Welcome to the race Audi.
When the German luxury sport carmaker brought out the Audi Q5 this year, you just knew it was going to be good.
This is not just another luxury crossover. It’s one with attitude, and once you hop behind the wheel, you’ll come to believe that it doesn’t know it’s a crossover, it thinks it’s a car.
Technically, there’s some truth behind that. The Q5 is built off of the same platform as the Audi A4, so the car-like ride should be expected.
But it’s the combination of this crossover’s capabilities that make it so impressive. It can carry the family or just burn up open roads.
The 3.2-liter FSI V-6 creates 270 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque that lets it fly down the highway. It can hit 60 mph from a standstill in around under 7 seconds and it can keep hauling faster from there.
The six-speed automatic transmission is silky smooth even during aggressive driving, which the Q5 seems to relish. Its independent suspension keeps body roll through hard turns to a minimum and the tightly wrapped steering encourages you to press through fast corners.
Really, I most enjoyed the Q5 on the highway. Its quiet ride and luxury appointments make it great for long excursions. Road trips are much more fun with the Q5 in your life because you arrive feeling better than when you left.
Interior exceeds most cars The interior is fantastic: Leather everywhere, comfortable seats (standard 12-way power seats in the front) and the new 3G MMI system.
The 3D graphics on the navigation system are video game quality. Using the Sirius traffic-based navigation system, the new MMI operates off of voice commands that sound more like suggestions. Say “I need money,” and the vehicle will pull up nearby ATMs on the map. Say “I need gas,” and it will find local filling stations. Say “I need more money,” and it will suggest you find a better job.
Well, it’s not that creative, but if you’re going to buy the Q5, you’ve probably already got decent work. The Q5 starts at $37,000.
But it’s worth it.
The Q5 moves Audi’s commitment to interiors forward, keeping it a step in front of most carmakers. There’s ruggedness and it feels well made with high quality materials. I like the curvy dash, the metal trim touches and even the three zone climate controls that let people in the back get their share of cool or warm air.
There’s also a large pass through from the front to the rear, which makes it ideal for parents to keep tabs on the kids in the back. You don’t have to reach over the seat, just through them.
There’s also no attempt to plug a third row into the back. Many people like that additional space, but if you really need it, get a Q7. Too many other vehicles have started cramming a bench back there just to take up space. That space is hard to get into and it just doesn’t make much sense.
Compact crossovers with a third row are dumb and Audi isn’t dumb.
It could have plopped a third row in the Q5, because it has a longer wheelbase than its major competition. Doing that would have hurt the overall comfort. Additionally, the 60/40 split second row folds down nicely and provides loads of space for carrying things other than people. German shepherds will love this crossover.
Q5 can tow 4,400 pounds While the Q5 may ride like a car, it has a very distinctive truck look to it. The wide body and wheels pushed out to the corners give it a big stance. It looks as surefooted as it drives on the road.
The Quattro drive, Audi’s legendary all-wheel drive system, keeps the Q5 planted in even the most severe weather. Additionally, Audi has provided an adjustable electronic stability control — called Dynamic ESP — that can be adjusted for on or off road driving.
The Q5 also has another truck-like quality: it can tow 4,400 pounds, something the competition, such as the BMW X3, Lexus RX 350 and Mercedes GLK, cannot do.
But most of all, the Q5 is fun to drive.
It may have all of the utility of larger vehicles and still turn heads with its LED trimmed headlamps, but if it was just a commuter on the highway, what’s the point.
No, the Q5 will make you look for longer routes home — though it may not take you any more time to drive them. You’ll just arrive with a bigger smile on your face.
Sburgess@detnews.com (313) 223-3217
