for 2020 (admittedly not the updated SQ5). I found that spec'ed similarly, the Audi MSRP was more expensive by a few percentage points. Other things that made me very very confident in the choice of the M40i:

• About 1 second faster to 60 in the M40i (this is a giant difference, IMO)
• Better fuel economy in the M40i
• More space in the M40i
• Better handling in the M40i
• Better reviews for the M40i

In favor of the Audi, I found the following

• I preferred the looks of the Audi (though I know most people here disagree). This is more true for me with the freshened looks, though I've come to love the M40i's aesthetic as well
• Audi digital dash miles better
• More/better colors available for the Audi

It was kind of a no contest for me to go for the M40i

[TX3M]

It's nice that the Audi comes with the black grille, front fender inserts and the color matched side view mirrors. BMW needs to catch up with the times and do black on all those things too (and NOT charge extra for that). The chrome and cerium trims they are still putting on most of their vehicles are so 2015.

[sbt007]

Interesting find in the official press release:
https://media.audiusa.com/en-us/releases/419

The SQ5 will have an option for ordering performance quad exhaust. Hope they are not planning to ask for money and provide a fake exhaust, so there is still hope.

The other item is that the 2020 SQ5 will have a 0.4 sec faster 0-60 time, likely using aggressive gear ratio. This could be another SQ5 complaint addressed.

Unfortunately they provided no SQ5 photos anywhere.

[blschaefer1]

We have both a 2020 X3 M40i (my car) and a 2020 Q5 (wife’s car).

My wife loves her Q5, and I get it. It has a more feminine look IMHO, and drives more like an appliance which is fine for her.

The fit/finish might be a tick better on the Q5, which I was a bit surprised by since the Q5 is made in Mexico, but everything else about the X3 is superior. Granted it’s not fair to compare the M40i to a base Q5 in terms on driving dynamics, but damn the Q5 is boring to drive. Numb steering, uninspiring engine, and the DCT is good but still but nervous at low speeds.

I find the utility of the X3 better too. The rear seats lay flatter making for a more useful cargo area. Outward visibility better in the X3. Slightly roomier inside overall. Center console storage better. Our Q5 has the standard fake leather interior and it’s just OK. My M40i has oyster vernasca and it clearly nicer.

Technology on X3 far superior too. It appears Audi is finally addressing this in 2021.

Oh, and every time I see that fake exhaust on the Q5 I scratch my head.....why?

Two cents from a guy that has both in the garage....

[dmicah]

Originally Posted by sbt007

Interesting find in the official press release:
https://media.audiusa.com/en-us/releases/419

The SQ5 will have an option for ordering performance quad exhaust. Hope they are not planning to ask for money and provide a fake exhaust, so there is still hope.

The other item is that the 2020 SQ5 will have a 0.4 sec faster 0-60 time, likely using aggressive gear ratio. This could be another SQ5 complaint addressed.

Unfortunately they provided no SQ5 photos anywhere.

WRT exhaust, it's kind of nice that it's a port installed option in that older SQ5ers might be able to fix that hideous fake exhaust.

I think you're right about the gears--how else would they achieve this without changing output? But that will have a fuel economy implication while still not catching the M40i or the GLC 43.

[scamit]

I cross shopped the Q5, GLC, GLB (for the heck of it) and the XC60. Interesting that you say the fit and finish is slightly better on the Q5, because i actually thought the X3 was clearly better. Wife and i were disappointed, because going into the comparison, really thought we would end up with the Q5.

In the end, decided between our top 2, XC60 and X3, went with the X3 for the better drive.

Originally Posted by blschaefer1

We have both a 2020 X3 M40i (my car) and a 2020 Q5 (wife’s car).

My wife loves her Q5, and I get it. It has a more feminine look IMHO, and drives more like an appliance which is fine for her.

The fit/finish might be a tick better on the Q5, which I was a bit surprised by since the Q5 is made in Mexico, but everything else about the X3 is superior. Granted it’s not fair to compare the M40i to a base Q5 in terms on driving dynamics, but damn the Q5 is boring to drive. Numb steering, uninspiring engine, and the DCT is good but still but nervous at low speeds.

I find the utility of the X3 better too. The rear seats lay flatter making for a more useful cargo area. Outward visibility better in the X3. Slightly roomier inside overall. Center console storage better. Our Q5 has the standard fake leather interior and it’s just OK. My M40i has oyster vernasca and it clearly nicer.

Technology on X3 far superior too. It appears Audi is finally addressing this in 2021.

Oh, and every time I see that fake exhaust on the Q5 I scratch my head.....why?

Two cents from a guy that has both in the garage....

[DocWho]

I have an X3 for several reasons. Buy what you like. If you don't like the Q5 turn it over in a few years and return to the light .

[jdub486]

X3 m40i received a light update in 2020. Updated b58, metal buttons, etc.
Update or not I imagine the x3 wins in handling and acceleration while the q5 wins in interior quality and ride quality.

[Jcbmally]

Originally Posted by Auricom

ROFL at his reaction to the continued use of fake exhaust tips.

I agree.

Soren Kierkegaard Quote
There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true.

THEY ARE FAKE.

[TX3M]

And the bass-mouth grille gets even bigger. What is it with all these manufacturers putting larger and uglier grilles on their vehicles?

[Tchgrif]

oled brake lights........and nothing else

[Alias1431]

Originally Posted by TX3M

And the bass-mouth grille gets even bigger. What is it with all these manufacturers putting larger and uglier grilles on their vehicles?

I've heard it's because the Chinese like large grills, and manufacturers are trying to gain market share in China.

[TX3M]

Originally Posted by Alias1431

I've heard it's because the Chinese like large grills, and manufacturers are trying to gain market share in China.

Not that I like it, but that's the first explanation I've heard that makes some sense.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by Alias1431

I've heard it's because the Chinese like large grills, and manufacturers are trying to gain market share in China.

Yep, its for the Chinese market and actually the NA market as well. That was at least BMW's excuse for the 7er LCI.

[HoustonEaDo]

They "fixed" the ugly fake exhaust on refreshed SQ5 - they are apparently still fake, but they look 100% better

https://www.autoblog.com/2020/07/07/...q5-spy-photos/