Article Comments - 2009 Audi Q5 First Drive / Full Test

84 messages, Last post on Nov 14, 2009 at 7:17 AM

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What is this discussion about? Audi Q5, SUV

First Drive: 2009 Audi Q5 - First Impressions: Not too big and not too small, this compact crossover is just right. (more)

2009 Audi Q5 Prestige Full Test and Video - Bottom Line: All things to all people, only in a good way. (more)

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#60 of 84 Undecided by alexgp11 May 19, 2009 (9:48 am)
Friends, I am looking for some unbiased advice here. I am a longtime BMW owner and have always treated my cars as jewels. I currently have a 2001 X5 3.0 w/Sports Package, a real looker, and has absolutely never given me any headaches at all (in the contrary). That said, I have never owned a car for more than 5 years and we are coming onto 8 with this one now. All along, I had thought I’d make a change next year, but, with the release of the Q5 and others, plus the economy giving consumers theoretically some edge, I am considering a switch now. I am test-driving the Q5 next week and have already researched enough to know that the overall dimensions (interior and exterior) are not significantly different (although I want to witness that, as I am sure the trunk/cargo area is smaller). So my questions are: is it not true that Audi has a worse maintenance record than BMW (especially on the electrical side)? Would you, in my shoes, make the switch from X5 3.0 to Q5? If yes, why? If not why? (Again, I am looking for unbiased opinions here) Thanks. Replies to this message: crossover1 (Jun 16, 2009 11:50 am) alexgp11 (Jun 17, 2009 3:34 am) voltrader66 (Jun 20, 2009 9:14 pm)
#61 of 84 Re: Undecided [alexgp11] by crossover1 Jun 16, 2009 (11:50 am)
Replying to: alexgp11 (May 19, 2009 9:48 am) Car and Driver issue compares the X3 with the Q5 and three other luxury SUVs. Q5 came on Top. Also C&D has an online survey on which SUV will you preferre to buy. There must be a list of over twenty and the Q5 tops the list (distant first). I own one and it beat all my initial expectations. Replies to this message: alexgp11 (Jun 17, 2009 3:34 am) voltrader66 (Jun 20, 2009 9:14 pm)
#62 of 84 Re: Undecided [crossover1] by alexgp11 Jun 17, 2009 (3:34 am)
Replying to: crossover1 (Jun 16, 2009 11:50 am) Thanks crossover1 - note, though, that I currently own an X5, not an X3, and my indecision is between a Q5 and a 2010 X3, not the current X3, which I think is hideous! I am now leaning towards waiting til early next year, so I will have definitive info on the 2010 X3 AND the 2010 Q5... Thoughts? Replies to this message: voltrader66 (Jun 20, 2009 9:14 pm)
#63 of 84 Audi Q5 ownership after 1M by voltrader66 Jun 20, 2009 (6:02 pm)
I have had the Q5 Prestige for a month and I think that there is a serious design issue with the gearbox. When you start moving from stop, the gear quickly switches from 1st to 2nd and if you are still pressing hard, the gear gets stuck in 2nd. You have to lift off and try again gently before the gear switches up to 3rd, but then it will go straight to 6th and stays in high gear even though you are just crusing along at 20-25mph.. I live in a small town where there is a lot of start/stop traffic between 5mph to 30mph. I think the car performs poorly in these conditions. One certain flaw is when you are stopped at a left turn then start to take the turn the gear will not change up to 2nd no matter how much you push the accelerator paddle. You have to again lift off and press again gently to get proper gear changes. The car handles badly IMO on small city/town roads. Alas when i test-drove, it was of course on a quite country lanes with no traffic. My wife really liked how it looked and that was a major factor in the purchase. We are both regretting the purchase.
#64 of 84 Re: Undecided [alexgp11] by voltrader66 Jun 20, 2009 (9:14 pm)
Replying to: alexgp11 (Jun 17, 2009 3:34 am) Our previous SUV was the X5 3.0i...IMO the X5 is head and shoulders above the Q5 in terms of ride & handling. The X5 rode like a sports car, the Q5 has a big, heavy, sluggish feel to it. Both have great interiors. Contrary to popular opinion, the Audi MMI is not that much more user-friendly than the X5 i-Drive. I never drove the X3 but I am assuming that it will have a better ride/handling than the Q5, but has a dated styling and needs a refresh. I would wait for 2010 X3 before jumping for the Q5.
#65 of 84 Silly Question re Q5 - front seat trays by wdpl Aug 04, 2009 (7:44 am)
My owner's manual shows those handy under-the-seat storage trays in the front seats but my new Q5 doesn't have them. Dealer claims he knows nothing about the trays. Any of you other owners have these trays or are they missing?
#66 of 84 2009 Q5 Prestige AWESOME! by metsknicksfan Aug 14, 2009 (8:16 am)
I have owned the Q5 for 3 weeks, and it is fun, fun, fun! In sport mode it drives like a sport sedan. Nothing like the MDX that I still own. The MMI system takes time to learn and understand, however, the easy voice commands are fantastic. The driver information system on the front panel is easy to read.. The free traffic reports and dynamic routing NAV system is better than any car or Garmin GPS that I have ever used. I wish the car came with a bumper to bumper warranty, as I have been reading the Q7's have frequent (every 15-20.000 miles) need for brake pads and rotor changes. I hope that since the Q5 is 900 lbs lighter than the Q7, the brakes/rotors will last at least 35,000 miles, as they are not a warranty item. Only time will tell if the Q5's quality will set a new higher standard for Audi. In the meantime, the Q5 is off to a great start! It blows the X3, Volvo XC60, Acura RDX, and Lexus RX away! Replies to this message: mattsam (Sep 22, 2009 12:06 pm)
#67 of 84 Drivers Audi by soonercat Aug 24, 2009 (9:04 am)
For anyone wanting to retire the A4 or 328/335 you will not regret it for a minute. Great ride.
#68 of 84 Re: 2009 Q5 Prestige AWESOME! [metsknicksfan] by mattsam Sep 22, 2009 (12:06 pm)
Replying to: metsknicksfan (Aug 14, 2009 8:16 am) How do you compare the Nav from the MDX to the Q5? I'm leaning towards replacing my 2004 MDX Touring with the Q5 Also how much space did you loose from the switch? Matt
#69 of 84 MDX vs. Q5 by kjf52 Sep 23, 2009 (7:50 am)
Matt, I've been trying to decide between a '10 Q5 Prestige Plus and an '09 MDX (base). I can get a pretty good deal on an MDX right now. I really like the Q5, but am a little concerned that it might be too small (I currently drive a GMC Acadia, which is huge). I previously drove an '02 MDX, and liked it a lot. Have you looked at the current generation MDXs? I'm interested in your thoughts about these two vehicles. KJF Replies to this message: mattsam (Sep 28, 2009 3:27 am)