With its line of sleek, stylish, and yes, expensive SUVs, Audi seems intent upon proving that America's favorite form of plus-sized transportation can be as cool as it is capable and convenient. The new Q5, with its refined looks and smooth driving dynamics, does much to demonstrate this point. During our short time with the Q5, we found the luxury crossover to be a pleasure to drive — both in the city and out on the open road.
Our tester, which came fitted with the premium S Line exterior trim and upgraded 3.2-liter, 270-horsepower V6 with direct injection (a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder is also available), looked great and handled better, with its beefed-up engine providing a sporty feel and ample acceleration. However, don't let the Q5's luxury leanings mislead you — behind the sexy sheet metal of this posh crossover is a very practical, utility-minded vehicle that works great as a daily driver. Despite its small size, the Q5 offers plenty of cargo room that makes it ideal for road trips and grocery runs alike. And with the added bonus of Audi's standard quattro all-wheel drive, you can rest assured that this smart set of wheels won't wimp out when the weather gets rough.
Unfortunately, such a harmonious blend of style and substance does come at a price — and by no means a small one, either. Starting at $42,500 and offering a host of add-ons that can quickly run you up thousands of dollars more, the Audi Q5, sad to say, will remain an unknown pleasure for most. However, if you've got the cash and the compulsion, we say go for it!
 Read
a review of the 2009 Audi Q5 Prestige
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