Vehicle: 2009 Audi Q5 3.2 Quattro Premium
Price as tested: CDN$49250

Performance: On our latest edition of “premium compact SUV renissance”, we take a look at what Audi dubbed as the sportiest SUV on the market. Is the new Q5 really the most dynamic SUV available, or just a pure marketing plot? We will find out after this test drive.

The Q5 is only available with Audi’s proven 3.2 liter DOHC 24-valve V6 with direct fuel injection, advanced variable valve timing and Valvelift system. This engine has been proved to be a refined and flexible unit as we have witnessed in both A4 and A6. In Q5 guise, it got slightly revised to 270 horses and 243 lb/ft of torque. When it comes to throttle response, Q5 has aplentry. Its electronic throttle doesn’t have the usual lag we associate with this system. Its responsive without feeling abrupt. This powertrain is surprisingly powerful consider it has to move Q5’s 4178lb of German leather-lined luxury. 243 lb/ft of torque arrives at only 3 grand means there are lots of get-up-and-go on the bottom range. On the other hand, the enhancement of variable valve timing and Valvelift system has improved this V6’s mid and top ends a whole lot. As we have said in the past, given Audi’s engineering prowess, this V6 should have messaged 30 or 40 more ponies to its full potential. That said, there are rumors that Audi is going to put that amazing 3.0 liter supercharged V6 with 300 hp and torque under the hood of the Q5. If it becomes reality, Q5 will become a detuned S4 instead of A4 SUV. 6-speed Tiptronic is the only gearbox mated to Q5. With the new software, this Tiptronic has a more aggressive shifting points for both up and downshifts. It has a desired effect as it addresses the slow reacting Tiptronic in the past. The short low gear has enhanced pesky acceleration while the top 6th gear has given excellent highway cruising. It clocks at 2400rpm while driven at 100 km/h. Given the vehicle’s weight, it has returned an average of 13 liters per 100km which is very good in this respective class. Its just the lack of paddle shifters on our Premium has discouraged the use of the manumatic mode. But still, that makes a better use of the engine range through the gearlever.

Handling: Given the Q5 is based on the well-received A4 platform, it doesn’t come as a surprise it has an excellent fundamantal to begin with. The chassis is stiff and solid without any sorts of groans and rattles. Audi has moved the engine backward for better weight distribution in their latest MLP platform. Not to mention the use of rear-bias 40/60 Torsen Quattro have given Q5 some wonderful ingedients of a very capable SUV. Even on our tester without the optional Audi Drive Select and sports package, it handles like its on rails. The credit has to go to a well-calibrated suspension that is both compliant and supple. Its firm enough to satisfy any driving enthuisasts, on the other hand, its compliant enough to provide enough damping for a cushion ride. Push through twisties, you can’t find any SUV as fun-to-drive as this Q5. It handles more like a jacked up sports car than an SUV. The steering is sharp and precise, with excellent feel and feedback. It doesn’t have any kind of twitches when pushed. Given its center-of-gravity, Q5’s body rolls and understeer are well-tempted. Best of all, the Quattro system allows a bit of oversteer before the excellent stability control steps in. The ESP doesn’t step in unnecessarily, which acts at the right place at the right time. If the base car already handled like this, imagine the Q5 opts with that nifty Audi Drive Select and S-Line sports suspension.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and ABS, the Q5 stops as well as it drives. The stopping distance is short, while the brake pedal and modulation are exceptional. The ABS won’t have any unwanted intervention even during a couple of hard stops during rain. Thanks to the electronic brake force distribution, it doesn’t have much nose dive during heavy braking neither.

Interior: Over the years, Audi has been known for building great interior that has superb layout with excellent materials. The Q5 has taken another step forward. Everything else from the top of the dashboard to door panels have wrapped up with world-class plastic materials. Those soft plastic materials are both classy to the look and touch. The rest of the interior is typical Audi layout. The 8-way power driver’s seat with tilt/telescopic steering can make anyone with any size can find a perfect driving position. Everything else from auto climate control to stereo system are logically done. The Panoramic sunroof on our Premium tester has opened up Q5’s interior, especially the one with all black.

There are plenty of head and legrooms for rear passengers. All the top-notch materials continue at the back from headlining to door panels.

At the back of the Q5, its equally well layout as its practical. It begins with a rear washer/wiper for the rear glass. Open up the hatch, the liftover is low and cut-off is squared for loading versatility. Combined with fold-down rear seats, you can put anything you can imagine at the back of this Q5. There is only drawback, however, is the rear glass doesn’t open independently. Consider Q5’s price tag of $49 grand, it should.

Conclusion: With the introduction of the Q5, Audi has produced another class leader in the compact SUV segment. Not only does the Q5 is the most dynamic SUV in its class, its also look and perform apart without losing anything in terms of versatility. In short, this is the new benchmark in the compact SUV class.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Audi Q5
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Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5