The Audi SQ5 is redesigned for 2018. Highlights include a new body structure, updated styling, a more powerful V6 engine, and new tech and driver-assistance features.The 2018 Audi SQ5 comes in either Premium Plus or Prestige trims. This means every SQ5 comes very well-equipped. But there are still plenty of upgrades to be had in terms of luxury, technology and performance.
PROS All-new chassis should improve ride and handling Increased torque for even livelier performance Major upgrades to driving and infotainment technology Luxurious but restrained interior design
CONS Reduced cargo space behind rear seats
The SQ5 strikes a careful balance between sporty and comfortable, making a strong showing in a tough class.The SQ5 enters a new generation this year, with top-to-bottom changes that include an all-new 354-hp turbocharged V-6 engine in place of last year’s supercharged V-6, an all-new chassis, standard adaptive dampers, and available air springs. Updated interior packaging means there’s a little more space for both passengers and cargo than in previous SQ5s, and exterior design tweaks including a revised front grille and a character line running the length of the car serve as differentiators between new and not-so-new models.
Pros Comfortable ride, surprisingly fuel efficient, abundance of standard interior features.
Cons Disappointing real-world cargo capacity, ho-hum exterior design, top competitors have better dynamics.
Pros Comfortable, adjustable backseat Visibility Power liftgate standard Aggressive engine note Responsive transmission
Cons Multimedia functionality Control ergonomics Price premium over Q5 Mild styling for a sport model Requires premium fuel
The 2020 BMW X3 M comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.Turbocharged six-cylinder engine produces 473 horsepower or 503 in Competition model.All-wheel-drive system sourced from the BMW M5.Updated suspension components and chassis reinforcement.
Pros Accelerates faster than many sports cars Grip and handling are excellent Still as practical as a standard X3
Cons Excessively stiff ride, even in the softest setting Exhaust can drone at highway speeds
BMW's heroic performance SUV lineup now has a compact offering in the form of the X3 M and the X3 M Competition. Honestly, we're surprised it took this long for the masters at the M performance division to swap out the X3's already sporty suspension with even sportier gear and drop in a more powerful engine.
BMW's X3 M Competition promises to blend urban family friendliness with spirited road and track performance. But we threw that out the window and instead went rallying in the Outback.
Pros Impressive surrogate rally car chops Great chassis on clay Proper M-spec running gear Bloody quick on dirt
Cons Cleaning out the bulldust afterwards
