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CX-90 Turbo S PP ownership experience

1927 Views 37 Replies 11 Participants Last post by  SkyActiv
Thought I'd share my experience so far, not many ownership reports out yet so here's mine. Hopefully it can help someone with their decision.

I'm coming from a used 17' Audi Q7 prestige that was stage 2 tuned (I enjoy and appreciate a powerful engine)

Got our CX-90 about a week ago and have put 500 miles on it so far. It's been an easy adjustment and I'm becoming more comfortable in the car daily.
Anyone who is here has likely done a lot of research so I won't go into feature details. I'm comparing it to my previous car which will mean nothing to some but it's just my experience.

Driving experience is very subjective but I would classify myself as having high expectations of how things should work and function.
This car does not disappoint. The q7 tuned was supposedly around 470ish hp and I was concerned that the CX-90 would show the difference in performance.
The CX-90 may just be faster then my tuned Q7 was. The combination of the MDrive and the low end torque from the turbo make it effortless to accelerate and zip around traffic. I'm on the cars second tank of fuel ever and I'm unsure if the dealership put premium in it originally but I made sure too when I fueled up. There was some dilution and a period of time that the engine would adapt to the higher octane but the more I drive it the better it gets..

The handling in my q7 was great with air ride and 4 wheel steering. It handled bumps and body roll pretty well.
The suspension in the CX-90 is mechanically way more basic, but it does 95% of the job that the q7 did but without all the expensive parts to replace. Having a longer wheel base then most cars helps divide the bumps across a longer lever which makes for a smoother ride. I will say that there kinematic posture control was noticably effective in reducing body roll. Like by a decent amount compared to what I was used too. It stays flatter in turns then most cars you'll ride in. My wife even commented on how flat it drove. Steering feel is great no complains there.

We use it for hauling 2 kids in car seats and a big German shepherd in the back to school and work daily so it's getting well used.

Feel free to ask specifics. I get a ton from forums like these and feel obligated to return the value to someone.
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Which tires came on yours? Seems to be no rhyme or reason whether they are shipped with Falken Ziex CT60 or Toyo Open Country A50 (I can't find any info these Toyos). Handling or noise wise.
Toyos, honestly haven't paid attention to road noise. So that's probably a good thing. Good handling so far, again it hasn't caught my attention so nothing glaring
Have you noticed any hesitation or weird shifts from the transmission? A few YouTube reviewers mentioned it during their test drives. I test drove a Turbo S Premium and it was smooth.
Have you noticed any hesitation or weird shifts from the transmission? A few YouTube reviewers mentioned it during their test drives. I test drove a Turbo S Premium and it was smooth.
During normal driving it is buttery smooth. Starts are assisted by the Mdrive and downshifts are rev matched by it as well so it doesn't lurch the car when it is preparing to accelerate again. If you've ever driven a dual clutch transmission it is better than those found in VW GTIs TDIs ect. But, if you were to be accelerating and need to change pace and then resume accelerating it may be a bit notchy. Its not a bother at all though and a rare occurrence. Considering it is essentially a manual transmission that has automated shifting and clutch engagement it is smoother then 99% of drivers (that even still know how) driving a manual transmission. Hope this helps. It is smooth enough that it shouldn't be a concern for most buyers.
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During normal driving it is buttery smooth. Starts are assisted by the Mdrive and downshifts are rev matched by it as well so it doesn't lurch the car when it is preparing to accelerate again. If you've ever driven a dual clutch transmission it is better than those found in VW GTIs TDIs ect. But, if you were to be accelerating and need to change pace and then resume accelerating it may be a bit notchy. Its not a bother at all though and a rare occurrence. Considering it is essentially a manual transmission that has automated shifting and clutch engagement it is smoother then 99% of drivers (that even still know how) driving a manual transmission. Hope this helps. It is smooth enough that it shouldn't be a concern for most buyers.
Thanks for the reply, that confirms what I suspected. 99.9% of the time totally fine but it will get confused with sudden changes in throttle input. Same as all transmissions.
Thanks for the reply, that confirms what I suspected. 99.9% of the time totally fine but it will get confused with sudden changes in throttle input. Same as all transmissions.
Exactly! It just doesn't have a torque converter to soften those changes.
Hi @Cambone, are you able to see on the back side of your wheels what the offset is?

Normally each wheel (on the backside) will have a marking that reads something along the lines of 9J x 21 et40 (my guess). I'm looking to see what I can buy for winter tires for my Signature CX-90 (Turbo S PP). Thanks
How is the interior lighting? I haven't seen anything that shows ambient lighting and such.
It's early but what are you seeing for MPG?
I'll see what I can find wheel offset wise

The interior lighting is great, I'll get a few shots next time I'm in it at night. Only white light and modest. But well done
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It's early but what are you seeing for MPG?
The drive from NC to VA I got 28 as advertised.

My daily commute is 50 miles round trip and consists of 75% 80mph interstate and the rest in town with some idling. So far my weeks average is 23mpg.
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Here's a quick shot of the ambient lighting inside. Footwell, map light, door pocket and ambient strip under top door panel trim to Illuminate the arm rest and buttons The map light is not as bright as it looks in the picture.
The adaptive headlights are great on curvy roads. I'm not sure if all trims get them but they are very nice.
Car Gear shift Vehicle Window Steering part
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Hi @Cambone, are you able to see on the back side of your wheels what the offset is?

Normally each wheel (on the backside) will have a marking that reads something along the lines of 9J x 21 et40 (my guess). I'm looking to see what I can buy for winter tires for my Signature CX-90 (Turbo S PP). Thanks
Quickly tried to see the offset from the outside through the spokes, seems like I'll need to climb under to get it. I'll try tomorrow
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Here's a quick shot of the ambient lighting inside. Footwell, map light, door pocket and ambient strip under top door panel trim to Illuminate the arm rest and buttons The map light is not as bright as it looks in the picture.
The adaptive headlights are great on curvy roads. I'm not sure if all trims get them but they are very nice. View attachment 239
Very nice. Is that the Windsor tan interior w. darker wood (faux I believe) and the gun metal accent trim? I ordered the same or a similar spec (Artisan Red/Windsor Tan).
Very nice. Is that the Windsor tan interior w. darker wood (faux I believe) and the gun metal accent trim? I ordered the same or a similar spec (Artisan Red/Windsor Tan).
Yes, the gun metal trim is very pleasing.
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I think it's near impossible to read wheel specs without removing the wheel. Examples I've seen (other models) it is molded onto inside of spokes, not on the inner rim (brake rotor hides from view).
I think it's near impossible to read wheel specs without removing the wheel. Examples I've seen (other models) it is molded onto inside of spokes, not on the inner rim (brake rotor hides from view).
You are correct, normally it is on the back side on a spoke of the wheel. Depending on where the wheel is in its rotation you can see it while still mounted.
You are correct, normally it is on the back side on a spoke of the wheel. Depending on where the wheel is in its rotation you can see it while still mounted.
Found it (was easier to see on other side, rear)- 21 x 9.5 J ET45
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Found it (was easier to see on other side, rear)- 21 x 9.5 J ET45
Great, thank you so much for checking.
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