I like them both; in fact I arrived at the Macan after nearly buying an SQ5 first. It really depends on what your priorities are, and how hard you generally drive the car.

I agree with just about everything the previous posts said except:

I'm under the impression there's more aftermarket mods available for the Macan, but I could be wrong.

I know I'm going to get flamed for this, but I don't think there's a big difference in the transmissions until you push the cars very hard, and I don't think there's a huge difference in the handling until you push the cars very hard, too. But the harder you push, the more the difference is apparent. But I don't generally drive my Macan that hard. If I'm in the mood to play Rodney Racecar Driver, I have two sports cars to choose from.

I actually like the interiors equally, especially when the SQ5's optional upgraded leather is considered.

I prefer the "right now" acceleration of the supercharged engine in the pre 2018 SQ5 versus the Macan's turbo lag.

I prefer a car with more power. If the GTS and Turbo had not been available, I probably would have went with the SQ5. I now have 4 friends that own S's, and I've driven each of their cars relatively recently, and would have never been satisfied with the lack of low end torque. But that's just me, and 3 of the 4 seem very happy...the 4th is actively looking to trade up to a Turbo after driving mine. We all have our individual priorities.

 

How come you don't drive your turbo hard?

I have made my S tail happy a few times and become dissatisfied with it. Now I am looking for a true sports car.

 

I generally don't drive any of my vehicles hard. The vast majority of the time traffic conditions just won't allow it.

Of course I'd be lying if I said I never have some fun with the Macan

 

Macan engine is a short stroke engine, the SQ5 is a long stroke, which doesn't rev as high and has less low end torque. The Macan has a twin turbo but one is already pre-spooled to reduce lag, the SQ5 is supercharged which normally would have a quicker response, but the engine alone is a good reason why the Macan is more agile and quicker to respond. Suspension systems are very different and so is the PDK transmission on the Porsche. It also has the Carrera 4S rear wheel bias drive which is more like a motorsport car. The SQ5 is all time all wheel drive. The SQ5 is a cruiser with some nice performance specs but the Macan in every day situations will be quicker and more agile. I've tried both and most that have will also agree. The SQ5 is a fine car but the Macan is closer to a motorsport car.

And believe me when I say this. In those situations when you need it, motorsport technology pays back in volumes. Especially when it gets you out of situations quickly and everything is in your rear view mirror. Buy the Macan!

But you have to remember you are in a Macan forum

 

Macan engine is a short stroke engine, the SQ5 is a long stroke, which doesn't rev as high and has less low end torque. The Macan has a twin turbo but one is already pre-spooled to reduce lag, the SQ5 is supercharged which normally would have a quicker response, but the engine alone is a good reason why the Macan is more agile and quicker to respond. Suspension systems are very different and so is the PDK transmission on the Porsche. It also has the Carrera 4S rear wheel bias drive which is more like a motorsport car. The SQ5 is all time all wheel drive. The SQ5 is a cruiser with some nice performance specs but the Macan in every day situations will be quicker and more agile. I've tried both and most that have will also agree. The SQ5 is a fine car but the Macan is closer to a motorsport car.

I do agree that the SQ5 is more tilted toward being a powerful cruiser, and that the Macan is overall the sportier drive, but I absolutely have to disagree that the S engine responds more quickly. The supercharging with the pre-2018 SQ5 engine is the noticeable difference, and clearly provides for more immediacy when you press the gas pedal. The S engine does not have a huge problem with turbo lag, and you may not even notice it until you drive it back to back against the SQ5, and then it becomes more obvious. Several professional reviewers have mentioned the turbo lag, too. I can't tell you how many times I drove these two cars back to back when I was shopping.

You mentioned that a long stroke engine does not provide low end torque. I assume you do realize that the essential difference between the S/GTS engine and the turbo engine is that the turbo engine is stroked. I have long been under the impression that a longer stroke engine, everything else being equal, will provide more low end torque. Am I under the wrong impression?

I assumed that's why the low end torque is so noticeable on the turbo versus the other Macan models. Would you consider the turbo engine to be a short stroke engine or a long stroke engine?

I have also long thought that the Honda S2000 engine is perhaps the best known example of a short stroke engine… High revving, producing lots of horsepower relative to the engine size when revved, but a conspicuous absence of torque because of the short stroke design.

 

SQ5 - nice Audi, drives well and looks ok

Macan - good Porsche, drives great and looks awesome

Simple and superfitious for me.


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And superficial and vane too


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Because it's better.

 

To put it in a nutshell.

 

Hey .. does anyone on the thread remember me ? Yep --I am the original poster with an update .. LOL .

As you know my first post discussed a friend of mine who ordered an Sq5 and had debated the Macan .

After months of waiting and getting closer to the arrival of the Sq5 he retested the Macan cars . He decided he needed more rear space than a CUV .

So he then drove the Cayenne but could not justify the 25K price difference over the VW Touareg Executive which he also drove . The car had all the luxury amenities he wanted , VW gave a sizeable discount , his wife liked the understated appearance to share it .. and thus for a nice price (low 60's MSRP negotiated down to 53K out the door) it will be his daily driver next to his 17 C4S manual. He bought the VW.

He's happy .He cancelled the Sq5 order .

 

Its no contest.

Just compare the internals!

Where would you rather be?

 

Touareg 'innards' from the same parts bin as its cousins the Q7 and Cayenne.


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Two years ago, my wife and I were ready to trade our BMW X3. I had an S5, which I had to give up when we had to go down to 1 garage. I needed the CUV interior space, wanted some performance, so I set up a back-to-back test drive with the SQ5 and the Macan S. The SQ5 felt faster in the straightaway, but bigger and heavier in the corners. The Macan felt much more lively. My wife agreed and wanted nothing to do with the SQ5. Getting the Macan Turbo gave me everything I could want in a 4 door. Both were better than the 2012 X3 3.5 we were trading, IMO.

 

Drove Q5 as well as X3 this weekend. Neither of these come even close to Macan. Be it interior or driving... there is no comparison. New Q5 dashboard is so cheap looking...

 

I test drove a Q5 Prestige yesterday. Pretty impressive for the money, although I'm on the fence regarding the exterior redesign.

As Macanuck noted, very apparent handling improvements over the old Q5. You can push it REALLY hard and still see almost no body roll. But still definitely less steering feedback versus the Macan, and it understeers earlier than the Macan does. No question the Macan handles better, but I'll bet there's a lot of non-enthusiasts who would say the cars drive pretty similarly.

I do like the Macan interior more, but I have no issue with the Q5 interior at all. I've long been a fan of Audi interiors. I especially like the Virtual Cockpit and HUD.

Too bad there's no new '18 SQ5's at the dealers yet to compare to the Macan yet. No doubt I would choose the Macan again, but I firmly believe that more competition will force Porsche to make the Macan even better, thereby benefiting all of us.

 

I am or was the owner of the Q5 S-Line, just sold it and had been saving for the 2018 Q5 for some time. Once I got to read and see the first takes on the new design etc .. Knowing the Dash was the same as the new A4s / That is when I started looking elsewhere as I too did not like the - what appeared to be a aftermarket screen in full view on the center of the dash.

The price of the new Base line Macan attracted my attention but soon found out it was a trap once I started the build. Before I was done I had a 80K car. I have been on the wait train since Feb 14 with delivery date of May 31 until the recall took place, that is?.
Because of our forum input I am so glad it all fell into place and can’t wait to get my hands on my Macan S . Will not miss my beloved Q5 . So thanks to all contributors on this forum for the help and confidence in my decision and build !!

 

I have compared a '17 SQ5 to a '17 Macan S and while I was super impressed with the Audi, I thought the Macan had it beat. One of the most significant interior differences was the comfort of the seat! The Macan had 14 way seats. As a middle aged man, I find that my current X5 seats are not that comfortable after an hour or so. I am planning to try the '18 SQ5 as soon as my dealer has one and want to do a same day test drive of both the SQ5 and Macan. Does anyone know if Audi improved the seats in the SQ5? I figured they would be similar to the Porsche, but they weren't by a long shot.

 

I am a former SQ5 owner, and I thought the seats were terrific, although not a sporty as the 18 way Macan seats. Based on my test drive, I thought the seats in the 2018 SQ5 remain similar to the older ones, which I think is a good thing.

As for your X5, obviously you did not have the optional BMW 20 way comfort seats. Nothing that Audi or Porsche make come close to these, although the Porsche 18 way seats do provide more lateral support for aggressive driving.

 

A couple of years ago I was in the market for a new SUV and looked at the Macan and the Audi. I ended up choosing the Audi over the Macan because at the time I didn't think the Macan was worth the price premium over the Audi (and at time I honestly preferred the exterior styling of the Audi over the Macan). I loved the Audi (for the most part). However, the paint and interior leather did not hold up as I felt it should. In my opinion, the quality of material used is below par for the brand. I had paint flaking off the front license plate holder (had three replaced in a year). After washing the car water would trickle out from the trim pieces several times requiring me to retreat certain areas to prevent water spots. The interior leather started showing wear within 3 months of ownership despite treatment with Audi branded leather conditioner and cleaner. I have never had more trouble keeping a car in "fresh" condition than I did with my Audi Q5 TDI. I loved driving it. It was sporty for a small SUV and fun to drive. But maintaining the appearance was a nightmare. I looked at a 2013 Audi before I purchased new and it showed signs of wear on the leather and that should have been a warning sign. I raised the issue with the dealer and they assured me Audi was using better materials in the newer models. Yeah right.

Anyway, I really did like my Audi, but unless and until they improve the quality of materials used I will never own another one. I have looked at several used Porsches and the paint and leather all seem to hold up well over time.

Just my personal experience with Audi vs. Porsche. I'm looking forward to my Macan GTS that should be delivered in just over a month!

John

 

I would also add that out of all of them, I like the look of the Porsche 18 way seats the best.

 

As I'm mentioned a couple of days ago, today I bough an new 2018 Audi Q5 (not SQ5) for my wife. The overall impression is that it is a very nice vehicle. I still prefer the Macan, BUT the $900 B&O upgraded stereo blows the Macan's Bose out of the water. It is absolutely incredible. It made me feel like I had an old AM radio on my GTS...

Why do we have to pay over $4K to have a decent stereo in the Macan? It's not like they didn't have the better stereo already "in the family".

Anyway, nice to see some competition.

Here it is the new Q5 sharing the garage with my GTS.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

As I'm mentioned a couple of days ago, today I bough an new 2018 Audi Q5 (not SQ5) for my wife. The overall impression is that it is a very nice vehicle. I still prefer the Macan, BUT the $900 B&O upgraded stereo blows the Macan's Bose out of the water. It is absolutely incredible. It made me feel like I had an old AM radio on my GTS...

Why do we have to pay over $4K to have a decent stereo in the Macan? It's not like they didn't have the better stereo already "in the family".

Anyway, nice to see some competition.

Here it is the new Q5 sharing the garage with my GTS.

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Sounds nice...and I agree about the stereo.
BUT...the stance of your GTS in that pic is really highlighted and is just so much nicer!

 

Sat in a new Q5. Surprised at how bad it looked in person. I expected better based on pictures. Just a little basic and generic. No match for the Macan. Macan is the one SUV that evades a utilitarian look, which is hard to compete with by cars like a Q5 that look utilitarian in comparison.

Fake exhausts are a JOKE. Bring the car down greatly to my eyes. Like the new R8 which is a $200+K car with fake plastic vents. Ruins the entire dignity of the car to me. People made fun of $17K Mustang’s in the 90’s for having the exact same closed-up fake honeycomb grills.

Interior was even more surprising. Lots of cheap plastics. The door grab is one of the cheapest door grabs I’ve ever felt. It’s so hard and thin and flat that it was already getting discolored. The B Pillar shape looks identical to the Macan’s. The screen isn’t THAT impressive. People make such a big deal about screens, it’s just not such a big deal to me. Maps view wasn’t all that crisp (though again, who cares) and looks kinda 80’s, and the UI not much superior to my Audi-imitation Mazda. And the popup screen (exactly like my Mazda) looks so cheap and ill fit. Not elegant at all and is already such a dated looking fad imo. It’ll age horribly.

Big props to Audi for following Porsche’s lead and not forcing a sunroof on us. Headroom is excellent as on the Macan.

The speedo LCD is more crisp than the cheap appearing center screen. But still, nothing near the style and elegance of a classy mechanical looking live tach. That too will date the car terribly when said LCD display which is the focal point of your eyes looks pixelated and like a 2017 gimmick. I look at screens all day, and being a rare breed who views cars as pieces of art for enjoyment, screen and graphical abundance in cars also just looks utilitarian to me. Like there’s no “break” from the #ScreenLife. Meanwhile, the Macan’s classic Porsche tach will age like a timeless quality watch (as it already has).

Sat in a new A5 Sportback too. Didn’t love it like I thought I would. Embarrassingly bad headroom. The front is a lot softer and more bland than I’d like. Interior is ok. Don’t like the Q7 style fake AC vents making the whole lower dash look like one long A/C vent (who ever thought “Hey, you know what’s sexy? A/C vents! Let’s make the whole dash look like a giant black plastic open A/C vent.” Same deal as the Q5 with the screens. The window line looks exactly like a Chevy Impala. Overall, not so impressed. I like the Coupe WAY more.

Will probably drive them soon.

 

My wife has a 2016 SQ5, fantastic car. The 2018 model is without a doubt the ugliest Audi ever made. The dealership gave us a loaded one for the weekend, my wife drove it for an afternoon and wanted to take it back. I have stated this on the Audi forums I frequent and pretty much everyone agrees it's an ugly car. A major step backwards for Audi. I looked at it for an hour in my driveway and cannot figure out how this car was approved.

 

I have stated this on the Audi forums I frequent and pretty much everyone agrees it's an ugly car.

I don’t understand this comment. Yes, there are plenty of people on the Audi forums that have been very vocal that they don’t like the look of the new car. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But have you noticed how many people on those same forums now own one? And have you noticed the sales figures for the new car? That pretty much speaks for itself.

I don’t like the fake exhaust either, but other than that I have no issues with the exterior design at all. And I like the flexibility of the digital instrument panel a lot.

Of course the interior is not nearly as nice as the Macan. Who would ever expect it to be? Look at the apples to apples difference in price, and it’s pretty easy to see where Porsche spent much of the money. I don’t have any significant issues with any interior design features, other than that I have a very strong preference for the Macan steering wheel.

Of course the Macan is a nicer car, but let’s not forget the substantial difference in price for apples to apples equipment. If I was forced to spend less money, I would not exactly be unhappy with the new SQ5.

 

So my wife hurt her knee and couldn't drive her S5 manual anymore . So I'm getting a hand me down S5 and naturally we go to the Audi store to look for a car . I'm hoping for a RS 3 but thats a no go - too small for Mrs.
Drove a few cars and end up in a SQ5 I'm in the back seat don't care to drive it cause its not for me.

Next day (Saturday) we decide to drive a Macan because my wife likes the look of the neighbors. For myself (this is August) I'm coming off my first Porsche track day and almost first Porsche drive in Cayman ,911 (so impressed).

Drove a base Macan, again I sat in back and to be honest it felt like a econobox. Then we got in the GTS , my wife who can drive was giddy, loved the sound. Then I drove with a non nervous SA who let me wring it out a bit too, wow . Priced out a new GTS then back to the Audi store for me to drive the SQ5 .

There is no comparing the GTS to the SQ5 its not a fair fight. The GTS feels like a Cayman , Sport Plus turns the GTS into a demon,the interior is very nice and I wanted simplicity(i'm old I want buttons). Sure you feel the bulk but compared to the SQ5 the GTS feels very flingable, and is confidence inspiring.

The SQ5 interior was not as nice as the GTS ,and the Audi store (which was packed ) was pushing driver aids and the big screen made me feel like I should be programming something . There are several older Q5 and SQ5 in my hood they are pretty- the new SQ% not so much .

We did try to deal on a SQ5, SA , manager, the whole drill .Finally the manager looks at me and says its not about the money is it ? I said no and we left .

But it is about the money to a degree the SQ5 was $18,000 less than the GTS . But my wife said she was glad we got something we would both enjoy . I'm hoping the GTS will be so enjoyable the price and costs will fade to the background.
If I had never driven a Porsche then I wouldn't know . But now I know.

Delivery is expected 2nd week of December .

 

You just ordered yesterday and your delivery is on the 2nd?!?! Wow! Did you land one that is en route that fit your configuration or something?

I agree with your sentiments.

I got a good price for my GTI and test drive a 2015 SQ5, a 2018 SQ5 and a 2018 GTS. The 2015 SQ5 looks nice, almost identical inside as our 2014 RS5, and rode pretty well, but the very large side mirrors kind of reduced visibility making it more truck like. The high riding steal springs would have to go as well. The 2018 SQ5 rode MUCH better with the air suspension. Very good power delivery but not awesome. Lots of tech in the interior but I just didn't care for that too much. It's like they filled it with tech and then didn't bother with touch and feel of materials thinking that we would just be distracted by the tech. I sat in one without the virtual cockpit and liked that better but the small tacked on center screen looked bad. It was supposed to be retractable but new US federal regs requires back up camera to come on instantly when transmission goes into reverse so having a motorized screen no longer abides. Love that the B&O audio is a relatively low cost option and Android Auto/CarPlay is standard. But it felt like a juiced up soccer mom mobile. It just drove big.

Then test drive the Macan GTS. Total worlds apart in terms of motoring feel. It's is really about the PDK. Both cars have similar engine outputs but the PDK makes a world of difference. It drove small like a hot hatch. Porsche defies physics with it's suspension sorcery. Cabin didn't feel cramped but was obviously designed for the driver in mind. Interior material fit and finish is also top notch. Just feel around the door cards and the difference is obvious. It's like how Audi used to care about tactile feel before spending all time and effort on infotainment tech. Sucks that Android Auto is not yet available and even CarPlay has to be optioned but that is the stark difference between Porsche and Audi. Porsche tech is focused on the drive. Audi tech is now focused on the convenience.

Now is the Macan GTS worth ~$20K more? It is to me since I keep my cars 6-10 years and the Porsche is designed more around my priorities. About $10K of that difference is probably in the name alone but the 7 speed PDK alone versus the 8 speed auto really sealed the deal. PASM is just gravy. If I were to lease or own shorter term, can't fault anyone for choosing the SQ5. It's a great value proposition. But the Macan is just a lot more emotional.

 

The GTS feels like a Cayman???

I?m comfortable saying the vast majority of forum members love their Macans, but I would also say most of us know the that the biggest component the Macan has in common with the Cayman is probably the PCM.

But if you really think that, don?t let anyone here burst your bubble and I hope you totally enjoy your GTS.

 

It’s not a Cayman but it sure is a blast to drive and puts a similar smile on your face.

 

Having gone from an sq5 to now a 2018 GTS for like you said a 20,000 dollar difference. All I can say is everyday that I Drive my GTS I don't think about the price difference. The GTS is amazingly fun to drive. Enjoy!

 

rasetsu

GTS was ordered August 14 , dealer had just received more allotment(2) . So plenty long to wait. It's on the Baltimore Highway now soon to dock in Halifax.