The right tool for the job. Audi A8L or SQ5?

First off, let us consider Frank Martin. For those of you who don’t know Frank is a mercenary that specializes in moving high value goods, he is also the main character from the Transporter movies. So he knows a thing or two about the business. His vehicle of choice after his BMW 7 Series got blown up has been Audi and specifically the Audi A8L. So I think it will be a good idea to focus on the latest Audi A8L and see why Frank prefers this car to other options available. I have also decided to look at the new Audi SQ5, basically it’s an SUV that is bloody quick.

#1: Luxury
Firstly if you are going to be spending time in the vehicle then luxury is important. There is nothing worse than driving for long distances with a numb bum while on the run. The Audi A8L is the panicle of luxury within the Audi range. Updated for 2014, the A8L features high quality materials, plush leather and neatly placed wood trim which is sure to impress your high value customers and as far as interior build quality goes, it’s tough to fault an Audi. There is ample space and extra leg room inside this long-wheel base version which is always a good thing for when you have to transport a bunch of bank robbers, hot girls or whoever else really.

The SQ5 might not be as spacious or as luxurious as the big A8 but it still offers those SUV qualities and rear legroom is sufficient. The interior is just as well put together as the A8s and features the same sense of quality throughout. However, I found that operating Audis MMI infotainment controls in the SQ5 was easier than in the A8. The A8 has many buttons that control many different things and that can become an issue if you end up in a situation where you can’t be flustered.

#2: Power
So both the A8L and SQ5 feature a 3.0L TDI motor but that’s where the similarities end. The A8L features a 180kW 560Nm diesel power plant. It is sensible and economical and it does offer some grunt but the SQ5s 230kW 650Nm TDI motor is gruntier. Power in the A8L is smooth and gear changes are just about unnoticeable where as in the SQ5 the power hits you in the chest, gear changes are surprisingly also smooth thanks to Audis suburb S-Tronic gearbox. Both cars are quite economical which means you won’t be spending all your earnings on fuel. But you need speed on your side and the SQ5 is the quicker of the two, 0-100kph is around 5.0seconds. It will out run a VW GTI which is standard kit for our boys in blue. The A8L will get away, no doubt but it will be to close and your customers might not value the risk.

#3: Handling
The A8L floats along the tarmac absorbing bumps in its stride. The advanced suspension ensures that the highest level of comfort is delivered. All of this helps to ensure that the high value goods in the larger boot remain intact. You would not want to be responsible for any damage, it could be very costly. Unfortunately on the road the SQ5 does crash about a bit and I think it’s a direct cause to its sporty set-up and massive 20’inch rims wrapped in low profile rubber. Unlike the A8L the SQ5 did not have Audis Drive Select function which offers different suspension and engine modes such as Comfort, Normal and Sport. That said though, the SQ5 does handle very well thanks to its locked in sporty set up. The quattro system supplies heaps of grip through corners which will definitely help you get away from the cops or the baddies chasing you down that mountain pass trying to get the goods.

#4: Verdict
So both these cars share the Audi badge and a diesel engine but are both very different. The A8L looks the business. It’s big and imposing, it offers leading comfort and technology however it is the size of the thing that worries me. If you need to make a quick getaway then forget hiding in tight spaces or darting through traffic. The A8L is great for long distance transportation, preferably of people so that they can absorb all the luxury on offer.

The SQ5 on the other hand is the tool to transport both people and high value goods. Its short wheelbase and powerful engine will help you run from the cops and at the same time ensure that you are never late with deliveries. Another advantage is the fact that it is an SUV so if you need to make a short cut on the road less travelled you can. The SQ5 also costs less than the A8L, the one that I had was fitted with many extras including a R96 000 Audi Exclusive interior option which is a no in my opinion. This took the price to about R940 000 the A8L with similar extras was around R1.3million.

Both cars offer outstanding transportation advantages and while the A8L is Franks number one choice I would rather suggest the new SQ5 for transporting whatever it is that you need transported.