10 Things You Didn't Know About the Audi Q5

In 2007, Audi AG debuted a concept car to compete with other luxury compact crossover models. The Audi Q5 was available to the public the following year. Now in its second generation, the Audi Q5 offers a smooth ride with ample power. The car has advanced technology, a superb sound system and a comfortable roomy interior. Here are 10 things you didn't know about the Audi Q5.

1. Concept Car

The Audi Q5 was first manufactured by Audi AG in 2008. The model was launched by Audi to compete with other compact luxury sports utility vehicle crossovers manufactured by companies including BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes. The concept vehicle for the Q5 was called the Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro concept and debuted in 2007. It was a 2 door convertible, four wheel drive, 8 speed automatic vehicle. It featured LED headlights, leather upholstery and a great Bang & Olfsen sound system as well as internet radio. The concept car made its debut at the Los Angeles auto show in 2007. The Audi Q5 made its debut the following year at the Beijing and Los Angeles Auto Shows.

2. Redesigned

The original Audi Q5 would undergo two redesigns. The first was in 2012. This included redesigned head and tail lights and ergonomic changes to some interior controls and interior design. Changes to the engines helped improve control and output. A second redesign debuted at the Beijing Auto Show in 2018. This was the first major overhaul of the original design and is considered the second generation of the Audi Q5. Along with improved engine function, this new design of the Audi Q5 included a longer wheel base to improve room within the cabin and improved technology. It also included several options to upgrade the model.

3. Quiet & Smooth

The 4 door Audi 5 is a compact luxury crossover sports utility vehicle. One of its greatest assets is it drives quiet and smooth. Its 2 liter V-4 engine is 248 HP. Its sportier upgrade, the SQ5 has a 3 liter V-6 engine with 349 HP. The Audi Q5 is all wheel drive and its good base suspension gives it a smooth ride. The Audi Q5's interior is amazingly quiet. Even traveling on highways does not produce a lot of noise within the car. The engine is quiet and the interior is muted to outside noises.

4. Elegance

As a luxury crossover SUV, the Audi Q5 looks elegant on the outside and the inside. The exterior is clearly Audi designed and looks like a luxury car should look. The interior cabin is also elegantly appointed and detailed. Even the standard version of this model comes with leather upholsetry. Buyers have several choices for colors and materials. Exterior color options include metallics such as Mythos Black, Glacier White, Manhattan Gray, Florette Silver, Matador Red, Moonlight Blue and Monsoon Gray. Other color options include Brilliant Black, Navarra Blue and Ibis White. The 2019 Audi Q5 has six interior color options and trim options including wood, brushed aluminum and piano black. The materials are of high quality and craftsmanship. There are no gaps in the panels either adding to the quality of the car.

5. Roomy Interior

In 2018 Audi redesigned the Q5 wheel base to provide a roomier interior which added to the value of the car. Riders have plenty of leg room, even in the back seats. There's also plenty of room above the head, even for taller people. Riders won't feel cramped traveling in the Audi Q5. The redesign also included changes to interior controls and compartments making it easier for driver access. Back seats include convenient smartphone charging ports and storage compartments.

6. Not Much Cargo Space

One downfall about the 2019 Audi Q5 is its lack of cargo space. If you need cargo space to haul things in this crossover, the model may not be for you. Space is limited to 26.8 cubic feet. With the back seat folded down, there is storage of 60.4 cubic feet. Some of the interior storage space is awkwardly arranged and some compartments are small. This can be an inconvenience to the driver and to passengers.

7. Infotainment

The Audi Q5 2019 carries the same upgrades to technology as its 2018 predecessor. The driver has access to one of the top Infotainment systems on the market, the MMI system. The touch screen menu is easy to scroll through and easy to program. Audi debuted the system at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show. It helps the driver find information such as fuel control and traffic management. The system controls the radio tuner, CD changer and other entertainment and electronic functions of the vehicle.

8. Price

While the 2019 Audi Q5 is one of the more pricey luxury compact crossover vehicles, even the standard version comes with many great features. The base price for a 2019+ Audi Q5 is $42,950 and includes features including leather upholstery, Quattro all-wheel drive and Smartphone integration technology. A Premium package costs $49,950, and the Premium Plus package costs $53,850. If you want the same car with a lot more power and that looks more sporty, Audi offers a 2019 SQ5. This car comes with a 3.0 liter V-6 engine and is 349 HP. The base price is $52,400. The Prestige package is $62,100.

9. Other Features

The standard 2019 Audi Q5 vehicle has many great standard features and options available when upgrading. Standard features include all wheel drive, forward collision warning, autonomous breaking, cruise control, lane keeping assist, rain sensing windshield wipers, a rear camera and a 360° camera system. The standard 2019 Audi Q5 also includes heated and ventilated front seats, electronic rear child locks on the door, 'Audi Connect Care", a 7 inch driver display, a parking assist system and roof cross bars. Upgrade options includes many things from Premium Plus trim to a high resolution and changeable control screen to a Navigation and Telematics package.

10. Competition

The 2019 Audi Q5 has a lot of competition in the compact luxury Q5 field of vehicles, but the Audi Q5 leads them. The model was a finalist for Best Luxury Compact SUV for Money and for Families. Its biggest competitors are the 2019 BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC. Both cost less money but don't have some of the valuable features of the Audi Q5 including all-wheel drive, interior quality and good handling. Other brands are competitive with the Audi Q5 but don't live up to its standards. These include the Volvo X960, the Acura RDX, the Lexus RX350, the Acura RDX, the Mazda CX5 and the Porsche Macan.