Audi has joined the compact SUV game with the all-new 2009 5-passenger Q5. While the Audi name may bring to mind road-faring sedans, its also the brand of the popular Quattro all wheel drive system. The Quattro name entered the rally-racing world almost 30 years ago, so off-roading is nothing new for Audi.
The Q5's outline evokes a smaller version of its Q7 brethren. Its front end is more closely related to that of the latest generation of the A4 sedan. To this end, the Q5 has an upright driving stance, masked in shapely design cues.
Features such as the aggressive LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, and dual exhaust hint at an SUV, whose primary duties lie within winding roads and city streets. That said, the Q5 can handle itself off-road, with standard hill-descent control, almost 8 inches of ground clearance, and the ability to traverse nearly three feet of water.
The Q5 is powered by a direct-injected 3.2-liter V6. It produces 270 horsepower and 243 pound feet of torque allowing it to tow up to 4400 pounds. Power is sent through a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission to Audi's Quattro full-time all wheel drive.
Fuel economy for the Q5 ranges from 18 miles per gallon city, up to 23 miles per gallon highway.
Audi's reputation for delivering world-class interiors is well maintained with the Q5. Our test model came equipped with standard leather seating, and an interior outfitted in chrome and woodgrain accents. The 60/40 split-fold rear seats give way to over 57 cubic feet of cargo space.
The dual panel sunroof with power retracting sunshade is standard on the up-rated Prestige trim and optional on the Premium trim. The Prestige model also adds Audi's MMI multimedia interface with voice controlled navigation, backup camera, and a DVD player all as standard equipment.
Standard safety equipment on the Q5 includes 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, electronic brake force distribution, and a full array of front and side impact airbags. Also standard is an electronic stabilization program that utilizes sensors built into the standard roof rails. These sensors factor in any weight added to the roof rails, and the stabilization program recalculates for a new center of gravity.
Initial Base MSRP for the 2009 Audi Q5 is $37,200. A fully loaded Prestige model will top out at around $55,000. The Q5 is backed by a 4-year, 50,000-mile powertrain warranty.
With the Q5, Audi has taken nearly 3 decades of Quattro technology, mixed in the best attributes of both a wagon and an SUV, and created a capable, versatile compact sport-ute, with handling that's as sharp as its styling.