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.

Check out more photos below and let us know if you think the Q5 measures up to the competition.

Comments

Another handsome Audi with an awesome interior. Love that rear!

Looks like another premium luxury overheight on-road "station wagon" that will compete directly with the RDX, X3, and EX35. The LR2 still remains the only vehicle in the class with true SUV and offroad capabilities.

I like the Volvo XC60 better

Well, the front and side profiles look really boring. The headlights are too square. I think they should have made it look like the Q7, thats a nice SUV.

Looks like a slightly stretched VW Tiguan.

Now if they'd produce it with a turbo diesel and a six speed manual it would really be something.

I much prefer it to the Q7. I love the muscular wheel arches. They turn would could be pretty bland into something rather more agressive. I think it rivals the new EX35 as possibly the most attractive sporty SUV out there.

This car looks better than the pictures suggest. Granted, I only got to see the rearend up close the other day. But at the time, I didn't know it was the Q5 until I started putting two and two together a few days later. I was heading west on one of my local single-lane roads when I noticed the vehicle in front of me was an Audi that only had the Audi rings on the back, but no other identification. At first I thought it was a Q7, but then I thought, no, this is a little sleeker looking, a little more low-slung. I started to get excited from what I could see from the rear. Unfortunately, I had to turn at a street coming up and couldn't get right beside the vehicle to have a better look(This Audi was black), but it sure looks promising. Can't wait to see more pics, particularly of the interior!

This "compact" Audi will easily weigh in at over two tons, with mediocre interior room and poor gas mileage. It was a nice gesture for them to throw in an aluminum hood and tailgate, but with A4s weighing 3,800 pounds, we can assume this will be a real porker too.