The 2010 Audi Q5 offers more than most when it comes to compact luxury crossover SUVs. Not only is it roomy enough to score high practicality points, but it also offers impressive handling abilities and a significant fun-to-drive factor. Toss in its handsome cabin, smooth ride, abundant feature goodies and excellent crash test scores, and you're looking at one of the top contenders in its class.
Thanks to its underpinnings borrowed from its A4 sport sedan sibling and lively V6 engine, the Q5 is one of the most entertaining and engaging choices in this segment. Nor does this entertainment come at the sacrifice of rear passenger and cargo space, as is so often the case. The Q5 still provides plenty of both.
The Q5's wheelbase, all-wheel-drive system and many suspension parts are actually the same as the A4. And the Q5's smooth and powerful 3.2-liter V6 engine used to also be available on the A4. The end result is carlike handling with a better view due to the higher seat position. And while its handling is as good as it gets in this class, it doesn't rough you up either, remaining comfortable and refined in almost all situations.
As good as the Q5 is, other compact luxury crossovers worthy of consideration include the BMW X3, the Acura RDX, the Infiniti FX35 and the Volvo XC60. Each has its own distinctive look and performance characterisitics.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2010 Audi Q5 is a 5-passenger compact crossover SUV offered in three trims: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige.
Standard features on the Premium include full power accessories, 8-way power front seats, Audi's MMI with dash-mounted controls, tri-zone automatic climate control, 18 inch alloy wheels, a trip computer, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, heated side mirrors and a 10-speaker audio system with a CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, an auxiliary input jack and an SD card slot.
The Premium Plus adds a panorama sunroof, heated front seats, driving memory settings, auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors, a power liftgate, xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, Bluetooth and an iPod interface (some of these features are optional on the Premium).
The optional MMI Navigation package comes with a hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic updates, voice control, a rearview camera and console-mounted controls.
The Q5 Prestige comes standard with the MMI Navigation package, plus a blind-spot warning system, 19 inch wheels (optional on the Premium Plus), keyless entry, keyless ignition and a 14-speaker surround-sound stereo system (again optional on the Premium Plus).
Optional features available on the Prestige include 20 inch wheels and the Audi Drive Select adjustable settings system which allows driver-selectable modes for ride compliance, steering effort and transmission responsiveness. In addition, there's an S line Package available on the Premium Plus and Prestige that adds a sport steering wheel, unique 20 inch wheels with summer tires, shift paddles, special front and rear fascias, a black headliner and aluminum interior trim.
Finally, there's a Luxury Package for Prestige models that adds ventilated front seats and special leather upholstery.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Powering all 2010 Audi Q5s, which are also all standard Quattro all-wheel drive vehicles, is a 3.2-liter V6 engine that's good for a healthy 270 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a 6-speed automatic as the only available transmission. In performance tests, the Q5 was timed from a standstill to 60 mph in just 7.2 seconds, comparable with other top rivals in this segment. The Q5, when properly equipped, has an above average towing capacity for its class of 4,400 pounds.
The EPA-estimated gas mileage for the 2010 Q5 comes in at 18 mpg city and 23 mpg on the highway, again very respectable numbers for this segment.
Safety:
Standard safety features for all 2010 Q5 models include traction control, stability control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. In addition, rear side airbags are available as an option.
The 2010 Q5 excelled in government crash tests, earning the highest possible ratings of five stars across the board in all frontal and side impact protection categories.
Interior:
The Q5's cabin is attractive and solidly constructed with high-quality materials. The center stack controls are slanted towards the driver, but the overall layout differs depending on the equipment level. The standard design features the knob and buttons for the MMI on the center stack. With the navigation system, however, these controls are just behind the shifter (as pictured). It should also be noted that the optional iPod interface is considered one of the very best available.
Regardless of it compact dimensions, the well-designed Q5 is surprisingly roomy and comfortable, both front and rear. In addition, convenience and comfort are further enhanced with rear seats that slide back and forth and also recline. Folding the rear seats flat also allows for a very usable 57 cubic feet of cargo space.
Drive:
The combination of the Q5's refined 6-speed automatic transmission and smooth 3.2-liter V6 engine produces powerful yet composed acceleration. And while the ride is firm, the finely tuned suspension keeps impacts from becoming harsh. And when it comes to overall driving dynamics, the 2010 Audi Q5 is one of the sportiest luxury crossovers available.
Prices:
2010 Audi Q5:
Premium, AWD: list price: $37,350, invoice price: $34,735
Premium Plus, AWD: list price: $41,400, invoice price: $38,502
Prestige, AWD: list price: $48,850, invoice price: $45,431
