Topping the feature-flaunting 2012 Audi Q5 lineup, and thereby boasting a number of upgrades to a wealth of amenities, is the Q5 Quattro 3.2 Prestige. Along with 5-passenger seating, V6 power, standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and the ubiquitous 57.3 cubic feet of cargo area, this classy compact crossover flaunts some nifty moves on its standard 19-inch alloy wheels, as well as S-Line trim accents, heated, power-folding and power-adjustable mirrors, a power sunroof and a roof rack.
On the inside, Audi’s flagship Q5 flaunts leather upholstery, height- and power-adjustable front seats, reclining and sliding rear seats, full power accessories, and a fold-flat front passenger seat for some additional cargo-bearing responsibilities. Cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror also come standard, with all of this embraced by tri-zone auto climate control, and leather, wood and alloy cabin trim accents.
Bluetooth hands-free calling again comes standard aboard the 3.2 Quattro Prestige, while Audi’s touted, if imperfect, Multi Media Interface (MMI) system, meantime, governs the standard Bang & Olufsen premium audio upgrade, along with its 14 speakers, memory-card slot, USB connection, satellite radio and auxiliary iPod functions. Additionally, this top-shelf trim boasts standard MMI-integrated navigation and a rear-view camera.
One of the more exotic options available to this flagship trim is radar-interfaced Adaptive Cruise Control, while the Luxury Package, with ventilated front seats and upgraded leather upholstery, is another available add-on. The new-for-2012 S-Line Plus Package, meantime, can also be selected and offers a sport steering wheel mounting paddle shifters, upgraded S-Line interior and exterior trim pieces, and performance tires. Finally, 20-inch upgraded wheels remain a standalone option, with the available Drive Select system offering 4 selectable modes of throttle, transmission and stability-control interface, along with suspension adaptability, all ready to serve the mood of the moment.
As its moniker implies, the top-shelf 2012 Q5 3.2 Quattro Prestige runs on a variable-valve-timed (VVT) 3.2-liter normally aspirated V6 engine that combines with the standard 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission for 270 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. Mileage remains estimated at 18 mpg city/23 highway, and towing is again maxed out at 4,400 pounds with the proper equipment.
Audi’s Quattro AWD system, meantime, operates by allowing a 50/50 torque split to the front and rear axles under normal cruising conditions, and will automatically and instantaneously transfer torque from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip when roads get treacherous.
Noteworthy standard safety features in the 2012 Q5 3.2 Quattro Prestige, finally, include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags, and front head restraint whiplash protection. Front fog/driving lights also come standard, as do LED daytime running lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors, a post-collision safety system, a blind-spot warning system, headlight washers and adaptive xenon headlights.