Overview
Audi Q5 is in the IHG (Import High Group) small SUV segment which is expected to grow spectacularly over the next few years as new entrants arrive and customers replace their luxury sedans with luxury crossovers. Its main competitors are the Acura RDX, BMW X3, Infiniti EX35, Land Rover LR2 HSE, Lexus RX350, Mercedes Benz GLK350, and the Volvo XC60. It is available in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trims.
The Audi Q5 is the first Audi offering with Generation 3 MMI and navigation with real-time SIRIUS traffic information. Audi is the first car company in the United States to sell 100% of its gasoline engines with FSI direct injection technology. The Q5 gets a 2.0T model with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive.
Powertrain And Performance
The 2012 Audi Q5 is built on the foundation established by the Audi Q7, and it strengthens the brand's presence in the crossover segment and is offered with a 270 horsepower 3.2 V6 FSI direct injection engine, quattro all wheel drive, and six-speed Tiptronic transmission. It delivers an EPA estimated 18/23 city/highway and 20 mpg combined. It has the best-in-class 4,400 pound towing capacity (others tow 3,500 lbs or less).
Build And Styling
The exterior of the 2012 Audi Q5 features xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, aluminum wrap-around tailgate, standard 18-inch wheels (235/60 all-season tires), full body monochromatic paint, and aluminum exterior trim and signature single frame grille. Inside, a panorama sunroof and leather seating surfaces with spacious rear seating are highly comfortable.
A unique 3-zone climate control, standard 12-way power front seats with leather seating surfaces throughout, standard rear reclining/sliding seats, and interior storage spaces including 1 liter bottle holders in each door are other key features.
The optional Audi MMI Navigation Plus package features a seven-inch, full-color LCD screen and MMI control. The available Bang & Olufsen sound system includes 14 speakers with 505 digitally amplified watts and surround sound reproduction.
Safety Features
The 2012 Audi Q5 comes with a number of active and passive safety features including the airbags, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), the Traction Control (ASR), the Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), the Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), the Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP).
