http://images.thecarconnection.com/sml/2009-audi-q5_100177617_s.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=1NX1S67K1EPB17FH DG82&Expires=1233789181&Signature=08BLaYNuFZtYz%2BJCEMhZTzpGLhg%3D


All hail...another thirsty German crossover. The new Audi Q5 (http://www.thecarconnection.com/modelintro/audi_q5_2009), making its debut at Audi (http://www.thecarconnection.com/make/audi) dealers (http://blogs.thecarconnection.com/marty-blog/1018171_audi-q5-to-debut-with-impressive-towing-capacity-mediocre-mpg#) in March, boasts the firm's impressive 270-horse 3.2-liter FSI V-6, expected Audi (http://www.thecarconnection.com/make/audi) luxury trappings, and reputedly tenacious handling. But, weighed down with numerous infotainment features, quattro AWD (http://blogs.thecarconnection.com/marty-blog/1018171_audi-q5-to-debut-with-impressive-towing-capacity-mediocre-mpg#), and a towing-prep package as standard, the best-case mpg scenario will be 23 mpg highway (18 city).


In truth, these mpg ratings are within range for the segment, and rather impressive considering a claimed 6.7-second sprint to 60 mph and a max tow rating of 4,400 lbs. (beating the next-most formidable competitor by 900 lbs). But who actually buys a crossover for heavy towing and stoplight sprints? Aren't they more about style and image? And haven't the faltering economy and the hybrid (http://www.thecarconnection.com/style/hybrid) craze made green (http://www.thecarconnection.com/style/green) the new black this season?


http://images.thecarconnection.com/sml/2009-audi-q5_100177618_s.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=1NX1S67K1EPB17FH DG82&Expires=1233789245&Signature=YMoaxRnF1wYtcHgDtWj%2FakcL9ZM%3D
2009 Audi Q5
Enlarge Photo (http://blogs.thecarconnection.com/image/100177618_2009-audi-q5)


At least the Q5 (http://www.thecarconnection.com/modelintro/audi_q5_2009)'s mpg is better than the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 (http://www.thecarconnection.com/bottomline/mercedes-benz_glk_2010)'s abysmal 16/21 rating. But both automakers need to hurry up and offer us their clean diesels, which are torquey, quiet, and have reached as high as 38mpg (Audi Q5 (http://www.thecarconnection.com/modelintro/audi_q5_2009) 3.0 TDI) on recent mileage marathons (http://blogs.thecarconnection.com/marty-blog/1016265_audi-diesels-top-expectations-in-cross-country-marathon).
Audi's (http://www.thecarconnection.com/make/audi) amazing interiors, sturdy A4 (http://www.thecarconnection.com/fullreview/audi_a4_2009)-based chassis architecture (with a lengthened wheelbase and widened track), and a dizzying host of infotainment options (voice-recognizing new-gen MMI, Dolby Digital 5.1 sound system, steering wheel iPod control, integral hard drive, and even digital 3D nav screen display) would be just as fantastic with a diesel or even the firm's 2.0-liter FSI turbocharged four under the hood.


Audi (http://www.thecarconnection.com/make/audi) teased us with a Q5 (http://www.thecarconnection.com/modelintro/audi_q5_2009) running the 3.0-liter turbodiesel during the aforementioned mileage marathon; compared to the 3.2-liter gasoline FSI, it yields a few less horses, much more torque, and class-decimating mpg. They even give us this engine in the States in the Q7 3.0 TDI (http://www.thecarconnection.com/fullreview/audi_q7_2009) - why not in the sporty new Q5 (http://www.thecarconnection.com/modelintro/audi_q5_2009) crossover?

http://www.egmcartech.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/2009_audi_q5_image_main.jpg


Key Summary Points • The Audi Q5 builds on the foundation established by the Audi Q7, and strengthens the brand’s presence in the SUV (http://www.egmcartech.com/2009/01/29/2009-audi-q5-will-have-best-in-class-fuel-economy-and-towing-capacity-in-the-us/#) segment.
• The Audi Q5 will be offered in the USA in March 2009 (2009 model year (http://www.egmcartech.com/2009/01/29/2009-audi-q5-will-have-best-in-class-fuel-economy-and-towing-capacity-in-the-us/#)) with a 3.2 V6 FSI direct injection engine, quattro® all wheel drive, and a six speed Tiptronic transmission.
• The Audi Q5 will be the first Audi offering with Generation 3 MMI, and navigation with real-time traffic information.
Competitive Advantage Summary
• Best-in-class city fuel economy of 18 mpg with 23 mpg highway (amongst AWD traditional powertrain competitors).
• Best-in-class 4,400 pound towing capacity (most have 3,500 lbs or less).
• Longest wheelbase in its class.
• Audi drive select option (unique to segment) helps the driver customize engine/throttle mapping, transmission shift characteristics, steering, and suspension.
• 3-zone climate control standard (the only competitor in the segment w/ rear zone climate control).
• Standard reclining / sliding rear seats.
• 40/60 split rear seats fold from levers located inside cargo area.
• Ski/snowboard pass-through within the split fold rear seats (unique amongst German luxury competitors).
• Clamshell shape trunk opening allows low and wide rear cargo entry point, and a very clean design execution for exterior rear lighting area.
• Standard 12-way power front seats with leather seating surfaces throughout.
• Innovative ESP system recognizes when roof rail cross bars are in place and adjusts accordingly.
• Electronic dipstick allows customers to check the oil from inside the cabin.
• 3G MMI shows latest evolution of 3D navigation.
Market
• The Audi Q5 belongs to the IHG Small SUV segment, which is forecasted to grow dramatically over the next few years as new entrants arrive and customers replace their luxury sedans (http://www.egmcartech.com/2009/01/29/2009-audi-q5-will-have-best-in-class-fuel-economy-and-towing-capacity-in-the-us/#) for luxury crossovers.
• Key competitors are the Acura RDX, BMW X3, Infiniti EX35, Land Rover LR2 HSE, current generation Lexus RX350, Mercedes Benz GLK350, and the upcoming Volvo XC60.
Design
• Based on the current Audi A4 platform.
• Sporty proportions and muscular stance due to long wheelbase and wide body design.
• Reduced front overhang adds to visual sportiness.
• Elimination of roof joint strip, which lends to a high visual quality and minimized airflow noises.
• Typical Audi interior design is modern and sophisticated, with clear attention to detail
• Standard 18” wheels (235/60 all-season tires), full body monochromatic paint, LED taillights, and aluminum exterior trim.
Dynamics
• New modular chassis architecture with longer wheelbase and wider track
• Blending four cars (http://www.egmcartech.com/2009/01/29/2009-audi-q5-will-have-best-in-class-fuel-economy-and-towing-capacity-in-the-us/#) into one, Audi drive select adapts the dynamics of the Audi Q5 to suit the driving experience you desire. The system controls the adaptive suspension, the dynamic steering, the transmission shift characteristics, and the engine response. Four operating modes are available: Comfort, Automatic, Dynamic, and Individual, which allows a custom response profile.
• Consistent use of high-strength and ultra-high strength steel grades for a highly rigid occupant cell with optimized deformation properties.
• Hood and tailgate made from aluminum for lower weight and reduced opening and closing forces.
• Extensive aluminum suspension componentry to reduce unsprung weight and enhance steering feel.
• Compact trapezoidal-link rear suspension which enables a low cargo load floor and high luggage capacity.
Powertrain
• 3.2L V6 specifications:
o FSI direct injection
o Audi Valvelift System (AVS) variable intake valve lift
o 270hp @ 6500 rpm
o 243 lb-ft @3000 rpm
o Track: front – 63.7 inches / rear – 63.5 inches
o 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds (USA estimated)
• quattro® AWD – latest generation with asymmetric rear-biased torque split (40/60)
• Tiptronic fast-shifting six-speed automatic transmission
• Towing preparation standard; available through dealer
Towing
• All U.S. cars have towing preparation standard, which includes trailer brake controller wiring for use with trailers over 1500 lbs.
• A trailer hitch receiver for the Audi Q5 is available through all authorized Audi dealers with a total capacity of 4,400 lbs.
• Audi Q5 is best-in-class regarding towing capacity.
o Acura RDX = 1500 lbs
o BMW X3 = 3500 lbs
o Land Rover LR2 = 3500 lbs
o Lexus RX = 3500 lbs
o Mercedes GLK = 3500 lbs
o Infiniti EX = towing not recommended
o Volvo XC60 = n/a
Innovations and available features
• MMI operating logic standard (with central display screen)
• Audi side assist
• Dynamic ESP configuration (on road, off road, and roof cargo configurations)
• Power tailgate
• Audi Intelligent Key – stores service information in the key
• Audi advanced key keyless entry (http://www.egmcartech.com/2009/01/29/2009-audi-q5-will-have-best-in-class-fuel-economy-and-towing-capacity-in-the-us/#) and starting
• Audi music interface – world renowned iPod connectivity
• Bluetooth (http://www.egmcartech.com/2009/01/29/2009-audi-q5-will-have-best-in-class-fuel-economy-and-towing-capacity-in-the-us/#) hands-free telephone interface
• Mercury-free Audi xenon plus headlamps with LED daytime running lights
• LED tail lamps
• Audi parking system advanced with rearview camera
• Electromechanical parking brake
• HDD-based Navigation system with real-time traffic information
• Generation 3 MMI system
• Thermo heated/cooled cupholder
• Bang & Olufsen 505W 14-speaker sound system
Launch Timing and Pricing
• USA Audi Q5 goes on sale in March 2009 as a 2009 model year vehicle (http://www.egmcartech.com/2009/01/29/2009-audi-q5-will-have-best-in-class-fuel-economy-and-towing-capacity-in-the-us/#), with pricing in line with its competitors. It will be built in Ingolstadt, Germany.
The next generation MMI from Audi: top-level multimedia and communication
• Introducing a new generation of the market’s best system
• Even higher performance and easier operation
• First appearance stateside in the all-new Audi Q5

Gets my vote for best looking SUV ever. Not that I'd ever want one...

Gets my vote for best looking SUV ever. Not that I'd ever want one...
i like the FX50 more.

...and it can match the A5's 4,400 towing (even though the above article does not have the XC's towing listed). It's mentioned in the Edmunds article below.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=132131

Bob

What? Only 18MPG city! That's weak! Wait, that what the WRX gets. :unamused:

Didn't see a price anywhere. I'm guessing $35K-$40K?

Would love it if my wife decided to replace her RDX with one of this...

BTW Millage on my wife's RDX is terrible, between 17 - 19 MPG's

If it hits the market and you can walk away with one under 40,000 that's impressive.

Having bought from this market it looks good. It's still giving up almost 30 hp to Infiniti's small cross over and a bit less to some of the BMW's but does have a good heap of power of the RDX.

If Audi includes their maintance program with this vehicle it should do well.

18-23mpg is what the small MB SUV is getting not the new GLK - guessing it will get the same. Though MB has the diesels which are posting mid 20's pretty consistantly.

MB has already said they are looking to put a smaller diesel in the small GLK SUV which will probably bring it into the 30mpg range. They already have a diesel hybrid version of the GLK that posts 40mpg.

I think in the next 3years we are going to see large increases in milege for vehicles that have been needing the MPG boost the most. Family haulers / SUV wagons.

Need one - just wait another 2 years or so and we'll have some decent sized SUV's getting halfway decent milege for a change. Can't wait? Lease one so you don't feel bad trying to sell a good car with little value.

I'm waiting for the mid 20+ SUV's till then I'll keep my old as dirt and gas hog 94 Landcruiser that gets 14mpg with a tail wind. At least I'm not making payments on it, that and its damn cheap other than the gas.