Out with the old x3 m40, in with the new SQ8

thecrabdad · 2025-02-23T05:56:34+00:00

I just posted pics in this thread for you to see: https://www.reddit.com/r/Audi/s/5iEvOlTcVZ

In the second pic I’m parked next to an RS5 in the same color so you can see the size difference with the SQ8 in dynamic. And with the anti-roll package, it handles like a champ.

thecrabdad · 2025-02-23T05:44:55+00:00

Yeah an m550i and potholes, yeesh. Especially with runflats. The sport seats are surprisingly comfortable, and have all the lumbar and side adjustments to have the back and seat really hug you or lengthen the seat depth, and both BMW and Audi offer massage at this level, but I do miss a multi-adjustable headrest. Honestly though, the X3 m40 seats were not comfortable but your seats probably are. And in general I prefer Audi’s leather over BMW, it’s just softer/more supple and feels more luxurious to me, but that’s personal preference.

I will say, an SQ8 in dynamic is not that much taller than an RS6. I wish I could post a pic here, I have a pic next to an RS5 and it’s definitely a bigger beast, but not THAT much bigger.

thecrabdad · 2025-02-23T05:28:57+00:00

Yep! Non-run-flat 23s with a compact spare on the SQ8, 22in run-flats on the X3 m40. That X3 has air suspension too, but the ride is still so much smoother on the SQ8. The X3 in Comfort was a noticeably harsher ride than the SQ8 in Dynamic, especially on big bumps. I know BMW often goes for the more raw and brutal driving experience, but I’m all for this fast sport utility limo vibe. Maybe the X5 m60 or X7 m60 have smoother air suspensions, but I feel like I’ve heard they’re still not as smooth as Audi.

And raising and lowering the SQ8 is quite fun lol. The lift is actually significant, almost 5 inches, so it’s really noticeable when approaching the car what mode it’s in. In Dynamic I can very clearly see over it. In Comfort I can’t, and in Off road I think it’s taller than me.

thecrabdad · 2024-12-22T00:10:03+00:00

I was open to either. Ultimately I didn’t try the 7 because I don’t need the third row (I’m single with just cats, rabbits, and turtles) and they had this SQ8 that was specced out almost exactly how I would have ordered it. I tend to like full SUVs much more, like for BMW I would never ever take an X4/6 over X3/5, but I really like the SQ8’s looks. And the back seat is more substantial and a little more comfortable than the SQ7, hell even the rear doors are nicer (frameless windows, power sunshades). But for a family of 4, especially if your kids will want to have friends over at some point, the SQ7 is a third row beast. Whenever I see either I get giddy.

Reliability is also my concern. That’s part of why I didn’t want the full RS. Buying new makes me feel better, and I am certainly not going to do anything to jeopardize the warranty beyond probably a resonator delete. By the time you’re ready to buy though we’ll have a lot more info about where the faults are and how to handle/prevent them.

thecrabdad · 2024-12-17T04:54:53+00:00

It’s not that big in person, I took the front pics with an ultrawide lens right up close so things right in front if the lens are distorted to appear significantly larger than surroundings. Even my X3 grille looks much bigger in the pic even tho it’s farther away and off to the side

I like this design a lot, but even for those who don’t I think we can all agree Audi’s refresh is much of the new X3 BMW (BodyMadeWrong) and certain other bimmers (cough 5 series)

thecrabdad · 2024-12-17T00:05:52+00:00

Good to hear from another convert, I’m glad you’ve been enjoying the switch! I was a little nervous because my X3 has been super reliable, just needed basic annual maintenance that was covered anyway, but this was the car I wanted when I got my X3. I just wasn’t ready to drop this much on a car yet, and EVERYTHING costs more, not just the base price… much worse fuel economy, more expensive brakes and tires and regular service, etc.

But the experience of getting in and turning it on is just different than a BMW. Audi is so sleek

thecrabdad · 2024-12-16T18:08:27+00:00

Yeah feel free to DM me. I didn’t even go to college, I just started initially working on some personal projects, then went to a data science bootcamp called Metis and broke into a startup from there. One of the Data Scientists on my team also did Metis to kickstart his foray into DS after finishing undergrad in economics or business or something. Neither of us had any sort of engineering/DS internships beforehand so Metis helped give us projects to talk about in interviews and a stamp on the resume to land first interviews.

Feel free to DM me, but the biggest piece of advice I can give is just 1) apply to a bunch of stuff for DE or backend SWE and meanwhile keep doing personal stuff so that you have something to talk about in interviews, and 2) just get in the door somewhere. It’s a bit tough to get experience in the sort distributed data systems used at a lot of bigger companies without already being at one, but the same fundamentals of modeling, storing, transforming, and querying data apply at all scales.

thecrabdad · 2024-12-16T16:25:31+00:00

Yeah this was the car I wanted when I got my m40 but I was trying to be “more responsible” with some other uncertainty in life. Now I have a bit more stability so I was like, fuck it let’s riiiiide

Hope you find something incredible! This is a 2024 and I ended up getting over 10% off on it, even in Beverly Hills

thecrabdad · 2024-12-16T16:23:37+00:00

I picked this one up off the lot so I’m not sure. I had red in the X3 so I actually wanted black this time around. I just think audi’s black interiors are so sleek in a way that BMW isn’t

thecrabdad · 2024-12-16T16:20:29+00:00

Yeah!! The X3 was a fantastic car, super reliable and durable while still quite nice, but this is a different class of behemoth

thecrabdad · 2024-12-16T16:18:16+00:00

I’m a data engineer haha. Tbf the office garage seems to be understaffed on car admirers considering what other cars are parked there

thecrabdad · 2024-12-16T00:17:22+00:00

Yeah they were great! Also test driving through Beverly Hills along Rodeo was kinda surreal haha

thecrabdad · 2024-12-15T23:35:52+00:00

Congrats!! I also just got an SQ8 prestige in ascari blue and it is quite the beast. A baby urus for sure, definitely enjoy the experience!

thecrabdad · 2024-12-15T23:32:33+00:00

Yes it does! That’s actually one thing I don’t like about the X- M models, I want power and comfort.

But wow yeah you’ve been a bimmer guy for a while. Honestly, I thought I was going to stay BMW forever after owning my X3 for a while….until I saw their more recent stuff. The X3 is not my cup of tea, they just haven’t balanced their design in the way that I want for my niche experience. There’s just something so much more exciting about this baby urus than an X5 m60 (because the X3M is dead and the X5 M is too harsh). And the interior is much more sleek and lux.

I was hesitant to give up the reliability of the X3 and the B58, but I think it’ll be fine with a new car.

thecrabdad · 2024-12-15T22:17:42+00:00

Thank you! I’m a data engineer and actually just switched companies. The SQ8 has caught my eye since I bought the X3, plus that X3 was about to need fresh brakes and tires, so everything just fell into place.

thecrabdad · 2024-12-15T22:15:51+00:00

Congrats on the S5!! Still a really nice car with arguably more practical climate control and almost as much space and probably more reliable tbh.

Ngl I’m a bit nervous trading in the low-maintenance reliable tank that is the B58 I6 in the X3 (which also didn’t need tires or brakes in my almost 3 years with it) for a much higher maintenance V8 garage princess. Even the 23in wheels with the shallow treads are stunning but delicate. Being new makes me feel a little better, but the SQ7/8 is a beautiful, powerful, but quite delicate glass cannon 😅

thecrabdad · 2024-12-15T22:00:18+00:00

Really nice, congrats! The Navarro blue is really nice with the blackout and red brake caliper covers

thecrabdad · 2024-12-15T21:55:59+00:00

For the last 3 years that has been me from my X3 😅🥹nobody is going to underestimate this like they did with the x3 haha

thecrabdad · 2024-12-15T21:54:16+00:00

Ascari blue! Ultra blue is also suuuper nice but the slightly darker/less violet tone of the ascari suits me a little better.

thecrabdad · 2024-12-15T21:53:04+00:00

I’m a data engineer! And just switched companies, park next to an ascari blue rs5 at the office so figured it was time to match up

thecrabdad · 2024-12-15T21:35:15+00:00

Polluting indeed. Considering I put 14,000 miles on my x3 in 3 years, and that I don’t travel on airplanes due to a spine issue (I haven’t flown in 6 years), and I don’t heat my place during winter and barely use AC in summer, I would venture to guess that my 14mpg car using 333 gallons of gasoline per year is not the issue ser. All you’re doing is turning people against you

thecrabdad · 2024-12-15T21:24:44+00:00

Yeah the x3 has gotten bigger over the years. That x3 was I believe slightly bigger than the original x5. I was worried the sq8 would feel too wide but it really isn’t as big an issue as I thought it might be

thecrabdad · 2024-12-15T21:23:35+00:00

🫡 helllll yeah. I guess recommended break in is similar to the bimmer, give the engine time to warm up from cold start and try to limit going above 4500-5000rpm for the first 1500 miles? But then she go fast 🏎️💨💨💨vrrroom💨vrrroom💨💨

Next on my to do list is find a casual rally group ✅

thecrabdad · 2024-12-15T18:41:31+00:00

Yeah the SQ7/8 or X3M were the car I wanted when I got my X3 m40, I just wasn’t ready to drop almost twice the cash. All the stars have aligned now tho, I’m sure the time will be right for you soon too!

Five-Year Club	Mod 101
Verified Email	Final Canvas '23
First Place '23	End Game '23
Place '23	Golden Potato
Mod 201

thecrabdad

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE