[hksr]

Has anybody cross shopped these 2 SUVs? Any thoughts? Pros and cons between the 2?

[speedyman]

Originally Posted by hksr

Has anybody cross shopped these 2 SUVs? Any thoughts? Pros and cons between the 2?

This is an excellent question.
I closely cross shopped the 2 last September while driving a 2019 base Cayenne.
The Audi SQ8 is gorgeous inside and out. Interior is super high quality.
The BMW is a guided missile as 5200 lb SUVs go that has been shown to run 0-60 in 3.8/3.9 seconds. The BMW just checks all the boxes and does every thing right which is why that was my choice.
Both of these vehicles can be optioned to the sky unless you are comparing to Porsche.
My suggestion would be very strongly in favor of the M50i for what it is worth. The M50i at about the same price as the Base Cayenne is a total no brainer unless a Porsche is on your bucket list. I've had a number of them and very well know that they are simply over priced look at me mobiles.

[zhangyi17]

never liked the Audi's everything touch screen approach. Still like to have a few physical button to push.

The instrument cluster is more customisable in Audi. Like it to show the whole map, too bad BMW didn do that in G05

[FracGuy]

Originally Posted by hksr

Has anybody cross shopped these 2 SUVs? Any thoughts? Pros and cons between the 2?

Cross shopped the X5 M50i with quite a few contenders, but not specifically the SQ8. The M50i pretty much checked all my boxes, and at least on paper I didn't feel the SQ8 would sway my opinion (primarily because the wife already drives a Q7 and I just didn't want another Audi; not there's anything wrong with the Audi, but just wanted something different). If we didn't already have the Q7, I would have likely given the SQ8 a harder look, but believe I still would have chosen the M50i.

[BMWBear]

We have an SQ7 on the way for my wife. We've had several Audi's and we're both fans of the brand, the styling and their interiors. If you have make a decision between the SQ8 and the M50i honestly I dont think you'll lose with either choice. If you were to order an SQ8 you'd be at least 4-5 months out were as with the M50i you're 45 days. If you buying off the lot then the BMW US built advantage goes away. Good luck with your decision.

[Frenetic]

I had an SQ8 on order before buying my M50i. The only reason I got the BMW was because the SQ8 got delayed and I didn’t feel like waiting six more months.

I love the way the SQ8 looks. Pictures do not do it justice. The real-life profile view is stunning. The proportions look great. Coming from an S7, the SQ8 was going to be a natural step up. I didn’t need a third row and Audi nailed that coupe SUV look: it’s not boxy and it doesn’t look like a Volkswagen Beetle.

Both engines are great. The Audi felt more car-like to me. Audi’s seats were way more comfortable and the digital dash was actually configurable.

Audi leases are horrible, though. The residual is realistic and isn’t inflated, so you’re typically paying more. However, you’re almost guaranteed to have equity at lease end, unless you go over the miles. The SQ8 is generally more expensive as well.

I may go back at lease end of my BMW just because my seats are very uncomfortable to me (too hard), the gas pedal is also uncomfortable and I hate that I can’t configure the instrument cluster. Audi blows BMW out of the water in these departments.

[jg05]

Looked at both. I wanted to love the sQ8 as I was trading an S5 sport back and loved it. The SQ8 felt very heavy to me and drove like a truck. Not in the suspension, just the turning and heft. It also didn’t feel anywhere near as quicka s the X5.

I also preferred having the scroll wheel instead of a touch screen and the SQ8, with only touchscreens and a bunch of piano black trim, was a fingerprint magnet.

Did I mention it didn’t feel as quick or nimble?

As mentioned above, with an 8 cylinder engine I knew I was leasing and the lease on the SQ8 was hundreds more per month.

I am super happy with my decision to go with the X5. I just wish I could drive it more!

[ericthc]

Originally Posted by hksr

Has anybody cross shopped these 2 SUVs? Any thoughts? Pros and cons between the 2?

I've also been contemplating the very same question - I currently have the Cayenne S Coupe (had a Cayenne S Wagon before) - I think it's time to try a different brand.

In Australia, we still haven't got the petrol SQ8 yet so I cannot compare side by side. Took the M50i for a short test drive and I liked it. The tech toys also ticks the boxes for me.

I did try the RSQ8 but for some reason the drive didn't impress me. Maybe I didn't set it up right as video reviews are very positive.

At this stage, looks like I'm going for the 50i.

[FCX5]

Originally Posted by hksr

Has anybody cross shopped these 2 SUVs? Any thoughts? Pros and cons between the 2?

BMW's give bigger discounts and more attractive lease terms compared to Audi/Porsche. M50i wins for value of the package. On this forum why would anyone recommend any competitor to a BMW?

FYI, I had a Cayenne S too before my X5 50i.

[BMWBear]

Originally Posted by FCX5

On this forum why would anyone recommend any competitor to a BMW?

Because there are other options that may be just as good or better depending on the persons needs and wants.
Not all of us are BMW fanboys.

[Frenetic]

Just because we are members of a community, doesn't mean we can't be honest. I would rather hear genuine feedback than getting sunshine blown up my you know what. If anything, BMW could learn from these types of post as to what may be lacking or deficient to some customers.

I just built my SQ8 that I had on order at Audi USA and the prices went up even more. That's one knock on the SQ8 (and Audi's in general) is that a fully loaded Prestige almost costs as much as an X5M.

However, on the flipside is that you just don't see many Audi's around versus BMWs. BMWs are everywhere, at least near me. I would go months without seeing a car like mine while driving. I see X5s everywhere, everyday.

[Stoshu]

Originally Posted by Frenetic

However, on the flipside is that you just don't see many Audi's around versus BMWs. BMWs are everywhere, at least near me. I would go months without seeing a car like mine while driving. I see X5s everywhere, everyday.

I see a lot of X5’s but hardly any X5 M50i’s or X5M’s. Subtle difference that most won’t recognize but “we” in the know would!

[ericthc]

Im in Australia and I don't see many G50 X5s. In 2 weeks I've seen one - I got quite excited. Haha.
More F15s and ALOT of X3 & x4.

[xDrivex5]

I like everything about my X5 but I think interior is little bit more premium in Audi...just my honest opinion
Also I wish that BMW´s had more options to customize instrument cluster, like in Audi and MB!

[-Vanguard-]

Originally Posted by ericthc

Im in Australia and I don't see many G50 X5s. In 2 weeks I've seen one - I got quite excited. Haha.
More F15s and ALOT of X3 & x4.

That's cause your government makes you pay out the ass for an X5 compared other countries.

[Darkeeboy]

Compared the two recently. SQ8 looked great both inside and out but I really didn't like the haptic screens, feels a generation out of date and difficult to use when on the move.. M50i ordered...

[FCX5]

Originally Posted by Stoshu

I see a lot of X5’s but hardly any X5 M50i’s or X5M’s. Subtle difference that most won’t recognize but “we” in the know would!

In Northern VA/DC area the X5M is still rare, but the M50i is pretty common.

[Frenetic]

In California, BMWs, MBs, Audis, Lexus and Tesla’s are everywhere. However, in terms of quantity, BMWs, MBs and Tesla’s reign supreme in my anecdotal opinion.

[MOTOP]

Originally Posted by Frenetic

In California, BMWs, MBs, Audis, Lexus and Tesla’s are everywhere. However, in terms of quantity, BMWs, MBs and Tesla’s reign supreme in my anecdotal opinion.

Please don’t put Tesla quality in par with BMW or MB.

[thereef510]

Originally Posted by speedyman

My suggestion would be very strongly in favor of the M50i for what it is worth. The M50i at about the same price as the Base Cayenne is a total no brainer unless a Porsche is on your bucket list. I've had a number of them and very well know that they are simply over priced look at me mobiles.

Thank you!! I simply dont get the Porsche hype when it comes to SUVs. A similarly equipped Porsche Cayenne is about 30k more than what BMW charges with probably the exact same 'real world' performance. I'm never taking this to a track, so all those people who brag about Porsche being best at handling doesn't really come into play when I'm using this for my daily commute or to buy organic cilantro at Whole Foods.

[thereef510]

Originally Posted by zhangyi17

The instrument cluster is more customisable in Audi. Like it to show the whole map, too bad BMW didn do that in G05

You've got a map in the instrument cluster, a map in the HUD, and up to 4 map views in the main dashboard. that's 6, how many more maps would you like?

[335xs2dinan]

Frenetic - can you elaborate any more on this "uncomfortable gas pedal"?