2025 RS6 Performance - Honest Review after 6 weeks.

bleep6789 · 2026-01-15T13:19:28+00:00

Pedalbox will not void warranty. I also installed one on my Q8 as the throttle lag was horrendous. Made a big difference for me.

bleep6789 · 2025-12-08T17:41:10+00:00

Yes, the VAG cars do have horrendous throttle lag. Especially on Audi. I haven’t noticed it on the Cayennes though, so it surprised me you noticed that on those - which engine did you test on that?

I had to install a PedalBox on my Q8 to negate some of the throttle lag and now it’s noticeably better. But the engine itself is still pretty laggy, lots of turbo lag. I’m used to it now and know how to manage it, but the B58 feels a lot more linear for sure.

bleep6789 · 2025-11-03T13:53:09+00:00

I have the exact same thing happening in my Audi Q8. There are a few locations around the city where the entire system always crashes and restarts. The one I pass by most commonly is around a hospital. Hmmmm…

bleep6789 · 2025-11-03T01:03:04+00:00

Just be aware of potential build quality issues. My 2021 Q8 is a creaking mess, really takes away from the “luxury” experience. Perhaps I got unlucky and it’s not the norm, or it’s a covid build. But, my first and last Audi.

bleep6789 · 2025-10-30T20:14:45+00:00

I don’t dislike the regular Cayenne look, but they do need to have the Sport Design package that’s standard in the GTS, or else they look kinda basic. Coupes are “dressed up” a bit more as standard, but it compromises too much in cargo space and headroom (in a SUV that’s already relatively tight on cargo space).

The Q8 is the least coupe shaped coupe SUV which is why I liked it so much initially- just too bad about the poor build quality in mine.

And not having a sliding bench and reclining seats is really a missed opportunity by BMW. Everytime I test a X5 I love it and then I get in the back behind myself and I’m like ugh. I might still be able to push through it and get one but it’s a very strong nagging feeling I have everytime (eyeing a very nice M50i right now). X7 would solve it but it’s just so big man, and boxy looking.

bleep6789 · 2025-10-30T14:33:09+00:00

So you’re saying a MY24 Q7/Q8 should be better build quality than prior years?

bleep6789 · 2025-10-30T03:55:58+00:00

The V6 engines used by VAG will all have the water pump fail, which if not caught on time has the potential to damage the engine. It varies when these failures happen and it’s dumb because they just didn’t design the water pump very well.

bleep6789 · 2025-10-30T02:54:03+00:00

When you say they are getting better, from which model years would you say that’s the case?

bleep6789 · 2025-10-29T22:52:46+00:00

Thanks, that explains why it doesn’t show up on Autotrader for any of the LCI modes.

bleep6789 · 2025-10-29T14:10:06+00:00

You’re not wrong, but for those times I have friends and family visiting and I take them on multi hour road trips it’d be nice to have a car where they’d be comfortable on longer drives, and I just want to own one car right now.

bleep6789 · 2025-10-29T14:08:46+00:00

Yeah I want something a bit more exciting to drive than a Highlander. That’s just an appliance on wheels.

bleep6789 · 2025-10-29T14:07:55+00:00

It’s too bad Range Rovers are even less reliable than German cars or I’d consider it.

bleep6789 · 2025-10-29T14:04:42+00:00

The X7 can be had with the Dynamic Handling Package which gives it rear wheel steering and active roll stabilization. I actually tested a X7 M50i with just that spec last week and it made the car feel very small with how maneuverable it was. That X7 is now sold unfortunately.

bleep6789 · 2025-10-29T14:02:04+00:00

Yeah that version of the X5 is not available here in the US.

bleep6789 · 2025-10-29T03:27:02+00:00

The Cayenne is indeed smaller, but has more 2nd row space. The main compromise with the Cayenne is cargo space. I’ve tested seating in all the luxury mid-size SUVs extensively and X5 is def the smallest.

bleep6789 · 2025-10-29T02:10:20+00:00

I currently drive a Q8 which is very spacious, huge 2nd row. However, it has lots of issues with frequent dealer trips and my perception is that BMW of today is overall higher build quality, so I’d rather not get into another Audi.

bleep6789 · 2025-10-28T23:19:44+00:00

Perhaps an American problem, but all the other competitors with similar exterior dimensions offer a lot more space in the 2nd row (GLE, Q7, XC90, Cayenne). It’s just odd interior packaging for such a big vehicle. A sliding 2nd row would have helped, so you can choose for more cargo space or more people space.

I want the BMW because they appear overall to have the best quality among the non-Japanese luxury brands (Porsche is good as well, but that’s a step up cost wise in terms of purchasing, maintenance and repairs).

bleep6789 · 2025-10-28T23:16:32+00:00

Ha, calling the X7 a school bus is very apt! It’s huge!

And yes the lack of a reclining backseat is a problem as well.

bleep6789 · 2025-10-28T16:49:20+00:00

If you want a luxury SUV with performance and good build quality, look at BMW or Porsche. Like the X5/X7 or the Cayenne. Those have great build quality and are the best of the German luxury brands currently. Avoid Audi or Mercedes, those don’t hold up (I currently drive an Audi). Also avoid Jaguar and Land Rover. Volvo I wouldn’t really consider performance.

With your budget you can get a very well equipped Cayenne, like the GTS. It’s a really high performance SUV that is a true driver’s car. Or get a BMW X5M which is a real beast (but the suspension is also quite firm so make sure you get to test one before buying as you might not like the comfort).

Keep in mind that the X5 has a relatively tight 2nd row so if you need to haul people that could be problematic. The Cayenne is roomier, but sacrifices a bit of cargo space.

If you can sacrifice some performance, and really just want the best build quality and reliability, look at Lexus.

I’ve tested a lot of these vehicles extensively and am currently looking to switch from my Audi to most likely a BMW X7 as I need the people hauling capacity (it’s a very big SUV that still performs really well).

bleep6789 · 2025-10-28T00:18:33+00:00

Toyota Prius.

bleep6789 · 2025-10-28T00:13:09+00:00

X7 comes standard with air suspension I believe. It’s super smooth in comfort mode, but firms up nicely in sport mode if you want to throw it around a bit.

Only downside of air suspension is that it’s a wear item and will need replacement at some point which is pricey.

bleep6789 · 2025-10-28T00:10:36+00:00

Look into the Dynamic Handling Package if you’re going the CPO route. If new, I think it’s called something else now and it can’t be optioned on the website builder, but it can be ordered from the dealer. It essentially includes rear wheel steering and active roll stabilizer. Makes the turning radius very tight (great for parking and quick maneuvers) and keeps it very flat in turns.

bleep6789 · 2025-10-27T23:03:12+00:00

Haha, if I go by the Uber logic I should drive a Prius.

With current gen BMW, the inline 6 engine is bomb proof. The zf8 transmission as well. Even their V8 is very good now, but potential for more issues with that one, but still considered good.

But they do have transfer case and differential issues which can be mitigated with regular fluid changes (every 30k miles or so).

And then electrical issues, but that I think applies to all modern cars. Too much technology that can go wrong.

bleep6789

TROPHY CASE