2011 Audi Q5 Malaysia Reviews & Ratings, Expert Car Reviews on LIVE LIFE DRIVE

The 2011 Audi Q5 combines style, dynamics, quality, performance and space into one well-priced package—one unmatched by key rival BMW X3. Now, if only Audi will look into improving the ride comfort and gearbox smoothness to complete the 2011 Audi Q5's package.

2011 Audi Q5 quick specs

Body Style	SUV
Class	Mid-size Luxury Utility
Assembled	-

Engine Range	-
Fuel Options	-
Seating Capacity	5

2011 Audi Q5 ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)

Styling
Handling
Comfort
Quality + Reliability
Performance

Roominess
Running Costs
Value for Money
Equipment
Environment

Styling

For those who find the Audi Q7 to be too massive, in both practical and visual sense, there is the 2011 Audi Q5, a smaller, sleek alternative to the Q7. In fact, the Audi Q5 looks pretty much like a scaled-down Q7, with only the size and rear end styling giving things away. For the most parts, the 2011 Audi Q5 looks handsome, certainly more so than its most obvious competitor, the BMW X3, except for the slightly awkward rear end.

Handling

Considering how impressive the mammoth Audi Q7 handles, it is of little surprise that the 2011 Audi Q5 handles in a hatchback-like manner. Despite its size and weight, the Audi Q5 offers immense grip, splendid body control and surprising agility. Corners can be taken on with a composed, flat stance, and the well-weighted steering weighs up sufficiently so you know what's going on. Overall, the 2011 Audi Q5 proves to be a fun car to drive around bends, setting the class benchmark in terms of dynamics. Quattro permanent four-wheel drive provides better traction on slippery surfaces, but any serious off-road activities are not recommended.

Comfort

The ride is too firm for comfort on our roads. You can feel every surface imperfection, and potholes and sharp ridges could be punishing. The cabin remains largely quiet during cruising, save for some non-intrusive wind and road noise. Along with the elevated height, the driving position offers plenty of seating and steering adjustments, so getting comfortable is easy. The dashboard is imported from the Audi A4, so clarity and usability are excellent. There is also the MMI central control system, which continues to be the most intuitive to operate after all these years.

Quality + Reliability

There are talks that Audi's quality standards are slipping, but the delightful cabin disproves that. Materials feel lush, fit-and-finish are brilliant, and the controls all operate tactilely. Granted, there are areas which could be better, but surely Audi is reserving the best for the Audi Q7's cabin? Audi's reliability record is generally solid, and the 2011 Audi Q5 should only keep up that positive trend.

Performance

Only one drivetrain is available, consisting of a 2.0-litre turbocharged FSI petrol engine mated to a seven-speed twin-clutch semi-automatic gearbox. The 208 bhp at 4300–6000 rpm and 350 Nm at 1500–4200 rpm are strong figures which allow Q5 to reach 100 km/h from standstill in 7.2 seconds. With so much low-end torque, the engine is flexible, too. The S-tronic gearbox shifts quickly and smoothly on the move, but taking off from standstill is jerky—a blemish on an otherwise smooth, refined drivetrain.

Roominess

The 2011 Audi Q5 makes for a spacious five-seater, one boasting class-leading interior room at that. Four adults can be seated comfortably, with ample head- and leg-room. Three can fit at the back, but not without expense to the shoulder room. The boot is large at 540 litres, and split-folding the rear seats would expand the loading space to 1560 litres.

Running Costs

For an SUV, though only a mid-size one, the fuel economy of 11.8 km/litre is more than decent. But being an Audi means that servicing and repair are not likely to be cheap. As well-known as the brand is, Audi models often depreciate more than comparable BMW and Mercedes-Benz models, at least in Malaysia. The Audi Q5 would therefore struggle to match the BMW X3's ability to stave off depreciation.

Value for Money

The 2011 Audi Q5 resides in the mid-size luxury SUV segment, which consists of rivals such as the BMW X3, Land Rover Freelander, Volkswagen Tiguan and Nissan Murano. Of the lot, the X3 is easily the Audi Q5's main competitor, considering how similarly positioned the BMW and Audi brands are. In addition to being lower-priced than the X3, the 2011 Audi Q5 offers more style, better handling, higher quality, stronger performance and more room. The Audi beats the Bimmer, hands down.

Equipment

Standard equipments are comprehensive, including 18" alloys, electric front seat adjustment, driver's seat with memory function, leather upholstery, three-zone automatic air-conditioning, xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights, electric side mirrors with memory function and LED turn signals, light and rain sensor, Audi Drive Select (Auto/Comfort/Dynamic modes), and a 8-speaker audio system with 6-CD/MP3/WMA/iPod/USB/SD-card functionality. Safety features include 6 airbags and Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP), which manages the traction, differential and braking controls.

Environment

SUVs are more polluting than most other car-types. But the 2011 Audi Q5 is as “green” and economical SUVs are likely to ever be. 195 grams/km of carbon dioxide emissions and 11.8 km/litre of fuel economy are as good as it gets for such luxury SUVs, especially those with such performance waiting to be unleashed.

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2011 Audi Q5 Review

2011 Audi Q5 at a glance