2009 Audi Q5 Debuts -- But Do We Need Another SUV?

With fuel prices rising, and Americans turning their attention to smaller vehicles, Audi plans to introduce a small SUV to its U.S. lineup in 2009.  The press got an early look at the vehicle this weekend, when Audi showed the Q5 at the Beijing Motor Show. 

The Detroit Free Press says the Q5 is "longer and lower than the BMW X3 and Lexus RX350."  Power comes from "a 3.2-liter direct-injection gasoline V6," putting out 265 horsepower through a "six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive."  Though pricing has not been formally announced, "the company says it will be in line with competitors like the $38,000 X3 and $37,500 RX 350."

Edmunds Inside Line says "design cues reflect a strong influence from the larger Q7, albeit in a more compact package."  In the passenger cabin, "the Q5 has two rows of seats, with an optional 'rear bench seat plus' that slides nearly 4 inches fore and aft to provide easier entry and exit, as well as access to the roomy rear cargo bay.

Kicking Tires looked at the measurements and comments, "t will actually have a useful cargo area unlike the Infiniti" EX35 it resembles.  "In the looks department, the Q5 is far from cutting edge, although the LED taillights are quite something."

Motor Trend notes that Audi is betting heavily on small SUVs.  Product planning manager Frank Herman told MT "The segment is growing very fast, and all over the world. We think it's the segment that has the biggest potential growth."  The statement is "quite something coming from a company that has a range of cool, nice to drive wagons that are doing great business in Europe. But Herrmann insists the SUV is still the auto industry's hot ticket, despite the growing concerns over global warming and tough new fuel consumption standards that are just around the corner."

There is certainly no evidence that he's right in U.S. sales, where only small cars seem to be growing.  But Audi believes it.  Automobile Magazine reports, "What comes after Q5? Q3 of course. Audi is working from the top down to fill out its crossover SUV line and will tackle its own version of the VW Tiguan next. A Q1 is also rumored to be in the pipeline."

Read other luxury compact SUVs with U.S. News' car rankings and reviews.

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