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Considering a 2019 SQ4

3.1K views 9 replies 6 participants last post by  CatmanV2  
#1 ·
Hi all.. I'm an auto enthusiast and been eyeing the Ghibli for several years now but have been too attached to the Audi community to make the leap.
As I'm hearing about the improvements in the 2018+ models, it's peaked my interest a bit more, especially with the GranSport exterior aesthetics. So i've got my eyes on one CPO 2019 SQ4 but it only has the Premium Harmon Kardon and not B&W, and missing Driver Assistance.
I'm coming from a 2012 Audi A7 (3.0 Supercharged) which has adaptive cruise, HUD, etc..and it has the Bang & Olufsen system ($6K audio option at the time). I drove the Ghibli recently but didn't take the time to get a good feel for the HK sound during a test drive, as i was more focused on the driving experience and sound. I think i can live without adaptive cruise as we typically use the SUV for long trips, but i wanted to ask - has the HK system been improved in 2018+ models or anything? All the negative posts about it seem to be from older Ghiblis and talk about raising the subwoofer level, etc., so i'm questioning if the HK has improved over time in sound quality. I'm not expecting it to sound like what i'm used to by any means but i enjoy my music, and i'm not into customizing car audio. The power, especially in sport mode, felt very comparable to my current car (my Audi is tuned and does 0-60 in 3.8x sec but that's with launch control). I'd guess it's very similar in quickness to the Ghibi when not using launch control since the ghibli lacks launch control). Oh, i should mention i also have an AWE Touring exhaust on the A7 so while the Ghibli does not offer an improved sound, it makes some sound and that's one of the primary reasons it's even on my short list without necessarily needing any exhaust mods :)
Thoughts? Or since i'm in no hurry, do i just wait till such day that a better optioned specimen shows up?
 
#2 ·
Everyone's different, but I agree with you: the adaptive cruise control isn't essential. The features I do use often are the 360 degree view and blind spot detection. Those may or may not be important to you. My car happened to come with the B&W and I think it's a nice setup. I probably would have bought it even if it had the HK. To tell you the truth I haven't listened to them side by side.

I also think it is wise to get the GranSport trim as opposed to the GranLusso. I have the GranLusso and, while I like the look of both, I noticed it seemed like the GranLusso trimmed cars sat on the lot longer than GranSport trimmed cars...ie you may have better resale value on a GranSport. Plus most GranLusso cars have the wood insert in the steering wheel (mine does too) while I would have preferred not to have that - it is a little awkward to wrap my fingers around.

Happy hunting!
 
#4 ·
Thanks very much. Sounds like i just need to go sit in one again and play with the HK sound system a bit.
Luckily all 2019 models now have Blind Spot indicator in the mirrors as standard, but i agree - would be nice to have the surround camera that comes with the Driver Assist pkg. Though, I don't have 360 degree cams in my Audi so i don't think about it much.
One more question about the full Driver Assist package - is the Lane Keeping assist designed as an emergency correction if you veer towards the other lane or is it designed to be used for semi-autonmous driving where it will keep the car centered in the lane at all times? I have it in my Land Rover Discovery and it only sharply nudges you if you go near the lines. It's not an active system that will keep you centered while driving like in some other cars i've driven.
 
#3 ·
Hi. Bought a 2020 Maserati Ghibli SQ4 GranSport a week ago in a very rich package and with B&W speakers. Before the Ghibli I owned a 2020 BMW X6 40i and it had H&K acoustics. In my opinion the B&W in my Ghibli sounds much better than the H&K in my former BMW X6
 
#7 ·
Can't remember the situations where the nudge annoyed me. It wasn't changing lanes as I always signal. I think it had to do with freeway exits, lanes merging or new lanes appearing. Something along those lines.
 
#8 ·
Audi owner since 2005 (2003 A6 2.7T MT6 and 2011 A4 2.0T MT6) and neither had exceptional stereos. I have the 900w sound system and it is more than adequate, but I am not an audiophile. You definitely want the SQ4 for the 436hp, but it is no rocket ship and takes 4.6 seconds to get to 60. So what.

I specifically wanted the SQ4 GranLusso because, unlike the GranSport, it came with heated/cooled seats and some other luxury tidbits. The GS had paddle shifters and the adjustable suspension which I did not need. And painted calipers.

The lane departure warnings will ding or yank the wheel but do not auto-steer between the lines. I disabled mine because I swerve constantly to miss potholes and storm drains. The 360 view is nice for tight parking and getting close-to while avoiding curbs. I usually tour with the car (i.e., long road trips) so having collision avoidance is a nice touch although it can be sensitive when some schmuck pulls in front of you with plenty of room to slow down, but the car nonetheless brakes. Never felt I needed it but they are nice to have now.

The car looks awesome, runs great, is very comfortable and you rarely see them. I just drove from MI to SC and back this week and saw one Levante and a ton of Audis, Bimmers, Mercedes, etc. It is nice to be unique.
 
#9 ·
In a lot of ways, the interior of a car is not the optimal listening environment anyway. Too many extraneous noises, speaker placement is limited by necessity to awkward locations, and there are too many distractions to truly enjoy the music. With my first Ghibli I drove with the stereo off just to listen to the great sounds of the car itself. Have to admit with the newer car now, I do turn the tunes on more than I used to.