2011 Audi Q5

Audi Q5

An all-new 2.0T model joins the Audi Q5 lineup for 2011, along with an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission and, as with the V-6, quattro all-wheel drive. The 2011 Audi Q5 offers a reasonably roomy interior for a compact vehicle, with more than enough headroom and legroom in front. There's a little bit of road noise, and you do hear the four-cylinder engine a bit too much, though.

With top 'good' ratings in every test from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and its Top Safety Pick Status for 2011, the Audi Q5 is one of the safest vehicles in its class—and one of the safest vehicles of any size.

That said, Audi nickles and dimes buyers for things that should be standard and are on many rival models; for instance, Bluetooth costs $700 on the base model, and an iPod interface costs $300.

The 2011 Audi Q5 gets a new base engine, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder found in many other Audi models. The 2011 Audi Q5 is a compact luxury crossover available in four trim levels: 2.0T Premium, 2.0T Premium Plus, 3.2 Premium Plus and 3.2 Prestige.

Step up to the 3.2 Premium Plus for a V6 engine, 19-inch wheels, headlight washers and S Line exterior trim. The top-shelf 3.2 Prestige adds adaptive headlights, a blind-spot warning system, keyless ignition/entry, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and the Audi MMI Navigation Plus package (navigation system, digital music storage, voice controls, rearview camera, HD radio, CD/DVD player and center-console-mounted MMI system).

The 3.2 Prestige can also be equipped with Audi Drive Select (four settings alter throttle response, transmission shift points and steering assist), adaptive cruise control and the Luxury package (ventilated front seats and upgraded leather). Both 3.2 models can be equipped with 20-inch wheels and the S Line package, which adds different 20-inch wheels, performance tires, a sport steering wheel, shift paddles and brushed aluminum trim.

The 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T comes standard with all-wheel drive and a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine good for 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined.

A six-speed automatic is standard. Estimated fuel economy stands at 18/23/20, which is tops among similarly powered all-wheel-drive crossovers.
The 2011 Audi Q5 comes standard with stability and traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. The rear seats slide fore and aft, which is a rarity in this segment of luxury crossovers, and the seats also recline for greater comfort

The luxury vehicle also features an 8 speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Quattro all wheel drive is another feature and Audi will feature a hybrid version in 2011, as well.
The 2011 Audi Q5 reportedly possesses superior handling and comfort. The vehicle is easily maneuvered with variable assist steering.

Of all the comparable vehicles listed, Audi Q5 outperforms its competitors in nearly every category. Comparable vehicles include the following:
- Acura RDX- BMW X3
- Infiniti EX35
- Mercedes Benz GLK
- Volvo XC60