Audi Q5 – Initial Impressions
March 2, 2009
As the Audi Q5 demonstration vehicles start to arrive at the local dealers we have an opportunity to see what Audi has to offer with its first crossover vehicle. Being that the Q5 is Audis first entry into this segment we ask, what differentiates the Audi Q5 from the rest? The first impression you might have is that the Q5 is about 3 years behind the other contenders in the IHG (Import High Group) Crossover Sport Utility segment. Well you are right. We are introducing the Q5 later then the other manufacturers; however we are introducing the right Crossover, at the right time. As people start to downsize from their SUV’s (Sport Utility Vehicle) and become more conscious of their purchases, the Q5 truly shines. With standard equipment such as leather seating, dual power front seats, 6 front airbags and adaptive load sensing roof rails, even with an entry level Q5, you have a first class Audi. We received our Q5 Demo about a week ago so I have had a chance to see it on a regular basis and go through its many features. My impressions of the Q5 from a design point of view from day one was very positive; simply put, I love the look. Even with the vehicle on hand, the lines and shape continue to work for me. My clienteles feedback has been very positive as well; they are proud to be a part of the brand, go to www.fourtitude.com to see an outstanding example of such pride and love of the Audi Brand.
When first stepping into the Audi Q5 you will notice how easy it is to get in and out. Also, the seating position is set higher, setting you above other vehicles. The drivers seating position is very comfortable and visibility is clear through out the cabin. While setting the exterior mirrors, cabin temperature, seat position and media to my preferences, I noticed how intuitive all the controls were. Though this was the first time I had the opportunity to drive the Q5 it felt so natural due to the well thought out configuration of instrumentation. After depressing the brake pedal and pressing the push button start to ignite the engine, I was off without hesitation. Acceleration was ample, stopping power more then enough and steering input was surgically precise. Through the corners there was very little body roll and road feed back was pleasant with very little road noise, but an extremely connected feeling to the Q5. I not only had a great time driving the Audi Q5 but also felt very safe and knew that this Crossover was very versatile. Whether I was out for a spirited drive on or off road, or just making my way home after a Portland Trail Blazers game with four passengers, the Q5 was up for the task.
I have only had a few days and although comfortable both in and out of the Audi Q5 I know it has so much more to show me. I will continue to offer up tasks and see what the Q5 is made of over the next few months, and see what tricks it has up its sleeve. When you have the opportunity to drive the Q5, ask it while you put it through its paces what it thinks about “being 3 years behind the rest,” and the Q5 will show you with confidence, it is 3 years ahead of the rest.
If you have any questions about the Audi Q5 “Contact Me Here” and I will do my best to help you. Keep in mind I took these photographs in order to provide the best example of the Audi Q5 and share what I see in the industry each day. I will continue to showcase original content in order to be your top source for Portland Oregon Audi. Thanks again for visiting www.iamaudi.com
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- Audi Drive Select Technology
- Audi Clean Diesel – My Impressions of the Q7 TDI
- Audi quattro – The Official Story
- Audi // What do you want for Christmas 4, 6 or 8?
Published in Q5 Crossover on March 2, 2009
Thanks for the insight on the new Q5. I have seen it here in person at Carousel Audi in Minneapolis, but haven’t driven it yet. The wife says she is concerned that the vehicle will have major blind spots like her A4 has. If so, she’s not interested. What is your opinion?
Also, I’m not interested in the vehicle until the diesel comes to the U.S. I’d like to see the 2.0 TDI. I drove the A4 TDI in Germany and really liked the engine.
From Joe on March 2nd, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Joe,
We will see the Hybrid version of the Q5 before the Diesel, so that should be exciting. The cabin of the Q5 is very open and there are minamal blind spots that are eleviated with Audis Advanced Parking System & Lane Change Assist.
From Scott Mitchell on March 3rd, 2009 at 10:57 am
I really like it. The C pillar looks pretty chunky, reminiscent of the infiniti FX/EX, so I can see the concerns about visibility. My initial impressions was that it seemed to be priced a bit high, but comparing the competition, I see that I was wrong.
Infiniti EX – $35k
Merc GLK$33k
X3 – $39.7k
Q5 – $37.2k
This are base prices, and I didn’t compare options for like equipment. So with that said, it’s only bettered by the BMW.
From Jason on March 9th, 2009 at 9:04 am
As Far as I Know we will have the Diesel here First,I’m not sure if they will even bother with the hybrid.I do know that When the Audi fleet was to test the Q5 hybrid,they changed their mind at the last moment and opted to test the diesel first.I wouldnt be surprised the if the hybrid never makes it here.To be honest,I believe the future of fuels is in Diesel engines,not hybrids.Yes,the cost of the diesel fuel will take a nice chunk out of your wallet.But you have to look at it this way.In the end you wount have a buy or replaced a expensive ,and very large and heavy battery that could go bad,and have issues,not to mention the hazards and disposal of a battery of that size just creates more headaches.Maybe its just me,but that my opinion.
From Pawel Zawisla on March 13th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Is the storage cover in the back removable? Also, do the rooftop carriers come standard and if so can I hook up some snowboards to them? Looks like a perfect vehicle for the mountains and the snow.
From Justin Willis on May 23rd, 2009 at 11:57 pm
Justin,
Yest the roof rails are standared and the Q5 also comes standared with the cross bars. The Q5 is the only vehicle in its class with standared adaptive roof rail system. Any Quattro Audi will be amazing in mountain conditions, also the cover is removable.
From Scott Mitchell on May 24th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
I currently drive a 2005 M3 and I LOVE IT, however I need something bigger! I’m very active with biking, hiking, canoeing, camping and will be driving from the East Coast to the West Coast next year. I think it is clear that I need a bigger car. I am looking at the Volvo XC60 T6 and the Audi Q5. I have had 4 beamer’s and I’m a little concerned because I know nothing about the realiability of an Audi. Is the Q5 worth the $50,000 (loaded) sticker and furthermore are Audi’s great cars? I have also been told to NEVER buy the first year of a new model because they are working out all the problems during the first year. Do you know if there is an available bike rack for the top of the Audi? The last thing is, I enjoy the top of the line models of any car I buy, Is there going to be an ABT verson or a TRUE S model of the Q5? Thanks
From Dayne Austin) on June 25th, 2009 at 5:13 am