2009 Audi Q5

Quattro 4dr 3.2L Tiptronic SUV

3.2 liter, 270 HP, V6 DOHC

Automatic

WA1KK78R39A023191

Clear

Gasoline

All Q5 models share a longitudinally mounted (front-to-back in the engine compartment) engine, unlike the transverse (side-to-side) powerplant in the new Tiguan. The powerplant is Audi's familiar 3.2-liter V-6 FSI with direct injection, rated at 270 hp and 243 lb.-ft. of torque. Connected to a standard 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with DSP and sport shift programs, Audi says the Q5 sprints to 60 mph in an estimated 6.8 seconds. All Q5s will be equipped with quattro permanent AWD as standard equipment. To enhance driving feel, and offer more traditional rear-wheel-drive handling dynamics, the quattro splits torque 40:60 (front to rear) under normal driving conditions. In inclement weather, or under road conditions offering less-than-ideal traction, quattro will automatically transfer more engine power to the wheels that need it. According to 2009 EPA estimates, the Audi Q5 earns 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway for a combined rating of 20 mpg.Audi's new Q5 SUV utilizes a 5-link front axle, and a trapezoidal-link rear axle. Both are manufactured primarily of aluminum in an effort to reduce weight and improve the ride, Audi says. Four-wheel disc brakes, with anti-lock control, are standard across all models. Standard Q5s feature 18-inch lightweight forged aluminum alloy wheels, with 19- or 20-inch aluminum wheels available as options.SafetyAudi utilizes a modular unibody chassis with high-strength and ultra-high strength steel grades for a rigid occupant cell with optimized crash properties. In addition to the dual frontal-impact air bags, side air bags, and side curtain air bags, all models feature standard anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control with rollover mitigation (EPS), wet-weather brake disc wipe, and brake assist. A blind-spot warning system is optional.The 2009 Audi Q5 had not been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) when this profile review was originally published.TechnologyThe 2009 Audi Q5 was the first model in the manufacturer's lineup to debut the next-generation Audi multi-media interface and communication center (MMI), with what Audi claims is simplified operation. The refined MMI features a new joystick with 8-way control for convenient input. The display is now a 7-inch TFT monitor with high-resolution images and LED backlighting able to project high contrast 3-dimensional maps (conventional two-dimensional views may also be selected) with real-time traffic reporting. A new telephone directory has the capability of storing up to 2,000 named entries with refined speech-to-text capabilities allowing the driver simplified hands-free operation without the need to spell out the individual letters.