Media Review

All the Q5s come with electrically assisted power steering that actually has a sufficient amount of feedback for an SUV. Audi uses the same eight-speed automatic as in the standard car, although here an electric motor replaces the torque converter. The powertrain works seamlessly. You really have to listen to catch the gasoline engine shutting down or restarting, and the regenerative brakes are natural feeling and easy to modulate. Sweet exhaust notes, crisp shifts, deep well of power. The best part about the SQ5 is that it really shrinks around you as you drive it hard. The whole experience feels very solid, taut and controlled with little roll and little sense you're in a crossover; it feels more like a large hot hatch. Rougher stretches of road do little to upset the chassis, which has a fantastic mix of control and comfort. Audi uses the same eight-speed automatic as in the standard car, although here an electric motor replaces the torque converter.