Interior
One of the things that Audi does very well is interiors, and the Q5 is no exception. Aside from the comfort of heated and cooled leather front bucket seats, getting comfortable enough to do 1,000 km at a time (or go downtown) takes just a few seconds. Instrumentation is driver-oriented, with the tach and speedometer being split by an information centre. You can choose the info you want displayed from what satellite radio station you want, to having the optional nav system use a directional arrow indicator in the info centre.
If you are rear-seat bound, don't worry, the leather bench is just about as comfortable for two as the front bucket seats. Three XL-sized adults in the back do make for a bit of crowding, but it can be done; it just isn't quite as comfortable as with two.
Due to space limitations, there is no third row of seats in the Q5, but there is a more than adequate cargo area for whatever you need to haul. Hockey bags, golf clubs, even an apartment-sized dishwasher will fit (don't ask).
Exterior
When you take your first glance at the Q5, you tend to think "mini Q7". Once put nose to nose, you soon get rid of that idea. The optional xenon headlamps use LEDs for daytime running lights similar to the R8, which is the most obvious difference on the front. A slightly more aero look with a considerably different tail shape, the Q5 is quite distinctive. Wheels are the easiest way to tell which trim level the Q5 is. There is one standard wheel for each of the regular and premium trim levels, but only the premium level has any wheel options.
Roof rails which are standard (the crossrails are an extra-cost option) are filled in for two reasons. The first is noise; wind noise is easier to control if you can route the air and prevent it from swirling (same thing for the external mirrors). The second is that the rails, filled in, assist slightly in vehicle stability at highway speeds. Sort of like a splitter tray, but on top of the vehicle rather than under it.
Summary
Audi has chosen to enter a competitive and crowded category. The fact that they want to compete in the upper end does eliminate many competitors. The two currently at the top, Mercedes-Benz with ML along with BMW on the X3, are going to have to make room because the Q5 comes pretty much fully-equipped and is competitively priced at all levels.
photo:Charles Renny, Audi
One of the things that Audi does very well is interiors, and the Q5 is no exception. Aside from the comfort of heated and cooled leather front bucket seats, getting comfortable enough to do 1,000 km at a time (or go downtown) takes just a few seconds. Instrumentation is driver-oriented, with the tach and speedometer being split by an information centre. You can choose the info you want displayed from what satellite radio station you want, to having the optional nav system use a directional arrow indicator in the info centre.
If you are rear-seat bound, don't worry, the leather bench is just about as comfortable for two as the front bucket seats. Three XL-sized adults in the back do make for a bit of crowding, but it can be done; it just isn't quite as comfortable as with two.
Due to space limitations, there is no third row of seats in the Q5, but there is a more than adequate cargo area for whatever you need to haul. Hockey bags, golf clubs, even an apartment-sized dishwasher will fit (don't ask).
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| Instrumentation is driver-oriented, with the tach and speedometer being split by an information centre. |
Exterior
When you take your first glance at the Q5, you tend to think "mini Q7". Once put nose to nose, you soon get rid of that idea. The optional xenon headlamps use LEDs for daytime running lights similar to the R8, which is the most obvious difference on the front. A slightly more aero look with a considerably different tail shape, the Q5 is quite distinctive. Wheels are the easiest way to tell which trim level the Q5 is. There is one standard wheel for each of the regular and premium trim levels, but only the premium level has any wheel options.
Roof rails which are standard (the crossrails are an extra-cost option) are filled in for two reasons. The first is noise; wind noise is easier to control if you can route the air and prevent it from swirling (same thing for the external mirrors). The second is that the rails, filled in, assist slightly in vehicle stability at highway speeds. Sort of like a splitter tray, but on top of the vehicle rather than under it.
Summary
Audi has chosen to enter a competitive and crowded category. The fact that they want to compete in the upper end does eliminate many competitors. The two currently at the top, Mercedes-Benz with ML along with BMW on the X3, are going to have to make room because the Q5 comes pretty much fully-equipped and is competitively priced at all levels.
photo:Charles Renny, Audi
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