Road Test: Five Reasons to Buy the 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T Quattro

The 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T Quattro is the rarest of SUV commodities. It is the premium family SUV that might just inspire naughty lustful feelings or that racing pitter patter in your chest after you take that first test drive. And not just because of its spaciousness or utility. No, the 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T doesn't aim for your head but rather it takes the sales game into the realm of seduction. You won't just want the Q5, you will need it.

You can just as easily buy a Q5 based on appearance alone much like you would a sport sedan or coupe. And that's just not something one might think about the Lexus RX. Or most of the Q5's compact premium luxury SUV/crossover rivals. Yes, the Q5 belongs to a rather nebulously defined category of vehicle but that isn't to say it does not dominate most of its competition on everything but features for the money.

But as is usually the way, you get what you pay for in the case of the 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T Quattro which, admittedly, is a bargain in basic trim at $35,000. But by the time you add metallic paint, Bluetooth, USB/iPod integration and heated seats the price is already up at $38,000 which is well past a fully loaded Acura RDX. But then it is still cheaper than a GLK or RX so let's have a closer look at five reasons why you should buy the 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T Quattro.

It's the Best Looking Compact Premium SUV on the Road

I used to favor the looks of the 2011 Acura RDX and 2011 Lexus RX but after spending a week with the Q5 it is easy to see that it is pleasingly svelte, classier and more expensive looking than its competitors. Park it next to a Mercedes GLK and you will see the Audi offers up a greater sense of occasion and finer detailing work. My 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T Quattro may have been a basic model but it didn't look basic.

The Interior is a Masterwork of Form and Function

Photographs do not do the interior of a 2011 Audi Q5 justice because they cannot capture the subtleties of the contrasting trim colors or the unquestionable quality of the materials used. For one, I absolutely loved the rolling rockers which adjusted the song selection, volume and phone from the steering wheel. The Q5's dash is sheer ergonomic genius and not different just for the sake of it as you find so often with a BMW's control layout.

It's Fast and Fun to Drive

The 2.0 liter 211 horsepower/258 lb. feet of torque 4-cylinder engine is turbocharged and direct injected as to maximize efficiency and off the line power. Trust me, you will never want for the slightly more powerful 3.2 liter V6 engine option with the Q5 as the (new for 2011) 8-speed automatic constantly keeps this motor pumping out ample forward thrust. The Q5 also steers and handles with a greater amount of precision and speed than most compact luxury SUVs. It's actually fun to drive.

It's Surprisingly Fuel Efficient

The 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T Quattro returns 20 city/27 highway and during a week in my care it averaged 24 miles per gallon. I absolutely adored the precision interplay between the 2.0 liter and the 8-speed automatic so I took every opportunity to push both mechanical elements to the limit. They never let me down in any capacity and I guarantee you will be happy with a Q5 with the 2.0T motor.

It Just Makes You Feel Good

The whole point of a luxury SUV like the 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T Quattro is that it makes you feel good about yourself even if you are going to just use it to haul the kids to and from school. The Q5 oozes refinement, class and a playful spirit from each and every stitch of the interior leather to every exterior metal panel. Now, wouldn't you love an SUV that you could actually love?

The 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T Quattro might be just that SUV.

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