2009 Audi Q5 Review

Preview

What We Know

The 2009 Audi Q5 joins a growing list of premium, five-passenger crossovers. Design cues reflect a strong influence from the larger Q7, albeit in a more compact package. The Q5 is 2 inches longer than a BMW X3 and 4 inches shorter than a Lexus RX 350. Eighteen-inch wheels and tires will be standard in the U.S., with options up to 20 inches. Inside, the Q5 has two rows of seats, with an optional "rear bench seat plus" that slides nearly 4 inches fore and aft to provide easier entry and exit, as well as access to the roomy rear cargo bay. Available features include DVD navigation, rearview camera, adaptive lighting, intelligent key, three-zone automatic climate control, iPod interface and Bang & Olufsen audio system. Only one powertrain combination will be offered in the States: a 3.2-liter V6 direct-injection gasoline engine with six-speed Tiptronic gearbox and all-wheel drive.

What Edmunds.com says

Audi is making up for lost ground in the U.S. with its second SUV, and we expect it will exhibit the same performance attitude as its big brother the Q7.