In 1980, car enthusiasts saw the launch of the quattro® permanent four-wheel drive, and performance motoring was never the same. Audi defines quattro® as, “a mechanical system with a self-locking center differential and continuously variable torque distribution.” Drivers tend to go with the less technical, “Amazing!”
In layman’s terms, the Audi quattro® system channels power to the wheels with the most grip. On the road, this helps keep the driver out of trouble regardless of conditions. While off-road, the quattro® system provides traction on practically any surface a driver might encounter.
Of course, four-wheel drive, while necessary for off-roading, is not by itself sufficient. Ground clearance also matters, and that’s where the Audi Q5 comes into its own. Not only does this upscale SUV employ quattro® technology, but it also features 7.9 inches of ground clearance--plenty for launching a small boat or towing a trailer across fields.
At just over 15 feet long, 65 inches high, and 82 inches across the mirrors, the Q5 is relatively compact for an SUV that seats five, offers 29 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and can tow 4,400 pounds. But, thanks to four-wheel drive, speed-sensitive power steering, hill descent control, and sophisticated front and rear suspension designs, the Q5 handles as well as any car on the roads and delivers an unrivaled sense of security.
Audi offers two engines for the Q5; a 2.0-liter turbocharged in-line four cylinder and a 3.2-liter V6. Usually the bigger engine is the obvious choice for the performance-minded driver, but in the case of the Q5 the decision is not so clear-cut. The 2-liter delivers 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and, mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, it gets the Q5 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. In contrast, the V6 gets the job done in 6.7 seconds, thanks to 270 horsepower, 243 pound-feet of torque and a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.
At an EPA-rated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, the 2-liter is the more economical choice, with figures for the V6 at 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway, but many drivers won’t notice any lack of power from the base engine. One thing drivers will notice is the difference in interior trim: all Q5s are well-appointed, but the top levels of trim come only with the larger powerplant.
To clarify, entry to the Q5 family begins with the $35,600 2.0T Premium. Leather upholstery, power front seats, and wood inlays make this vehicle extremely comfortable, but an additional $4,300 gets a buyer into the better equipped 2.0T Premium Plus. This trim level features such goodies as heated front seats, a Panaroma sunroof, power tailgate, iPhone/iPod integration, and memory settings for the mirrors and drivers seat. All 2.0-liter Q5s get 18-inch alloys as standard, though they are upgradeable on the Premium Plus to 19 inches. Other upgrades for the Premium Plus include navigation and keyless ignition.
Next up is the $43,000 3.2 Premium Plus. The 19-inch wheels are standard, upgradeable to gorgeous titanium-finish 20-inch rims as part of the S line package. From the 3.2 Premium Plus, it’s a $7,100 jump to the range-topping 3.2 Prestige. Externally, this is distinguished by adaptive xenon headlights and LED daylight running lights, while inside there are rear door sunshades, a Bang & Olufsen audio system, and for the driver, blind spot detection.
Whatever the trim level, Q5 drivers enjoy a luxurious interior and lavish levels of equipment, but what this compact SUV really delivers, thanks to quattro® technology, is one of the best on and off-road experiences that money can buy.