2012 Audi Q5 review

Distinctive changes promise to maintain the 2012 Audi Q5 in its position as a leader among luxury crossover vehicles.

2012 Audi Q5 photo

The Audi Q5 3.2 quattro models for 2012 offer the S line® package with key exclusives such as S line badging, the iconic Audi Singleframe® grille with vertical chrome accents, S line specific front and rear bumpers, S line interior doorsills and retractable, high-pressure headlight washers.

2012 Audi Q5 photo

A choice of two engine sizes — the award-winning 2.0 TFSI® turbocharged direct injection and the agile 3.2 FSI® — provide the power and engineering craftsmanship that one expects from Audi. The 2.0T engine generates 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 and 1,500 rpm respectively, and the 3.2 liter puts out 270 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 and 3,000 rpm. Both power plants feature the Audi valvelift system, designed for increased power and torque while reducing fuel consumption.

2012 Audi Q5 S Line photo

The Audi Q5 2.0T quattro® utilizes an eight-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic®, while the 3.2 liter is mated to a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic. Both transmissions feature the dynamic sport shift program. Power is translated to the road via quattro permanent all-wheel drive to help ensure better grip on dry road surfaces and more confidence on slippery roads.

2012 Audi Q5 photo

Many customers have cited the exterior design of the Audi Q5 as a primary purchase reason for choosing it over competitors in its segment. Low overhangs that lead to strong fender arches give the Audi Q5 a powerful stance. The sleek roofline and integrated body rails, add to the visual appeal of the vehicle and assist in maintaining a low drag coefficient of 0.33, which improves fuel economy and reduces wind noise. The Audi Q5 is constructed using Audi’s renowned ASF® technology that helps provide enhanced stability and also lightens the vehicle considerably. The distinctive Audi Singleframe grille and unmistakable LED daytime running lights, as well as the clean, dynamic lines, give the Q5 a design that looks as nimble as it handles.

The interior wood inlays on the door panels, center console and passenger dashboard evoke an inviting warmth. Components are well executed throughout the interior, with easy-to-read instrumentation, and easy-to-reach controls. The center console houses technologies for which Audi has built a reputation, with the Q5 offering Audi MMI®, available Audi MMI Navigation plus and Audi music interface. Interior space is abundant thanks to the long wheel-base of the Q5. Leather seating surfaces and available Milano leather seating surfaces make the Audi Q5 a place where drivers and passengers enjoy spending time.

Safety in the Audi Q5 is further enhanced in a number of ways, including both driver and front passenger advanced dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints, front seat-mounted side thorax airbag supplemental restraints (again for both driver and front passenger), plus Sideguard® head curtain airbags for both rows of seats. Driver assistance systems such as available Audi side assist and Electronic Stability Control can help drivers navigate the road.

2012 Audi Q5 S Line photo

Model year changes

Design:

S line plus package for 3.2 includes 20-inch five-segment-spoke wheels in titanium finish, black optics exterior kit including matte black roof rails and window surrounds
No changes to 2.0T and 3.2 gasoline engine models
Package options:
Audi advanced key standard on 3.2 Premium Plus and optional on 2.0T Premium Plus
Rear door sunshades standard on 3.2 Prestige for added rear seat comfort

2012 Audi Q5 photo

Engine/Drivetrain:

Premium Model Premium Plus Prestige

Q5 2.0T quattro (Tiptronic) $35,600 $39,900 Q5 3.2 quattro (Tiptronic) -$43,000 $50,100

Destination and delivery charge for all Audi vehicles except R8 models is $875.

2012 Audi Q5 photo

Drivetrain

 Q5 2.0T quattro:

o 2.0-liter TFSI direct-injection in-line four-cylinder engine, generating 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque with eight-speed Tiptronic transmission (comes with additional sport program and manual shift mode)
o quattro AWD with asymmetric rear-biased torque distribution of 40/60 front/rear

o 0-60 mph = 7.1 seconds  Q5 3.2 quattro:
o 3.2 liter FSI direct-injection V6 engine, generating 270 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque with six-speed Tiptronic transmission (comes with additional sport program and manual shift mode)
o quattro AWD with asymmetric rear-biased torque distribution of 40/60 front/rear
o 0-60 mph = 6.7 seconds  Fuel economy (EPA estimates expressed in mpg):
o 2.0T: 20 city / 27 hwy / 22 combined
o 3.2: 18 city / 23 hwy / 20 combined

2012 Audi Q5 S Line photo -

Exterior

 Retractable high-pressure headlight washers concealed in front bumper  Heated windshield washer nozzles  Anodized aluminum trim on roof rails, roof rail cross bars, and around side

windows  Body-color outside mirrors; heated, with LED turn signal repeaters in each mirror

with fiber optic technology  LED rear lights with LEDs for turn signals, running lamps and brake lamps  U.S. curb weight:

o Q5 2.0T quattro is 4,090 lb
o Q5 3.2 quattro is 4,299 lb

Interior

 Red ambient LED lighting in headliner for front center console illumination  Aluminum optic surrounding of air vents  Power central locking system with radio-operated key fob remote control for

doors, tailgate, and fuel door with selective unlocking  Electronic active cruise control  Leather seating surfaces, Milano leather available  Bang & Olufsen® 505 Watt, 14-speaker sound system available  SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio available

2012 Audi Q5 S Line photo

Technology

 The 2012 Q5 comes with the latest-generation Audi MMI Radio plus system for controlling infotainment/climate/car setup (with 6.5" color screen)

 Driver information center with five-function trip computer and displays for outside temperature, speed of vehicle, radio/telephone, and active Auto Check system with speed warning device

 Retained accessory power (allows use of various electronic features after key is removed from ignition and before front door is opened)  Audi side assist option helps warn drivers of the presence of other vehicles

2012 Audi Q5 photo

Safety

 Pinch-protection for all four windows  Driver and front passenger advanced dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints  Driver and front passenger seat-mounted side thorax airbag supplemental

restraints  Sideguard® head curtain airbags for both rows of seats  Side and rear of vehicle feature similar design characteristics with maximum

safety achieved in all situations  Adaptive restraint system that actively adapts airbag and seatbelt functions based on factors that include heights of occupants