[KO007]

My lease is coming up on my 21 Sq5 and was looking to get into a new X3M comp. Any advice? This will be my first BMW.

[thestimp]

order early so you get one!

[TaroBaapG35]

Take an extended test drive if you haven't already to confirm you'll be OK the stock suspension and tires (unless you plan to upgrade to MSS or Michelin tires).

[MontegoMarina]

I just did the same. Sold my ‘21 Ultra Blue SQ5/Sport Pack/Black Optics for a ‘23 Marina Bay Blue X3MC. Had a ‘15 Sepang Blue SQ5 before the ‘21. The SQ5 was peppy and fun - the X3MC is a completely different beast. It’s insanely quick and much twitchier and way more hard nosed than the SQ5 - feels like driving an actual sports car compared to the SQ5 (coming from a guy with a previous Dinan Stage 3 E92 335 and 964 911). The difference is night and day between the SQ5 and the X3MC…you will not be disappointed if you are looking for more go. That said, I get way more attention from Mustangs and Scat Packs in the X3MC…never once had one try to run me in the SQ5. Now I just gotta make it through the 1200 mile break-in before letting her rip.

[NLYFANSX3M]

I have both! SQ5 is slow but a way nicer ride for sure!

[Gfit]

Good move but if your lease is up soon it may not be easy. Plan on calling a lot of dealers until you find one with an actual allocation and not a promise of one. Even then, add 2-3 months until delivery.

[KO007]

Originally Posted by MontegoMarina

I just did the same. Sold my ‘21 Ultra Blue SQ5/Sport Pack/Black Optics for a ‘23 Marina Bay Blue X3MC. Had a ‘15 Sepang Blue SQ5 before the ‘21. The SQ5 was peppy and fun - the X3MC is a completely different beast. It’s insanely quick and much twitchier and way more hard nosed than the SQ5 - feels like driving an actual sports car compared to the SQ5 (coming from a guy with a previous Dinan Stage 3 E92 335 and 964 911). The difference is night and day between the SQ5 and the X3MC…you will not be disappointed if you are looking for more go. That said, I get way more attention from Mustangs and Scat Packs in the X3MC…never once had one try to run me in the SQ5. Now I just gotta make it through the 1200 mile break-in before letting her rip.

I like my SQ5 a lot but I’m looking for something with more power . How did you find the ride difference? I heard many people complain that it’s too harsh, I’m not too worried about it I’ve always had sports cars.

[-JLT-]

nice upgrade

[MontegoMarina]

Originally Posted by KO007

I like my SQ5 a lot but I’m looking for something with more power . How did you find the ride difference? I heard many people complain that it’s too harsh, I’m not too worried about it I’ve always had sports cars.

There is an appreciable difference in ride - the X3MC is much firmer and communicates everything in/on the road much more noticeably. I do not mind it at all and would not have made the switch if I was terribly concerned about missing the softer ride of the SQ5. If you are used to sports cars, I cannot imagine the X3MC will be too much for you.

[cnichols138]

As far as I know this is still available.

https://www.sewickleybmw.com/invento...13ec02p9r49955

Call and talk to Greg.

Location is Pittsburgh PA Area

[Offer50Fives]

I just was in an Uber that happened to be a newer SQ5. First and only time I’ve ever been in one. I love the looks of them but the x3m feels like a monster compared to it. (Yes I asked the driver to show it off a little bit) the ride is definitely smoother in the sq5 but I’ve never had anyone complain about the stiffer ride in the x3m and I don’t notice it driving every day

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

Originally Posted by NLYFANSX3M

I have both! SQ5 is slow but a way nicer ride for sure!

I would highly disagree with this "nicer ride" comment in every regard. A soft plusher ride doesn't mean anything to me & many others.

[1Volfan]

My wife has an SQ5 so I have a lot of back and forth between the two. X3M in comfort and efficiency modes is stiffer and sportier than SQ5 in dynamic and sport. From there the difference only grows when you move to sport and sport plus. BMW is more edgy and raw vs. Audi which is more refined let’s call it. Both great cars, but if looking for a little more oomph and tauter suspension, you’ll like the X3M.

[Canuck714]

As you can see from the comments, the ride is very personal/subjective as to what you might like and want from your vehicle.
Having driven the 20 SQ5 back to back with the 21 X3MC we purchased, I can tell you part of the reason we went with the X3MC was because of the firmer, more precise chassis/steering/ride.
Overall, I preferred the more performance directed BMW to the soft and plush SQ5, and the engine is absolute magic compared to the Audi.
Really comes down to what you want.

[KO007]

Well I decided to place an order for a 2023 X3M competition Brooklyn Grey!

[KsuMax]

I totaled my 20 SQ5 (got rear ended in stand still highway traffic) and replaced it with a 21 X3M. I liked the interior and finish of the Audi better but the X3M is way faster, sportier and sounds better. I do miss the turbo sound of the Audi though.

[x3mdustin]

apples and oranges here guys. the x3m is a proper exciting fast and furious vehicle...period....the sq5 is a much calmer vehicle to drive, more like a Camry compared to the x3m.....