Audi is one of the few companies that can share platforms, components, running gears and power plants with its family of automakers, still keeping each and every one unique. There is a string of vehicles dating back over a decade with quality parts from Audi that function brilliantly to this date. The newest addition to the Audi fleet is the Audi Q5, the second crossover SUV for Audi.
Utilizing Audi’s 270 horsepower (243 lbs feet of torque) DOHC 3.2 liter V6, the 4,178 lbs Audi Q5 is a stout little machine. When combined with Audi's 6-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission driving Audi’s signature Quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, all weather adhesion and road performance are promising. In comparison to its larger brother, the Audi Q7 the Audi Q5 is about a half a ton lighter. Unlike the larger, 7 seat (or optional 6 seat) Audi Q7, the Audi Q5 is strictly a 5 seat vehicle.
The Audi Q5 has the honor of introducing the new Multi Media Interface (MMI) system. MMI links a super high-tech 3 dimensional, true to scale navigation graphics to a USB storage media center (for MP3 and iPod), satellite radio and mobile communications. From what I have experienced, this is one of the most advanced and easy to use systems of its kind.
Audi is known for building excellent AWD cars, but in many ways the Audi Q5 is a departure. Audi is able to maintain car-like road performance while still achieving over 7 inches of ground clearance, as opposed to previously having a wagon adapt itself to this ride height (like the Audi Allroad) with a pricey suspension. This is a small, premium SUV that is directly targeted to compete with the BMW X3, Lexus RX 350, Mercedes Benz GLK 350 4MATIC, Volvo XC60, Range Rover LR2 and even the powerful Infiniti FX 35.
There is something special about this little Audi, way beyond its parts. To me the Audi Q5 is telling me something about its real mission statement the moment I reach down, between the front seats and hit the “start” button. The Audi Q5 is ready to give me something many other automakers can not - fun.