Reviewed: 2009 Audi Q5 3.2 quattro, the best of the compact luxury SUV bunch

It was three years ago that Audi released the enormous Q7 and jumped into the SUV market. However, Audi’s been having some difficulty competing with BMW’s X5 and Mercedes-Benz’s GL, mainly because Americans hardly consider Audi when it comes to the luxury segment, and because the Q7 is downright beastly and unappealing.

Last year Audi decided to get a little sensible with the release of the smaller Audi Q5. Not a bad decision seeing as the compact pocket-size SUV segment is considered one of the fastest growing markets in the automotive industry. BMW, which has been competing in the segment since 2003, has done its best to beat the competition to the market and set the standard with the X3. However, shoppers now have a choice between at least 5 compact luxury SUVs in addition to the X3, and we feel it’s safe to say that some of them are better alternatives than the Munich automaker’s compact sports utility, which has yet to see a major transformation since its inception. Acura now offers the RDX, Volvo has the XC60 and Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti offer the GLK and the EX35 respectively. So how does the Q5 stand-up to the competition?

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Audiphile - 9/14/2009 5:07:29 PM

+8 Boost

They love everything about the car except for the price - when loaded with options, that is. That seems to be a recurring theme with a lot of Audi models. Come to think of it, German cars in general have that problem.

MSP6 - 9/14/2009 7:46:31 PM

+4 Boost

Same thing could be said on the X3, but especially for the Volvo XC60.
My wife shopped an XC60 last month and it was damn expensive. In that category, the MB GLK is offered at a "bargain" price. Too bad the GLK drives like a Buick (or a lexus). Huge deception.

Willis - 9/14/2009 9:03:08 PM

+1 Boost

I drove the GLK350 a few weeks ago and it's a pretty great drive. The ride is composed, fairly agile and sporty. The seats weren't too great and the comfort sort off suffers, but in terms of steering feedback it was nothing like those magazines make it sound. I found the car to be quite responsive and a capable handler. It's not secret that the X3 and Q5 are sportier, so what? The only place where their handling qualities will be of any real advantage is when they're being driven hard through the twistys - and no consumer I know drives like that with a mini SUV.

MSP6 - 9/14/2009 9:37:59 PM

+1 Boost

Well Willis, Both mys sister-in-law and my father-in-law bought a GLK, one is on 19 inchers, the other on 20's. The one with th 19's run smooth, power delivery is more thant adequate, but steering feel is NUMB. The one on 20's got an harsh ride, still more than adequate power delivery, but the steering feel is still NUMB. Harsh ride + numb steering feel is an odd combination, so if you have to go with a GLK, make sure to take 19 inches wheels, then you'll have a good family/lux/stylish mover, otherwise (20incher) an half sporty / half luxo-cruiser odd car.

Otherwise I think it's an nice car, but in terms of driving dynamics, it's a Volvo S60 AWD on high heels. Those who have driven a S60 AWD will what I mean. Not more engaging.

MSP6 - 9/14/2009 9:43:23 PM

+1 Boost

*will know*

thanks for the edit function (yeah I know, 001 is being delayed at Frankfurt)

Willis - 9/15/2009 9:06:00 AM

+1 Boost

I'm pretty sure that we both interpret "numb" in a different way.

The steering feedback of the GLK wasn't very direct, true, but it was far from numb. I always got the feedback I needed to know what the front wheels are up to and I could drive the car in a relatively sporty fashion with enough confidence. Basically, I think the GLK can satisfy those with a mild sporty desire. For sharper steering feedback and handling, you'll need a different car.

chewy - 9/14/2009 7:43:55 PM

0 Boost

The Q5 has really good performance, fuel economy and best towing out of all the cute utility vehicles. A good combination.

mpls - 9/15/2009 3:02:25 AM

+3 Boost

The front grille is crap. Take it away and it looks ordinary.. Audis are justVW will better finish,

bmwdrvr - 9/15/2009 9:18:21 AM

+1 Boost

I agree Audis without that oversized grill look just bland, and boring as if they could be anything. The Q5 though is one of the better looking in this segment, other than the XC in my opinion, despite its tall Golf looks it has a clean look to it. Its amute win though the X3 has been around since 2003, which means it was developed before that and is in fact still on the E46 platform. So being better than the current group of cars isnt really much a feat.

iamdabest1 - 9/15/2009 8:21:00 AM

+2 Boost

i really like the way the glk looks the most from this group of cars... ( probably my wifes next car)
currently have an rdx... trash it all u want, its a great car...