Extended Road Test: The 2011 Audi Q5

For the 2011 model year Audi has introduced two very important changes to its Q5 compact premium SUV crossover. First off is the addition of a new base model equipped with Audi's famed 2.0 liter turbocharged/direct-injected 4-cylinder engine to helps make this exquisitely luxurious SUV more affordable yet still surprisingly sporty. 2011 also sees the introduction of Audi's brand new 8-spseed automatic transmission.

Yes, I said an 8-speed automatic transmission. It helps to make the 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T Quattro more efficient and is perfectly suited to the smaller turbo motor. Admittedly, I haven't tested it with the 3.2 liter V6 that is the uplevel powerplant in the Q5 lineup so I can't give you that comparison perspective quite yet.

So if you are in the market for a Lexus RX, a BMW X3, Mercedes GLK, Acura RDX or even an entry level luxury sedan, I can guarantee that after one test drive the Audi Q5 will be on your short list. Audi is the fastest growing luxury nameplate in the country right now and I will explain this review why the 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T Quattro should continue to help build that sales momentum.

Interior Design and Utility

As per the Audi norm, the interior of the Q5 shows the competition how it really should be done when it comes to build quality, ergonomics and subtle inventiveness. The roller switches for the steering wheel audio controls should be studied for their sheer design brilliance. The perfectly judged interior ambient lighting set-up is a true masterwork that has to be experienced to be believed.

The feel of all the touch points in the interior are lustrously textured and while the layout of the dash is similar to the ones found in a number of Audi products, there might just be a reason for that. It all just works perfectly from a visual and ergonomic perspective. Controls for audio, climate, Bluetooth and secondary functions all fall easily to hand where you instinctually would want them to be.

All Q5 interiors come with real wood and metal trim that should be sent to other luxury car makers as evidence of how to use these materials in their own vehicles. Automakers like Lexus need to learn that wood trim should not look like something that was removed from a baby diaper.

Overall the 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T Quattro's interior would score an A plus if I was prone to handing out grades in my reviews. But that's dumb. This isn't school.

Driving Impressions

While it may sound absurd to burden 4,000 pound SUV with full-time all-wheel drive and a small 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine, do keep in mind that this turbocharged and direct injected wunderkind pumps out 211 horsepower and 258 lb. feet of torque nearly from idle. Suffice it to say, you are never left wanting for power. In fact, I would qualify the accelerative prowess of the 2011 Audi Q5 Quattro 2.0T as class leading.

Thanks to the imperceptible genius of the crisp (and all-new for 2011) 8-speed automatic, the Q5 hits 60 miles per hour in about 7 seconds flat but passing power makes the SUV feel faster than that number suggests. After spending a week in the Q5 2.0T, I really began to wonder why any car or SUV would ever need any other engine. It really is that good.

Ride quality is also impressive with road, tire and engine noise all well muted at cruising speeds. Granted, I do usually drive with the stereo blasting full volume but I do turn it down on occasion just for testing purposes. You know, it's all part of the job.

Body roll was another area in which the Q5 got a gold star, mainly because it was so conspicuous due to its absence. To say the Q5 drives a lot like a tall A3 would be an apt description of how precise and controlled the ride and handling compromise is worked out in the entire package.

The only slightly negative aspect of the Q5 driving experience is an odd changeover in steering feel as you accelerate past parking speeds. It is noticeably artificial as the steering changes feel for higher speeds but I am sure any owner would get used to that quirk over time. But it is still a minor quirk in an otherwise perfectly engineered driving package.

The Q5 is very rare SUV indeed in one aspect and that is the fact that I never had to apologize for its unruly driving demeanor with the excuse that "all SUVs act that way." The 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T drives like I would hope any excellent automobile would and for that reason alone it deserves an award.

Pricing, Features and Fuel Economy

My base model Premium 2.0T tester came with a multitude of standard features including three zone climate control, the most deliciously sumptuous leather upholstery in this price class, 12-way power front seats, Sirius satellite radio, real wood inlays, 18-inch alloy wheels, power windows, power locks, keyless entry, the 8-speed automatic, power/heated side mirrors, automatic wipers/headlights and Audi's excellent Concert Radio audio system.

Optional extras included luxury essentials like Bluetooth ($700 paired with Homelink universal garage door opener), heated front seats ($450) as well as a neatly integrated USB/iPod interface ($300). All told with charges for destination and a handsomely understated Teak Brown Metallic paint job the MSRP was exactly $38,000. Upgrading to mid-level Premium Plus trim nets you all of the aforementioned goodies plus an epically large panoramic sunroof, a power rear tailgate and the extra forward illumination of Xenon headlamps for $39,400.

Recommended options include the $3,000 Audi MMI in-dash navigation/back-up camera/40 GB hard drive system and the amazing 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio upgrade which is a steal at only $850. Do note that the navigation and audio upgrade are available only to Premium Plus buyers and that these two features should prove essential come resale if you plan on purchasing your 2011 Q5.

My fuel economy average over the week was 24 miles per gallon and much of that is down to the clever gearing of the 8-speed automatic. The 19.8 gallon fuel tank ensured I had plenty of cruising miles available before I had to hit the gas station again for more premium unleaded gasoline which it does unfortunately require.

The Competition

Every luxury automaker nowadays has a rival for the 2011 Audi Q5 and there are some that get close to its overall excellence while some miss the mark entirely. The Mercedes GLK may have a cheap sounding base price but gets expensive when you add the necessary options. It also feels built to a very specific low price. The Lexus RX is a much better built alternative but has all of the personality of a toaster oven.

The 2011 Acura RDX might be the closest rival to the Q5 2.0T and has it beaten on price but doesn't quite match the Audi in regards to interior sparkle. It still makes for a fine choice, however. Although I haven't tested the latest BMW X3 it does look like the all-new version will turn out to be a fine compact luxury SUV choice even if it does just look like a shrunken X5. The X3, like all BMWs, gets very expensive once you start adding options.

The Volvo XC60 is an interestingly off-beat choice let down only by a somewhat dated feeling interior. The Infiniti EX35 might be more of a competitor if it had some more available cargo room. Overall, the 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T Quattro really is the head of a very competitive class.

How Dog and Kid Friendly is the Q5?

One of the most dog and kid friendly features available on the Q5 is the 3-zone climate control system which allows quick cooling or heating of the rear seats. We all know how hot it can get in the car on a warm day and having vents for back seat passengers is very important for health and safety.

The ride height of the Q5 also makes it very easy for older dogs like my 8-year old boxer to hop in and out of the back seat. Durable standard leather and Audi's exemplary interior trim quality ensures that kids and dogs won't be able to easily destroy the interior of a Q5. The 29.1 cubic foot cargo space (57.3 with the rear seats folded flat) has a low lift-over height as well ensuring that the loading of heavy cargo is a stress free affair.

Verdict

Buying a luxury SUV is not a purely practical car buying decision. If practicality and utility were your only concerns you would be looking at a Toyota Highlander or some such automotive appliance. The 2011 Audi Q5 just makes you feel good every time you drive it thanks to its sporty driving characteristics and the way the interior just coddles your every whim and desire. The 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T Quattro is not an SUV you need but it is the luxury SUV that you most definitely want.

Vehicle Tested: 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T Quattro

Base Price: $35,200

Price as Tested: $38,000 (including destination)

Options on Tester: Teak Brown Metallic Paint ($475), Bluetooth/Homelink Package ($700), Heated Front Seats ($450), Audi Music iPod Interface ($300)

Engine: 2.0 liter turbocharged/direct injected 4-cylinder

Power: 211 horsepower/258 lb. feet of torque

Transmission: 8-speed automatic with Tiptronic

0-60: 7.1 seconds

Top Speed: 130 miles per hour

Tow Capacity: 4,400 lbs.

Ground Clearance: 7.9 inches

Curb Weight: 4,090 pounds

Turning Radius: 38.1 feet

EPA Fuel Economy: 20 city/27 highway

Economy as Tested: 24 miles per gallon

Gas Tank Size: 19.8 gallons
Runs on: Premium Unleaded

Cargo Space (Behind Second Row): 29.1 cubic feet

(Second Row Folded Flat): 57.3 cubic feet

Crash Test Ratings (IIHS): 2011 Top Safety Pick

Warranty: 4 year/50,000 mile bumper to bumper

5,000 mile/1-year complimentary first service

Vehicle Assembled in: Ingolstadt, Germany

Vehicle Provided by: Audi USA