As the market reacts to ever-climbing fuel prices and consumer demand gains momentum for more "right-sized" vehicles, the crossover segment has grown exponentially.
Audi, a brand that was late to the SUV boom, finds itself poised to deliver a new Q5 that could be one of the best in the class.
Based on Audi's small sedan platform, the Q5 shares a production line with the A4 and A4 Avant. While offering up some of the drive qualities of its sedan cousins, it really stands to gain crossover fans who might appreciate the quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Also worthy of praise is the whole package the Q5 delivers. This is a crossover with a lush, luxury interior, nimble handling and fun performance. Pricing starts at $37,200; with options the price climbs pretty fast to reach an as-tested price of $48,750.
Audi has been bettering its permanent all-wheel-drive system for decades and, along with Subaru, it is one of the best out there.
In normal running conditions, the transfer case distributes the power to the front and rear axle in a 40:60 ratio, though Audi claims quattro can provide up to 65 percent of the power to the front axle and a maximum of 85 percent to the rear axle. That's outstanding for the crossover segment.
Keep in mind, the Q5 crossover is not the off-road SUV that the bigger, bolder Q7 can claim to be. The Q5 has ground clearance of only 7.8 inches, approach and departure angles of 25 degrees, a break-over angle of 18 degrees and a standard 18-inch crossover tire.
For civilized off-road use, the Q5 is better than average for handling whatever you might encounter - inside the cabin is where it further exceeds expectations.
Audi always has delivered high-quality interiors with the highest standards of fit and finish. The Q5's cabin is a sophisticated blend of driver-oriented technology and premium materials. I found the driver's seating position and overall view of the road to be excellent. Given the power seat controls and generous glass surround, driving the Q5 is a wonderful experience. Audi vehicles are accented with high-end trim pieces, including aluminum, exclusive woods, chrome and Alcantara.
Should you want to personalize your Q5, Audi offers optional design packages. The Audi Q5 comes standard with an electromechanical parking brake, an intelligent chip key, three-zone climate control system and a display screen in the instrument cluster.
My Q5 tester included the navigation system ($3,000), which allows control of systems like heat and air conditioning, audio and multimedia. A rotary push button is easily reached and easily manages to control systems throughout the vehicle.
Rear seating for three passengers is adequate, though legroom was a bit tight for taller passengers during my test. Adjustable 60/40 seats fold down to deliver a flexible utility space.
Audi drive select is an optional driving dynamics system that directs throttle position, electronic shock control in comfort or performance settings and automatically adjusts steering ratio. This system changes its ratio (up to 100 percent) depending on the setting you have selected.
I found the performance mode to be a fun way to spice up the Q5's personality. This setting offered nimble drive characteristics and spirited handling that most crossovers never try to attempt. The comfort setting was a pure touring ride that was easy on the spine and comfortable on several long trips.
The Q5's exterior will look familiar as an Audi. The front end touts the bold Audi headlights and contemporary single-frame grille. The exterior elegance comes from the gentle slope of the roof. Like the hood, the rear features a wraparound aluminum tailgate. Optional bi-xenon lamps and LED daytime running lights add to the sharp exterior attitude, while the firm edginess in the quarters is especially bold.
Audi offers only one choice for a drivetrain with the 3.2-liter FSI direct-injection, six-cylinder engine and a six-speed Tiptronic automatic with quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5's six-cylinder (270 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque) delivers a city/highway/combined fuel economy at 18/23/20. In the luxury class this is better than average.
Overall, the Q5 makes crossovers take notice by offering the quattro grip with outstanding luxury accoutrements and high-tech gadgets that improve the safety and comfort of short or long trips.
2010 Audi Q5Engine: 270-horsepower 3.2-liter FSI direct-injection six-cylinder
Transmission: six-speed automatic
Drivetrain: all-wheel drive
Fuel economy: 18 city/23 highway
Price: $37,200
As tested: $48,750
Web site: www.AudiUSA.com