Hi guys,

I'm in the market looking for either a regular SUV or a compact SUV. The new Q5 just came out and I've tried to do some research online but there aren't many resources. Can someone give me any suggestions on this car. How does it comparre to Q7? I think I read it somewhere and it says both cars have silimar storage space and Q5 has more MPG compare to Q7.

By the way, any good dealers in LA area where I can possiblily get a good deal for all new/used Q5/Q7?

Apprecaite for your help!

 

but i'm passing on the Q5 b/c it's really small...putting in an order for the 2010 Q7 b/c it will have a minor facelift with headlight/tail light/nav etc...worth the wait IMO

 

I am driving a Q7, have tested the Q5 a few weeks ago.
the Q7 offers much more space for passengers and u can load much longer things in it. the Q5 offers the s-tronic dual clutch which is a plus cause it is the smoothest tranny Audi currently offers, the tiptronic in the Q7 isn`t that refined but pretty nice as well.
the Q5 didn´t gave me that majestic, luxurious feeling that those big SUVs like Q7, X5 etc. provide. it feels more like an A4 allroad. it is a matter of preference, both are good and prestigeous cars. if u choose the Q7 i would wait for the facelift version.

 

Being someone that has looked at and compared both Audi SUVs for myself. I have also test driven all of the Q5s luxury competitors as well as the Q7 TDIs competition, the MB ML and BMW X5 Diesels (which are definitely louder and seemed to be not as strong as the Q7 TDI).
After side by side comparisons, I threw price and size out of the window since those weren't my major deciding factors (both vehicles loaded). I need to average at least 20 MPG (I drive a lot) so Q7 TDI S-Line Loaded $62,000 (est. based on 2009) vs Q5 S-Line Loaded $56,000 (est. based on 2009, loaded options add about 50% to the base price)...
Basically the Q5 handled better while meeting or exceeding the Q7 for appearance and comfort, technology will be about equal in 2010.
Q5: Sportier, handled better (car like, very little body roll, especially with Drive Select option, change your vehicle from comfort to sport on the fly), better acceleration, newer technology (LED, 3G MMI w/3D, Etc.). It is also a fresher design until the 2010 Q7 refresh comes out. Many drivers are reporting closer to 27-30+ highway MPG in the Q5, the EPA estimates are considered very conservative but still segment leading 18/23. Handling and Refined Luxury Interior (blew away segment competition, even this BMW site liked the Q5, Drive Select would address most of his few negatives (basically preferences): http://www.bmwblog.com/2009/05/11/bm...tand-a-chance/ ). The Q5 is not just a smaller or scaled down or economy Q7, it is its own vehicle and experience...
Q7 TDI: Does not handle as much like a car though it is the best handling SUVs I have driven from its segment. It feels heavier in the corners handling (when pushed hard, handles great for normal driving, is still always in control). It has some more space in the drivers seat but being 6'4" 240 the Q5 is roomy/comfortable enough, I am more concerned with driver and passenger comfort, so I haven't sat in the rear.
2010 models: Any custom ordered vehicles will be the 2010 model and should be available late summer or early fall.
If you want the Q7, the 2010 will be redesigned, including updated technology found on the Q5 (LED, 3G MMI, better MPG)
http://www.audiworld.com/news/09/q7-newgen/
In 2010 both vehicles will offer a Luxury Package with new ventilated (cooled) seats and premium leather.

Diesel:
It is not your old loud smelly diesel (exhaust is considered almost breathable, but I wouldn't recommend it), it is quieter and pollutes less than many gas vehicles... Audi's TDI is almost silent, especially from inside the vehicle. Diesel vehicles are actually considered alternative fuel vehicles (tax incentives) with Bio-Diesel (vegetable oil) and GLI Diesel (Natural Gas).
If you are concerned with MPG and want the third row of seats (for kids), definitely look at the new Diesel Q7 TDI over the V6 FSI gas model, better performance and MPG (4,800 mile cross country endurance drive, average was 27.6 MPG, driven hard, http://audimileagemarathon.com/ ).
I am actually hoping that the same 3.0 TDI Diesel finds its way into the Q5 soon like is available in Europe and most of the world (AMM average 31.8 MPG), but the Hybrid probably will second engine available in the US, early to mid 2010 (calendar year). Adaptive Cruise Control (Radar assisted) would be nice to see in the US Q5 too.


In the end I ordered the Loaded 2010 Q5 Prestige (Navigation, Bang & Olufsen sound, etc.) S Line (styling/paddle shifters) with Drive Select (better handling) and the new Luxury Package (ventilated seats/softer & more leather) (I am only omitting the Rear Side (torso) Airbags which are not recommended for children, rear curtain airbags are standard)


It is perfect timing for you, Audi is doing one of their Driving Experiences with the Q5 next weekend in the LA area.
May 14-17, 2009
Los Angeles
Hollywood Park - Inglewood, CA
http://www.audidrivingexperience.com...=Q5City&id=329
I strongly recommend this event. It will allow you to see what the Q5 is all about and to get answers to your technical questions... They let you drive it hard on a closed autocross course (they want you to push the vehicle) as well as on public roads.
Also, they will give you a voucher for Free Audi Care Maintenance with your new vehicle Q5 or Q7, a $740 value...


OTHER LINKS: audiusa.com, audiworld.com, edmunds.com, youtube, google / google news, are all good resources too...

 

Hi Macman,

Thank you for sharing your personal experience with all the detail. I will definately drive down there and check out Q5 in person.

Thanks again!

 

CarBoy,

Not a problem...
It is a free event.
Be sure to register in advance and arrive early, its filling up fast!
Register at: http://www.audidrivingexperience.com/ (click on the Q5 link)
Each session accommodates about 45 people and most are already wait listed (there are usually a few people that registered and just don't show, so show up early, and the try to avoid the last session of the day).

 

They are both great rides. which one fits you better.

 

Carboy, I hope that you enjoyed the Q5 Driving Experience?

Audi Q5 custom concept (by Audi)
http://www.audiworld.com/news/09/worthsee/
(check out the gallery at the bottom of the page)
3.0L V6 TFSI with 408HP
0-62 in 4.4 sec
Hopefully this is a sneak peak at a future S or RS version of the Q5...
But I think it demonstrates the possibilities of this vehicle...

 

This might be an out of topic question but anyone here has 21" wheels on their Q7? I am planning to get a set. At present I have 19" and would ;love to have the RS4 style 21" wheels that are on the S-Line Q7 models...any insight will be helpful. I got a price quote of 7,800 for the package....with tires and sensors...wht do you guys think? thanks!

 

q7 diesel hands down.