Hi, I’m new to the Club and I’ve reviewed existing topics, but apologise in advance if this a repeat.  I’m seeking advice/guidance on how to improve the comfort of the ride of my SQ5.

I’ve owned my 2018 SQ5 TFSI for 5yrs and been delighted, fulfils so many roles wonderfully.  Fitted with electronic dampers the ride is firm (it is an ‘S’), but for just my wife & I as front seat passengers only, comfort has been acceptable.  However with the arrival of our first grandchild, I now carry more rear-seat passengers a lot more often. Even in Comfort mode, the ride for them is near unbearable.  It is jarring to say the least.  I have down-sized from 21” to 20” rims with SUV rubber in the hope of some tyre-wall flex, but only minor benefit.

I recently rented a standard Q5 TDI on holiday and enjoyed a much smoother, softer ride.  I’d welcome and appreciate any advice on how to soften the smoothness & subtlety of the SQ5 ride to match.  I’m no engineer, but suspect the springs more than the dampers.  However welcome all guidance.

Thanks

David

The best way to achieve the comfort of a Q5 is to buy one, and get rid of the SQ5.

Thanks Cliff, had had that thought…but hoped a mod might be cheaper & get to keep the V6.  Maybe have to give up on it.

Hi I've been there. I had a 2017 MKII Q5 TDI sline and wasn't particularly unhappy with the ride. Bought a 2023 SQ5 TDI at 3 months old and loved everything except the ride, the synthetic sound and false exhausts. As you say its jarring especially on our rough roads. I found the adjustable dampers made no apparent difference.

Mine was fitted with 20inch wheels and I did consider going to 19inch and investigated a retrofit air suspension but I couldn't find one and also there would have been warranty issues.

I had it for 6 months (10,000 miles) and traded it in for a Q5 Vorsprung that has air suspension.

I wish I'd tried a SQ5 with air suspension. Love the ride on the Q5 now.

Thanks Kevin, appreciate comments.  My SQ5 came with the optional 21” rims and I was advised brake discs too big for anything less than 20”.   So made that change to a small benefit, but agree the ‘adjustable’ electronic dampers offer little variation.  Very interesting what you say about air suspension though, but suspect retro-fit would indeed be expensive option.

Thanks again, David

I was told 19 inches would fit but I never tested it. Mine was the TDI facelifted in 2020 so brakes might be bigger on yours being the tfsi. If it is a big problem the cost of upgrading to air suspension would probably be a lot less than selling the car and buying a replacement. When I looked 2 years ago there was only an air system for the previous model but that might have changed by now. I understand why you'd want to keep the V6. Don't know whether softening the springs would result in poor handling due to the power.

Good luck.

Thanks Kevin, really useful advice and very much appreciated.  Will definitely explore the air suspension possibility.

Keep well.

I agree 100% that air supension is the best ride!

I had a 2013 3l Q5 and the ride, especially when towing a large caravan, was very jarring. Fitted some active suspension improved it enough for me to keep it until it had done 100K and in 2024 I ditched it for a 2020 SQ5 Vorsprung and only wish I'd done it earlier.

Thanks John, appreciate you sharing your experience.  Air suspension certainly sounds the solve!

Cheers

Your welcome David, but if you do got for the SQ5 Vorsprung I should just mention the only issue I had: it was the pedal lag especially after coming from the Q5 with dual clutch gearbox, which had no pedal lag at all. Once you are aware of the issue there are several ways to minimise the lag like selecting sport with gear shift whenever you think you might need a quick move off from a roundabout or junction, or blip the throttle for an overtake (shifts down and ups the revs for a few seconds) or manually shift down. I use all three but if I haven't remembered to do any at least I know there will be a lag then a sudden surge of power which, if not turning too sharply, is managable. Of course if your not an agressive driver like me then this won't be a concern for you 😊

I find a big difference with my 24 reg sq5 .  When swapping from dynamic to comfort .   I can certainly feel the stiffness in dynamic for sure ,in comparison.  Riding on 20's .  It is a sports SUV after all ...   Anything sports doesn't offer much in the way of suspension, no matter what the branding. 

 

Would a 2018 model benefit from a full suspension overhaul,  springs n shocks .   My previous Mercedes GLC 350 on a 2018 was certainly getting tired ,even after 40k .  

Edited October 7, 2025Oct 7 by Audisq524

Thanks Bob.  Coincidentally 44,700 on my SQ5 and about to go in for service, so a topic for discussion with a technician.

Cheers