2011 Audi Q5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$35,200 to $49,700

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.4

avg user rating

(19 reviews)
2011 Audi Q5 Preview summaryImage

For 2011 Audi leaps into the hybrid SUV fray with a new version of its popular Q5 luxury crossover. While the 2011 Q5 will still offer an excellent 3.2-liter gas engine as standard equipment, the big news is the availability of a full parallel hybrid drivetrain, an Audi first. While pricing and other details are scant at the moment, Audi has said the 2011 Q5 hybrid will be available in late autumn 2010 and will feature a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gas engine mated to an electric drive system.

First offered stateside in 2009, the Q5 has earned high praise for its classy interior and excellent driving dynamics. Competing in a crowded luxury crossover market filled with other pint-size entries like BMW’s X3, Mercedes’ GLK, and the newly downsized Cadillac SRX, the Q5 has succeeded in establishing itself as a hot-selling market force. Though a bit late to the party, Audi made sure the Q5 offered the combination of style, utility, and performance that today’s luxury cute-ute buyers want.

While the introduction of the hybrid trim is the big news for 2011, expect Audi to tweak some of the Q5’s exterior details and add optional rear-seat torso airbags. The German automaker is also dangling the prospect of bringing the diesel Q5, already a hot commodity in Europe, over to these shores. An oil-burning Q5 would seem to offer excellent fuel economy while providing spunky low-end torque, yet no definitive plan is in place to import the diesel variant, perhaps owing to America’s rather puzzling lack of interest in the technology.

While the four-cylinder Q5 hybrid will garner plenty of attention, the gasoline-powered V6 version currently on sale will undoubtedly remain popular in 2011. The Q5 3.2 Quattro (as the V6 version is known) features standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and a six-speed automatic transmission. Though it’s ambitious base price (just under $38,000) places the Q5 squarely in the upper end of the small SUV market, well-to-do buyers get a host of standard equipment and a capable skill set for their dough.

The Q5 shares its unit-body platform with Audi’s class-leading A4 sedan, riding on the same 110.6-inch wheelbase while jacking up the ride height to fit the SUV profile. As mentioned, Audi’s excellent Quattro AWD system is standard, using the now familiar TORSEN (TORque SENsing) differential to seamlessly transmit power to all four wheels. A variety of electronic stability and traction aids assist the Quattro system in delivering limpet-like traction.

While the Q5 hybrid will get a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder with an output-boosting turbocharger, the V6 model is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.2-liter engine. This 24-valve, all-aluminum motor features high-tech direct fuel injection and makes 270 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque, more than enough to move the 4,300-pound Q5 smartly along. Power is routed through a six-speed automatic gearbox, the only transmission offered. While it shifts smoothly and features a sport mode, the automatic transmission lacks the fun factor of Audi’s crisp manual gearbox, which is available only in Europe, where folks still like to use both feet to drive.

Where the Q5 really shines is in its suspension setup. In the luxury crossover segment, many offerings strike a poor balance between handling and ride comfort. Where BMW’s X3 is much too harsh and Lexus’ RX 350 too soft, the Q5 is just right; its four-wheel independent suspension soaks up bumps well, yet still takes a confident set when the road gets twisty. Body lean is well managed, and the crisp variable-assist steering allows for excellent maneuverability. Braking is by discs at all four wheels with standard antilock control, and the pedal provides a solid feel, bringing the Q5 to a stop from 70 mph in a scant 170 feet.

Three trim levels will be offered for the 2011 Q5. Premium (base) trims come standard with leather upholstery over power front seats, genuine wood trim, and automatic climate control. Stepping up to the Premium Plus trim level nets buyers Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, along with a large panorama sunroof and heated seats. The range-topping Prestige trim gets Audi’s excellent MMI navigation system interface, along with a parking camera and thermal cupholders that can keep your Starbucks toasty all day.

Recent offerings from Ingolstadt have placed a high priority on interior fit and finish, and the 2011 Q5 is no exception. Its expanses of soft plastics, fine leather, and polished timber are carefully matched and seamlessly assembled. While some controls are curiously placed, every button and switch moves with a smooth, dampened motion and feels engineered to last a lifetime. Space up front is generous, but the somewhat cramped rear seat only grudgingly accommodates adults. Cargo space is adequate at 29.1 cubic feet, but the luggage area is somewhat oddly sized due to the swept roofline.

Safety is important to the young, upwardly mobile families that often buy small SUVs, and the 2011 Q5 offers a full suite of modern collision-avoidance equipment. In addition to antilock brakes and electronic stability control, Q5 Prestige trims come equipped with a blind-spot warning system. Front, side, and curtain airbags are standard, with rear-seat side torso bags optional for 2011. In NHTSA testing the Q5 earned the top rating of five stars in frontal and side impact categories.

So far Audi has hit a home run with the Q5, and the 2011 model further expands on its impressive range of capabilities. While the BMW X3 provides a slightly sportier drive and the Mercedes GLK wears a prestigious three-pointed-star (and the steep pricetag that comes with it), the Q5 does everything well and looks good doing it. The addition of an earth-friendly hybrid drive system will set the Q5 further apart from the expanding pool of luxury crossovers. It’s a shame that Audi’s product planners refuse to import a trim sure to win over leadfoots and eco-warriors alike: the turbocharged, diesel-powered, seven-speed Q5 3.0 TDI. This European trim makes a stunning 369 lb-ft of torque and still delivers excellent mileage - why the Germans think we don’t want it is a mystery.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2011 Audi Q5

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User rating:
by Harry F
Oct 17, 2024
I love the Q5 because it is a beautiful SUV and very spacious Oct 17, 2024
by Bradley C
Sep 27, 2023
It burned a lot of oil and the timing chan broke outside of that it was a great carSep 27, 2023
by Kennedy H
Feb 21, 2023
awesome, good machine.looks well maintained and price range is within too for a used car.Feb 21, 2023

2011 Audi Q5 Pricing

Original MSRP
$35,200 to $49,700
Price range
$7,903 to $8,773
Average price on CG
$7,923
YoY price change
$8,773 to $7,923

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 180 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.76 · Limited slip differential: center · Locking differential: rear

Engine

Alternator: 140 amps

Exterior Features

Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color with chrome accents · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: silver

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Roof rails: silver · Sunroof: panoramic

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit · Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.3

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 180 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.76 · Limited slip differential: center · Locking differential: front

Engine

Alternator: 140 amps

Exterior Features

Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · License plate bracket: front · Mirror color: body-color with chrome accents · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: silver

Header

Option Delete: Generic

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: dual · Roof rack color: black · Roof rails: silver

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit · Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.3

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system w/voice activation

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 180 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: front center · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: alloy

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo net · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.22 · Limited slip differential: center · Locking differential: front

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · License plate bracket: front · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: silver

Header

Option Delete: Generic

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Roof rack color: black · Roof rails: silver

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit · Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.3

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system w/voice activation

Tires

Diameter: 20 · Type: all season

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Hard Drive: 40GB · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 505 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: heated · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo net · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.22 · Limited slip differential: center · Locking differential: front

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · License plate bracket: front · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: silver

Header

Option Delete: Generic

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in. · Video monitor location: front · Video monitor size: 7

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Roof rack color: black · Roof rails: silver

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit · Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.3

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated

Tires

Diameter: 20 · Type: summer performance

Towing and Hauling

Trailer hitch: ready

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

See all trims (4)