2009 Audi Q5 Revealed

• Competes with: Acura RDX, BMW X3, Land Rover LR2, Infiniti EX35
• Looks like: Audi slapped its design on an X3
• Drivetrain: 265 hp 3.2-liter six-cylinder, six-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Early 2009

It’s not a shock to see Audi jump into the suddenly crowded compact luxury SUV market. The Q5 will hit the U.S. early next year and the company claims it will be priced around the competition listed above. The specs show that the Q5 will almost be identical in length to the EX35 – but it’ll be taller – and about the same overall height of a BMW X3, but longer. To us, that means it will actually have a useful cargo area unlike the Infiniti. In the looks department, the Q5 is far from cutting edge, although the LED taillights are quite something.

There won’t be any trim levels at launch, just one engine, one drivetrain, one transmission, no choices. Still, Audi’s 3.2-liter six cylinder is a terrific powerplant if you only get one choice, and most buyers in this segment are looking for all-wheel drive.

The Q5 adds an aluminum hood and tailgate to lower weight which helps with performance, but which also will make it easier to open and close them. Audi’s multimedia interface (MMI) is standard and there are a ton of high-tech options, including a Bang & Olufsen sound system, heated and cooled cupholders, power tailgate and a navigation system with real time traffic.