2011 Audi Q5

Considering the features and cost proposition, the 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T Premium Plus trims look the most appealing on the lineup. While the Premium and Premium Plus trims have a significant price difference, the Premium Plus trim comes with many more exciting and useful features. Alternatively, you may also want to consider the V6 engine because of its extra horsepower. If this is the case, we will recommend the 3.2T Prestige as it offers much more luxury features than the Premium Plus trim.

The 2011 Audi Q5 comes in over 4 trims, namely 2.0T Premium, 2.0T Premium Plus, and 3.2L Prestige. A 3.2L V6 version of the Premium Plus trim is also available and costs approximately $7,300 more than a 2.0T variant. These trims range in price from $35,200 to $42,500. Based on the specifications, the V6 trims appear to be slightly overpriced compared to its rivals, but the 2.0T trim seems to be priced fairly.

Feature-wise, all of the said trims are decked up to the brim with the latest features on offer. Moreover, Audi also manages to introduce an S Line exterior trim package with the 3.2 Premium Plus trim. Further, all the trims also get the MMI Navigation Plus package, while the 3.2 Prestige gets an optional Luxury package, which includes ventilated front seats and upgraded leather. Keeping affordability in mind with respect to luxury crossovers, the 2011 Audi Q5 manages to treat you with a complete package.

The 2011 Audi Q5 is one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class. On highways and in cities, it gets much higher MPG figures than all its competitors. The Q5 has a combined mileage of 22 MPG while having a city and highway mileage of 20 and 27 MPG respectively, which is slightly better than the competition. Likewise, the Q5 fuel tank is large enough at 19.8 gallons, which is comparable to the EX and offers a range of over 435 miles on a full tank of gas.

This is where the Audi Q5 comes out as the clear winner since it has the highest fuel economy and the highest range in its class. However, the BMW X3 comes in a close second while the GLK Class is the least efficient. The BMW is the overall best performer here as it is the fastest one while also delivering an impressive fuel economy.

The 2011 Audi Q5 is known for its sumptuous interior setup. A spotlight has always been placed on the interiors of Audi cars. Their cabins are known for being luxurious, comfortable, and full of features. Moreover, Audi has executed all of these factors flawlessly inside its Q5, and you can see this from as early as the base trim level. Likewise, the vehicle's cabin is designed to make driving as simple and convenient as possible for the driver. Starting with the base trim, the seats are covered in leather.

Seats are also power-adjustable, and the top trims come with memory and heating features. The cabin is very spacious, especially at the back. Thanks to its long wheelbase, the Q5 cargo space is the largest in its class at 29.1 cubic feet. The 2011 Q5 has a 6.5-inch touchscreen where you'll find most of the latest infotainment features on offer. On the other hand, the top trims come equipped with Audi MMI navigation. Bang & Olufsen premium speakers are standard on the Q5 that sound incredible. Along with all the basic amenities and features expected from a luxury vehicle, it also comes with Sirius XM and an Audi concert radio.

Some highlight interior features are mentioned below:

• Tri-zone Automatic Climate Control
• 8-way power front seats
• Panoramic sunroof
• Heated front seats with memory function
• Audi Advanced Key
• Thermo Cup Holders

Although the 2011 Q5 looks very good in its own right, it may not be able to excite many people. There is a reason for that since its body is rounded, especially on the front fascia. The Q5 exterior design language also lacks the aggressiveness of some of its competitors, such as the X3. However, we have to say that the panoramic sunroof does reduce headroom a little at the rear.

In addition to that, it also has other noteworthy features on its exterior, such as power-folding heated mirrors, Rain/Light sensor, Audi Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, and a power tailgate. The Q5 comes with 18" ten-spoke V design wheels in the base variants while the 6-cylinder trim models come equipped with 19" five-arm wheels. There are also 20" S line five-tri-spoke/-spoke chrome wheels available as options.

In its segment, the Audi Q5 is just below the BMW X3 in terms of weight while both of them have the same wheelbase. The X3 has the biggest overall dimensions. Moreover, the Q5's ground clearance is also adequate for rougher terrains, but the winner here is the BMW X3 with 8.3 inches of ground clearance.

Some key exterior features of the 2011 Audi Q5 include-

• 18.0-inch wheels
• Power liftgate
• Power-folding and heated mirrors
• S-Line Exterior
• Audi Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights

Audi has always been a reputable brand in this industry when it comes to safety features and crash-test ratings. The company makes some of the sturdiest vehicles in its segment and they incorporate the latest safety technologies. However, compared to the base trim, the top trim of the 2011 Audi Q5 offers more outstanding safety features. During its test, the NHTSA awarded the Q5 with a 5-star rating, which is the highest possible rating. Likewise, the IIHS rated the vehicle as 'Good' overall and awarded it with the title of "2011 Top Safety Pick".

The key safety features are:

• Post-Collision Safety System
• Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Engine Immobilizer
• Emergency Braking Preparation
• Audi adaptive lights
• Audi parking system plus
• Audi side assist

2011 Audi Q5 vs 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

Equipped with a 3.5L V6, the GLK offers more than adequate performance, along with a respectable acceleration time to 60 MPH from standstill. However, the car has now started to show its age, and a redesign, unfortunately, is still some time away. When pitted against the Q5, both cars are even-stevens on paper. Overall, it's a tough place to be in, especially when both the SUVs have more or less the same price tag, and the features they house are certainly the best-in-class.

2011 Audi Q5 vs 2011 BMW X3

The 2011 BMW X3, is easily the best-looking car here. A turbocharged straight-six, coupled with a slick-shifting gearbox and a playable chassis, this car is a true driver’s delight! However, few gremlins like the confusing iDrive infotainment system, and dodgy reliability act as the fly in the ointment. That said, the 2011 BMW X3 is the most competitive package out of all the three.

The 2011 Audi Q5 is actually a decent SUV, except for the exterior, which isn't its most impressive aspect. There are multiple convenience and luxury features in the interior, making it one of the best in its class. There's also a lot of room in the cabin with equally massive cargo space. Audi also handles the safety aspect very well, so you do not have to worry about that, either. But for the price paid, there are rivals offering a more powerful engine and more power as well as speed. So if you have some extra bucks to spend, then go for the X3, otherwise, the Q5 would be a great choice.