2009 Audi Q5 hybrid

By Ido Green

Ido Green

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2009 Audi Q5 hybrid
Audi seems to think SUVs are the hot ticket, for in addition to the Q7, the first quarter of 2009... Read More

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Audi seems to think SUVs are the hot ticket, for in addition to the Q7, the first quarter of 2009 will find the Q5 in their U.S. dealerships. This midsize SUV aims directly at the BMW X3, the Infiniti EX35, the Mercedes-Benz GLK, the Lexus RX 350, and others of its ilk.

With its 110.6-inch wheelbase, the Q5 is longer (by half an inch) than the BMW X3; it's also lower, with a stylish coupe-like roofline that contributes to an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.33. Inside there are only two rows of seating for five, but that extra length provides more seating room and cargo capacity: 19 cubic feet with the seats up and 55 with rear seats folded flat.

Motivation is provided by a 3.2-liter direct-injected V6 that spins its 265 hp through a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission for a 0-60 jump in 6.8 seconds. The power flows to the latest version of Audi's Quattro four-wheel drive. Its 40/60 rear-biased torque split distributes drive power asymmetrically and dynamically among all four wheels. 18-inch wheels are standard, with 20-inchers optional.

Although the Q5 is primarily a road vehicle, Audi says that with almost 7.9 inches of ground clearance, it can handle water up to 19.7 inches deep and climb 31-degree slopes, with a break-over angle of 17.5 degrees.