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What is it? Audi's new small, five-passenger luxury SUV is based on the same platform as the A4 and A5. The Q5 has a lower stance than other SUVs, making it more like a tall wagon. And the company is touting its sporty handling and performance. The Q5 is powered by a 270-hp, 3.2-liter V6, matched with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Audi estimates the Q5's 0-to-60-mph time to be 6.8 seconds.
Included in its long list of features are a hard-drive-based navigation system that can also save music files as MP3s, a rearview camera, blind-spot detection system, adaptive headlights, a large panoramic sunroof, and a climate-controlled drink holder for keeping drinks hot or cold.
What's new and notable? In addition to having separate on- and off-road settings, the Q5's standard electronic stability control system can automatically sense when a roof rack has been mounted for carrying cargo on top of the vehicle. This causes the ESC system to intervene earlier to compensate for the higher center of gravity.
CR's take: The Q5 will be the first model to use Audi's third-generation MMI multifunction control system. Since we've found earlier MMI systems to be tedious to use, we're hoping that this one will be easier and more intuitive.
When will it be available? Early 2009.
Consumer Reports New cars: A to Z
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