It’s official: the 2009 Audi Q5 | 2,975 views

After months of spy photos and speculation there are finally official news about the Q5 CUV. The new model uses the same underpinnings as the A5 coupe and A4 sedan/wagon and unlike its bigger brother, the Q7, does not share architecture with a Volkswagen corresponding model. Proof of this is the longitudinally mounted engine opposed to the transverse one of the VW Tiguan.

The Q5 is at the heart of the mid-size CUV and has a more compact and tidy design overall than its heftier Q7 sibling, in line with Audi’s philosophy of being a premium sports-car brand.
Audi’s Q5 has a clear resemblance with the the A4 Avant, yet has distinct design features as well. Comparable in size with the Infiniti EX, BMW X3 or Acura RDX, Audi seems to have substantially more space for its occupants.

There’s not much for US buyers to choose from in terms of drivetrains. Audi will start shipping the 3.2L FSI gasoline V6 with a fast-shifting ZF six-speed automatic and quattro all-wheel drive with 40/60 front-rear ratio. The V6 should generate 265hp and 243lb-ft of torque. European buyers on the other hand have a lot to choose from. Diesel or gasoline, the Audi Q7 is due in the first quarter of 2009 with prices that will be in line with its competitors ranging from 30.000 to 50.000$ full-option.