Add a taller roof and higher ground clearance to an Audi A4 and bolt on a crossover body, and you’ll begin to get a feel for the 2009 Audi Q5. The all-new 2009 Q5 preserves the sports-sedan feel, solid handling and quiet refinement of the highly regarded A4. If you’ve always wanted an A4, but hesitated because of “family” issues, the Q5 is your ride.
The 2009 Audi Q5 is the all-new crossover from Audi that combines the dynamism of a sports sedan with the versatile interior and options fast-moving families must have. A strong and efficient 3.2-liter Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) engine, quattro all-wheel drive and agile running gear create high-tech capability for both on- and off-road driving. The Q5 is dynamic, multifunctional and comfortable.
The Audi Q5 offers sporty proportions, a muscular stance and an artfully sculpted body. The Q5 uses a new modular chassis architecture that allows the most modern and sophisticated look and feel. The dimensions alone indicate that this is a vehicle of all-new proportions. Measuring 182.2 inches long and 74.8 inches wide, the Audi Q5 is just 65.2 inches high, giving it a sleeker profile than any of its competitors. The Q5 is longer (by half an inch) than the BMW X3. It's also lower with a stylish coupe-like roofline that contributes to an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.33.
The design of the Audi Q5 is perfectly in tune with the character of Audi as a brand. The front end is dominated by Audi’s signature single-frame trapezoidal grille. The grille is framed with available bi-xenon headlamps and LED daytime running lights. Viewed from the side, the large wheels and rising edges project a muscular and aggressive personality. The Q5 comes standard with 18-inch wheels; 20-inch wheels are available.
The 2009 Q5 employs Audi’s remarkable new advanced key system for entry. The system doesn’t just unlock the doors automatically when you touch the door handle; it also remembers the personal settings of up to two users – for the seat positions and the automatic air conditioning, for example.
Inside, the Q5 will remind you of the A4 since the dashboard and instruments are nearly identical. The cockpit incorporates aluminum, exclusive woods, chrome, leather and Alcantara in tasteful integration. Between the front seats is Audi’s third-generation Multi-Media Interface (MMI) multifunction controller with truly intuitive function, unlike another German brand’s central control knob. MMI uses a dashboard screen and control knob to control audio, navigation, suspension and other functions. Navigation-equipped models no longer use DVD-based maps and directions. A 40-gigabyte hard drive provides enough space to store navigation information and more than 1,000 MP3 music files. An optional Bang & Olufsen sound system fills the cabin with 505 watts of music power through 10 channels and 14 speakers. Other available features include three-zone climate control, a navigation system with real-time traffic information, keyless entry and starting, a rearview camera, power tailgate and a wireless cell phone link.
Passenger space is also similar to that of the A4, which means stretch-out room for everyone. Like the A4, the driving position is spot-on. Front memory seats with heat are a welcome convenience. Backseat occupants will find a split/folding bench that moves forward or backward to increase legroom and reclines for additional comfort.
The 2009 Q5 features a fuel-efficient 270-hp, 3.2-liter FSI V6 with fast-shifting Tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The latest version of quattro all-wheel drive is a rear-biased system that distributes drive power asymmetrically and dynamically between all four wheels. The system splits torque 40/60 front/rear and has the ability to shift as much as 65 percent to the front and 85 percent to the rear as driving conditions warrant. If one of the wheels is in danger of losing grip, quattro compensates by redistributing power. Audi says the Q5 takes just 6.7 seconds to go from zero-to-60 mph. Maximum towing capacity is 4,400 pounds.
Audi reports that with almost 7.9 inches of ground clearance, the Q5 can handle water up to 19.7 inches deep and climb 31-degree slopes with a break over angle of 17.5 degrees.
In addition to a full complement of airbags, the 2009 Q5 is loaded with active safety systems. For example, its Electronic Stabilization Program goes beyond most stability systems to offer settings for on-road, off-road and roof cargo (to compensate for a higher center of gravity). Audi Side Assist is a lane change assistant that uses radar sensors to help monitor the car’s blind spots and the traffic situation behind the vehicle. Lights in the exterior mirrors notify you if a vehicle is detected in your blind spot. White-knuckle parking will be a distant memory when you specify the Audi Parking System Advanced with Rearview Camera. With front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera, the Audi parking system provides audible and visual warnings to make parking easier and safer.
If a luxury sport crossover appears to be in your future, don’t miss the 2009 Audi Q5. Reviews confirm that Audi has created a new benchmark of performance, luxury and efficiency in this versatile and fun-to-drive crossover. Give us a call and we’ll set you up with a test drive and personal presentation.
