Fast SUV - X3 M40i vs SQ5 vs GLC43
Discussion
New car time soon and just looking at options, budget is around £35k.
My wife is adamant the car needs to be an SUV so we’ve compromised and we are buying exactly what she wants.
I used to have a C43 so I’m tending not towards the Merc as a bit samey.
Does anyone have experience of any of these? I’m going towards the BMW.
I’ve even gone down the rabbit hole of Porsche Cayenne but. That seems like a mine field of problems.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302114...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204024...
My wife is adamant the car needs to be an SUV so we’ve compromised and we are buying exactly what she wants.
I used to have a C43 so I’m tending not towards the Merc as a bit samey.
Does anyone have experience of any of these? I’m going towards the BMW.
I’ve even gone down the rabbit hole of Porsche Cayenne but. That seems like a mine field of problems.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302114...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204024...
I have a 2018 SQ5 - owned it for almost 4 years now and it's been faultless (except for a few recalls and issues that were fixed under warranty).
Warranty recalls (make sure any potential purchase has had these recalls done):
-66k8 (extra securing clips for rear arches)
-64f6 (software update for front windows)
Mine also had these items replaced under warranty:
-Replacement brake servo to fix clanging/clicking noise when releasing the brake pedal
-Replacement steering rack to fix creak coming from steering rack
Thing with these cars are they are heavy on consumables - brakes and tyres so check these are in good order.
For me the must-haves on these are (spec of my car):
-Audi Phone Box with wireless charging
-Audi Virtual Cockpit
-Bang & Olufsen Sound System
-21” x 8.5J ‘5-arm polygon’ design Audi Sport alloy wheels with 255/40 R21 tyres
-Rear-view camera
-Hill hold assist
-Comfort and Sound Pack (B&O audio)
-Flat-bottomed 3-spoke leather high multi-function steering wheel
-Inlays, Piano finish black or even better Carbon
-Door mirrors (folding)
No need to say as a 3 litre SUV, they like the old go-go juice and Audi main dealer servicing is expensive unless you take out a service plan or go VAG independent.
Mine doesn't have a panroof - not a deal breaker for me as many owners complain they creak and groan so can be doing without that.
The car in the link you posted appears not to have the SQ5 alloys, they look like they off a Q5 or Q5 hybrid? Also those running boards appear to be aftermarket and not OEM Audi if that matters to you?
The X3 M40i is also a good shout, used to have the same B58 engine in a 440i grancoupe.
Warranty recalls (make sure any potential purchase has had these recalls done):
-66k8 (extra securing clips for rear arches)
-64f6 (software update for front windows)
Mine also had these items replaced under warranty:
-Replacement brake servo to fix clanging/clicking noise when releasing the brake pedal
-Replacement steering rack to fix creak coming from steering rack
Thing with these cars are they are heavy on consumables - brakes and tyres so check these are in good order.
For me the must-haves on these are (spec of my car):
-Audi Phone Box with wireless charging
-Audi Virtual Cockpit
-Bang & Olufsen Sound System
-21” x 8.5J ‘5-arm polygon’ design Audi Sport alloy wheels with 255/40 R21 tyres
-Rear-view camera
-Hill hold assist
-Comfort and Sound Pack (B&O audio)
-Flat-bottomed 3-spoke leather high multi-function steering wheel
-Inlays, Piano finish black or even better Carbon
-Door mirrors (folding)
No need to say as a 3 litre SUV, they like the old go-go juice and Audi main dealer servicing is expensive unless you take out a service plan or go VAG independent.
Mine doesn't have a panroof - not a deal breaker for me as many owners complain they creak and groan so can be doing without that.
The car in the link you posted appears not to have the SQ5 alloys, they look like they off a Q5 or Q5 hybrid? Also those running boards appear to be aftermarket and not OEM Audi if that matters to you?
The X3 M40i is also a good shout, used to have the same B58 engine in a 440i grancoupe.
Edited by DiscoSINGH on Friday 17th February 11:36
Thanks for that, real food for thought.
After posting the car and having a proper look I Noticed on the media input picture there is an OBD coding referenced which makes me think the car has been modified as you say. Would probably steer clear but the basic spec is good.
Does Applecarplay come as standard or is that part of a pack somewhere. I can’t get a straight answer from searching around.
After posting the car and having a proper look I Noticed on the media input picture there is an OBD coding referenced which makes me think the car has been modified as you say. Would probably steer clear but the basic spec is good.
Does Applecarplay come as standard or is that part of a pack somewhere. I can’t get a straight answer from searching around.
Riq said:
Does Applecarplay come as standard or is that part of a pack somewhere. I can’t get a straight answer from searching around.
These petrol SQ5's are rare as they only made them between 2017 - 2018.
This looks a better car (same spec as mine): https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301313...
Edited by DiscoSINGH on Friday 17th February 12:36
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