Preview: 2009 Audi Q5

By Alex Kaufmann

Alex Kaufmann

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Preview: 2009 Audi Q5

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After the successful launch of the Audi Q7, the luxury carmaker from Ingolstadt is preparing the launch of its second ‘Q’ car, which according to a leaked product schedule should arrive by the middle of this year. The new car is the Q5 soft-roader and it’s set to go head-to-head with the awkwardly styled BMW X3 as well as Mercedes’ upcoming GLK-Class. Company Chairman Dr. Martin Winterkorn described the Q5 as “an overtly sporty vehicle that will add an important product to the Audi model range,” and these latest renderings of the car certainly agree with those comments.

The Q5 will also pick up many styling cues from last year’s Cross Cabriolet quattro concept, which starred at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Although the show car featured just two doors and a chopped roof its dimensions offer a clue as what to expect for the production Q5. It measured 465cm in length and 191cm across, which puts it in a similar category to the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLK.

Early estimates put the price of the new SUV between €35,000 to €50,000, which will likely rule out aluminum construction. The vehicle will also miss out on third-row seating, however, storage space will be close to 500L. Engine options will include a 330hp 4.2L V8 with 440Nm on tap, as well as a 3.2L V6 with 265hp. The entry-level model will come with a smaller 210hp 2.0L TFSI motor.

Audi has even more SUV and crossover models in the works. Already confirmed is a new A4 Allroad and there’s also a smaller Q3 in the works as well as a possibly baby Q1 model.

2009 Audi Q5

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