Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2013 Audi Q5 3.0T quattro tiptronic which is always a delight to drive. However, the competition is brutal and there are many, which is bad for the car makers but good for the consumer. The top competitors of the Q5 include those underlined in the list below. But the others are not slouches and I have to say this is one of the toughest groups to have to choose from. For me it is as confusing as the Sports Illustrated swim suit edition – know what I mean? Don’t tell my wife I said that, because otherwise I don’t have to worry since she doesn’t read my column.
General Information:
It is assembled in Ingolstadt, Germany. Classification is Small SUV. Cars from Audi: A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, allroad, Q5, Q7, R8, RS5, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, TT.
Opinion and Observation – Automotive Innovation:
History: 1938 – Buick introduced turn signals; 1929 – First car radio introduced; 1923 – First Supercharger Ferdinand Porsche, Stuttgart, Germany; 1920 – Power steering invented by Francis Davis; 1903 – Windshield wipers patented; 1885 – first patent for seat belts; 1901 – invention of disc brakes by British inventor Frederick William Lanchester; 1901 – New York first state to require license plates that were called “Number Plates”. France did it in 1893;
1898 – First drive shaft invented by Louis Renault; 1890 – Canadian Thomas Ahearn invented the first electric car heater;
Handling & Performance:
Great size for my taste because it is on the smaller size so around town is great. But if I were on the road a lot on long trips I would trade up in size.
Styling:
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and for my part I have to say I love ‘em all.
Fit and Finish:
First cabin, not to be confused with accommodations on the Titanic.
Cost:
At the higher end of the crowd.
Conveniences and comfort:
I really like the unique sunroof that gives a total view next best to a convertible. Me, I like the wind in my hair and the total open feeling of the convertible better but this feature is really cool.
I also noted this Audi is comfortable for a small SUV and the size is really convenient for the majority of uses. I have a Ford F350 crew cab and my wife doesn’t like to ride in it because it is TOO big. And when you go to the market you find it is necessary to take up two parking spaces and simple maneuvers become IN-convenient. I suggest you consider test driving a very large SUV segment before your final decision – it is really illuminating.
Consumer Recommendation:
Owner reviews overall are excellent and one I read put it this way, “It is very classy looking, drives and handles beautifully especially in the snow to get out of the drive, and I love the panoramic sunroof. And it gets good gas mileage”.
When you live in places where you need 4-wheel drive to get out of your driveway, it may be time to move to a more temperate climate. Dad moved our family from Massachusetts to California with the parting words “I’ll never shovel another winter snow!” BUT, if you need to live in such harsh conditions the cost of fuel is less important than the offsetting benefits of all wheel drive.
Recognized Competition:
Audi Q5 $44,000, Acura RDX $34,000, Acura ZDX $51,000, BMW X3 $39,000, BMW X6 $60,000, Buick Encore $28,000, Cadillac SRX $43,000, Ford Edge $33,000, GMC Terrain $29,000, Infiniti EX $41,000, Land Rover LR2 $36,000, Lexus RX 350 $41,000, Lexus RX 450 $48,000, Lincoln MKX $42,000, Mazda CX-9 $34,000, Mercedes-Benz $37,000, Nissan Murano $39,000, Porsche Cayenne $48,000, Toyota 4Runner $31,000, Volkswagen Tiguan $37,000, Volvo XC80 $36,000.
Good News:
Bad News:
Standard Equipment:
3.0 liter 272 hp V6 engine, 8-speed tiptronic transmission, all wheel drive, 19” wheels, 4-wheel ABS brake system with brake assist, stability control with rollover mitigation, speed sensitive power steering, trailer hitch pre-wiring, sunroof with power sunshade, power folding heated mirrors, power tailgate, leather seating, heated power front seats, 40/20/40 rear split seat with pass through, audio with CD & SD card reader, keyless start stop, music interface with iPod cable, front side and side curtain airbags, LATCH child tethers and safety locks, anti theft vehicle alarm.
Gas Stats:
$3.75/ Gal avg. May 3, 2013
For more information.
18 City and 26 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $43,900.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
