[windblow]

Interesting that you say that, as the GTS's I test drove wanted to hold to redline before shifting while in Sport Plus. Does it vary depending on whether you really have your foot in it or not?

It does, but shifting changes with selected modes. It's a bit counter intuitive, but I have the Cobb with 93 map (the shifting strategy doesn't change but power delivery has been extensively remapped), so it might not be the same in feel and response. In normal mode, shifts happen so fast you always stay in low rpm, and if you're in high gear, it's slow to down-shift - I hate that. In sport mode, the response is very dependent on right foot - gear would hold longer and in higher rpm (4500 + rpm) I paddle up-shift sometime when that happens. In sport + mode, the response is lightning quick either in manual or auto mode, but if I leave it in auto, it's ready to shift to the next gear at ~4200 rpm with my back to the seat and foot at the gas. I would expect that sport + would hold gear longer and at higher rpm based on sport mode response, but it doesn't. I'm at 11 months and 7500 miles now.

 

[rhoyle]

Note # 1 (intuitive) - I don't remember a time when I've left the GTS in normal mode. It's get in, start car, hit sport button, go.

Again, much better execution by Audi. You could get in. Select Drive. Pull gearshift down. No need to push a button or look for anything.

Additionally, you could just put the transmission in "Auto" mode in the settings; it's pretty smart at determining what you want it to do and when.

 

[bob m]

Anyone else notice that ACC is not available on the 2018 Q5/SQ5? (at least in the U.S.) It was available before. Wonder what's up with that? I saw some earlier marketing material that said it was available, but I don't see it in the 2018 Dealer Ordering Guide nor configurator.

Good question and I am equally surprised that they would not have ACC available - at least in the higher trim levels. Having ACC in my 2017 Allroad, I would never get a car without it.

 

[bob m]

Would never own an Audi except maybe an R8. Their quality of service is terrible and the quality of car isn't subpar. Friend bought a brand new A5 that was immediately in the shop for a month with mechanical issues. They gave him a KIA loaner as they ran out of loaners. What type of luxury bran car puts car owners in the cheapest rental cars during warranty repairs? Infiniti put me into a Mercedes C class when they ran out of loaners.

While I can understand that you would prefer Porches over Audi's - given the choice, most people would also, I would disagree about the quality of the line. Audi has slowly but surely, risen to the top in the reliability ratings. Of course there will be the particular, individual examples of cars falling far from the reliability umbrella, but we see it here also on the Macan forum. Regarding the quality of service, having only owned one Porsche - Macan S, the Porsche service experience is white glove, but that is to be expected at this level of car. But I think that is also a brand (price point thing). Example - and I'm using the same dealership as an example - Paul Miller, NJ. Going to the showroom in each, my wife's Subaru - offers coffee, My Audi's - offer bottles water, coffee and some morning pastries - get there in the afternoon, pastries gone. Porsche - a coffee machine that brews any type of coffee you want and fresh bagels all day long. Of course food amenities are not the most important determinant of dealership quality but does illustrate that the higher up in brand, the more is expected and offered.
I also think it is a dealership by dealership thing, as well as availability - for my wife's 2016 Outback we were offered what they had on hand - which was in all cases a 2016 Subaru, each one several notches up from her Outback. For my Audi loaners - going back to 2008, never anything but an Audi.

 

[bob m]

Note #
Tonight, coming back from D.C. to WV in the rain, an A5 and an Infiniti Coupe tried to keep up with me after I had passed. The A5 tried to passed me after it had caught up, but I-68 through the WV mountains proved too challenging in the rain - it dully moved back and shortly there after disappeared from my rear view mirror. The GTS is just awesome and so stable that you don't really know you've hit triple digits speed through curves.

While I would bet your GTS could overtake those other 2 cars, I'm also willing to bet that:
1. You may be the better driver.
2. Given the road conditions, they may have reached their comfort zone and decided to pull back.
3. Had passengers/kids on board and reached their comfort zone and decided to pull back.
4. Don't want to risk a huge/heavy ticket or license suspension.

But speaking for myself - and only myself, in my more recent years have become a way more conservative driver, some would call me "and old man driver"- that's ok. But while I can admire someone having the love for and driving skills to enjoy high speed driving, going 100+ mph - especially in rainy conditions on a public road is a little dicey as well as posing a risk to other drivers, even though I suspect there might not have been many other drivers out there while you whizzed by.

 

[Shark]

Good question and I am equally surprised that they would not have ACC available - at least in the higher trim levels. Having ACC in my 2017 Allroad, I would never get a car without it.

perhaps they are working on implementing the higher-level ACC with traffic jam assist? But meanwhile you would think they would at least offer the same ACC they offered in 2017 on the Q5. Really strange. I have to imagine that every competitor now offers ACC. No doubt they are risking losing some sales by not offering it… Yourself being one example ( if you were interested )

 

[bob m]

perhaps they are working on implementing the higher-level ACC with traffic jam assist? But meanwhile you would think they would at least offer the same ACC they offered in 2017 on the Q5. Really strange. I have to imagine that every competitor now offers ACC. No doubt they are risking losing some sales by not offering it… Yourself being one example ( if you were interested )

Agree 100%, like what is Audi thinking here and I'm betting ACC - or something similar may become a mandatory item on all cars in a few years, or at least so in demand that, as you say people will simply not consider getting a car that does not have that feature. BTW, it make driving in all but a few specific conditions a way more relaxed and safer way to drive.

 

[windblow]

Again, much better execution by Audi. You could get in. Select Drive. Pull gearshift down. No need to push a button or look for anything.

Additionally, you could just put the transmission in "Auto" mode in the settings; it's pretty smart at determining what you want it to do and when.

This is why I went from Audi to Porsche:laugh:. The effort to push the sport button is so much more rewarding. Driving Audi is like driving a Porsche in normal mode all the time, with numb steering and all.

 

[bob m]

perhaps they are working on implementing the higher-level ACC with traffic jam assist? But meanwhile you would think they would at least offer the same ACC they offered in 2017 on the Q5. Really strange. I have to imagine that every competitor now offers ACC. No doubt they are risking losing some sales by not offering it… Yourself being one example ( if you were interested )

Just asked an Audi dealer - the ACC for the Q5 will be available for ordering around August. Huh? Makes no sense to me, but that's the answer.

 

[windblow]

While I would bet your GTS could overtake those other 2 cars, I'm also willing to bet that:
1. You may be the better driver.
2. Given the road conditions, they may have reached their comfort zone and decided to pull back.
3. Had passengers/kids on board and reached their comfort zone and decided to pull back.
4. Don't want to risk a huge/heavy ticket or license suspension.

But speaking for myself - and only myself, in my more recent years have become a way more conservative driver, some would call me "and old man driver"- that's ok. But while I can admire someone having the love for and driving skills to enjoy high speed driving, going 100+ mph - especially in rainy conditions on a public road is a little dicey as well as posing a risk to other drivers, even though I suspect there might not have been many other drivers out there while you whizzed by.

Meant to say the GTS hit triple digits effortlessly, not promoting you drive 100+ mph in the rain.

 

[adrr]

The policy on this varies substantially by dealer, and of course availability. Has nothing to do with the factory/brand. For example take a look at the the Porsche Service Loaner Thread here on the forum and you will see lots of Macan owners who were very happy with their loaner cars and plenty that were not, too. And at least one of us was completely refused a loaner altogether because of who his insurance company was.

The way my Infiniti dealer explain it to me is that for all warranty work. Infiniti covers the cost of a loaner. If the dealer is out of cars they just apply reimbursement to a luxury rental car. This part of the Infiniti experience. Porsche just recently started reimbursing dealers for loaner cars for non warranty service. Its all about the brand and quality of customer service.

 

[Shark]

The way my Infiniti dealer explain it to me is that for all warranty work. Infiniti covers the cost of a loaner. If the dealer is out of cars they just apply reimbursement to a luxury rental car. This part of the Infiniti experience. Porsche just recently started reimbursing dealers for loaner cars for non warranty service. Its all about the brand and quality of customer service.

Can't say I'm knowledgeable about Infiniti, but coincidentally I went to lunch today with a co-worker who was having his Q70 serviced, and the dealer had given him a nicely loaded Maxima as a loaner. Not sure whether or not a Maxima is considered a luxury car, but I thought it was reasonable.

 

[diegouruguay]

The main difference between Q5 and Macan is the transmition as said. Now the Q5 2.0T will come with S-Tronic (dual clutch) similar to PDK while SQ5 will have Tiptronic 8 sp (ZF), so this difference will only apply for this model. The chassi will be another difference, Q5 will have the "new" one meanwhile Macan will remain with the actual.
Inside the car there will be also many differences between the two "cousin" SUV as the Q5 will have a new approach with the virtual cockpit and the shifter will be electronic. What I found awfull in the Q5 and SQ5 are the absense of the exhaust in the rear, you dont have even fakes ones, just some "drawings" on the rear fender which they dare to call "double exhaust" or "two double exhaust", sorry, but why the industry is doing this? Hope Porsche never does this, for the sake of reality and truth !! Regards from Uruguay !!

 

[ajee622]

Macan S or Audi SQ5? why'd you choose the Macan?

I'm sure everyone here asked themselves the same question before purchase. Just to set it up i'm comparing 2014 Audi sq5 or 2015 Macan S. I've read a few reviews, but want to hear from owners. here's a break down of the research I did. Also in my research I noticed a few with the carbon fiber package and steering wheel. How rare is this? I don't think the SQ5 actually has this as an option from the factory and I can't see myself spending $1500 on a steering wheel so I might lean towards the Macan.

Audi SQ5: Pro: Price, better bang for the buck. Aftermarket modification support, in my research it looks like there is more overall support and I will be modding once warranty expires. I could be wrong on that one though. Space past 2nd row, reviews said a little more space. Quattro- not sure how good Porsche AWD compares so bash me if you want on that.

Macan S: Pro: Prestige, even though IMO if you took the badges off no one would know it's a porsche, the prestige of actually owning one. PDK, I drove the Macan S and I liked the way it shifted. Interior, i know some reviews bashed the Macan for having too many buttons, but i kind of liked it. I also liked the leather and steering wheel. Handling, from what i read the Macan S is shorter and sits lower.

I'm not going to put any CON's for the simple fact that I think either way I choose it's a WIN, WIN. I'm coming from a E93 M3 and never driven the SQ5. Plan on taking a test drive this weekend.

Maintenance: I'm assuming that both will be comparable to in maintenance costs, with maybe the Porsche being slightly more. I'm not using the dealer and would most likely take it to a local German very reputable shop.

I've owned a b5 s4 and miss the twin turbo feeling, but I've never owned a supercharged vehicle and based off some modification #'s it looks like a can get the SQ5 up to 450hp vs. the Macan S to 400hp or there abouts.

Also forgot to mention, that looks are subjective. I like the way they both look, but if i got the SQ5 I'd want to get that black grill vs. the Macan i'd leave the way it is.

Anything I'm missing guys???

 

[santastico]

Back in 2015 I was ready to buy a SQ5 but then I was introduced to the Macan. This summarizes my choice for the Macan: The SQ5 looked like the little sister of the Q7. The Macan looked like the cousin of the 911. >

 

[Bluestraveler]

Good analysis. Drive the Sq5. I drove both new and chose the Macan S. The notable Macan upsides for me was a more refined suspension feel and the interior was more appealing. The sq5 was faster I think. I won't lie - the badge had appeal. My past experiences with both brands also tilted the equation in favor of Porsche.

The options could make a difference in the Macan. It's pretty straightforward in the Audi but the Porsche options list makes Medusa look like Jane Curtain. I have steel/pasm suspension, torque vectoring, and lots of other options. I also did a Cobb remap and your statement about hp/torque upgrades are about right. The Macan is now faster than a standard sq5, but I don't know where you could take the Audi with aftermarket upgrades.

You're buying used so the miles options, and condition of the cars is worth consideration.

Good luck in your research and decision. Both are fine autos and your dilemma is definitely a high order first world problem.

 

[toxic_porsche]

Put it this way, it is like choosing between Nissan GTR and 911 GTS or Turbo or may be M5, all are very capable but one is less expensive. On performance specs alone, perhaps GTR is a better value... by the same token Lexus vs. MB, Porsche vs. Ferrari vs. Lambo. It boils down to what appeals to you the most. A few grands difference at this price point shouldn't be a deal breaker.

 

[santastico]

Here is personal opinion on some of your comments:

Carbon fiber package on the Macan: I have it and love it. I don't have the CF steering wheel since I don't like it and the standard leather steering wheel on the Macan is the best I ever had in any car I owned.

Too many buttons: in my opinion, the more, the better. I love the center console of the Macan and will never forget my dad's first comment when sat on my Macan for the first time:"Wow!!!! It looks like a spaceship."

Porsche AWD/Handling: I drove my Macan for 2 winters on ice and snow using snow tires. It is the best handling I ever had in any car in the snow.

"Prestige, even though IMO if you took the badges off no one would know it's a porsche": I disagree. Look at the front of the Macan with no badges at all. If you ever seen a Porsche you will know it is a Porsche. Also, the interior is unique to Porsche. No badges needed.

Maintenance: I've taken mine to the dealer for 1 and 2 year service. It is not like taking to Jiffy Lube but way more reasonable than I expected.

Also, this might not be the same everywhere but the difference between the customer service, quality, etc.. of a Porsche dealer and an Audi dealer is night and day. At the Porsche dealer you can tell you are in a Porsche dealer. At the Audi, if you hide the badges you will swear you are at the Chevy or Ford dealer.

 

[Shark]

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.

 

[jzwu]

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.