Beijing Unveiled: 2009 Audi Q5

This global debut underscores the importance German automakers place on the growing Chinese market.

The global debut of the 2009 Audi Q5 crossover, a model developed primarily with the U.S. market in mind, underscores the importance German automakers place on the growing Chinese market.

Although Audi says the Q5 has sedanlike styling, its looks are clearly inspired by the much larger Q7, with its signature single -frame grille opening and strong character lines. Thinner pillars and a slightly lower beltline, however, make the Q5 look a bit more like a station wagon than an SUV. It looks like a slightly beefier version of the Allroad Quattro, the vehicle it replaces in Audi's lineup.

The all-wheel-drive Q5 was introduced with a choice of a V-6 or two 4-cylinder engines. The V-6 is a 3.0-liter turbodiesel, while the fours include gasoline 2.0-liter turbo and supercharged engines, or a 2.0-liter direct-injection diesel. When the Q5 bows later this year in the U.S, we can expect a 3.2-liter V-6 making 265 bhp. It will be equipped with a 6-speed automatic gearbox and the front/rear torque split will be 40/60 percent. European models will offer a 2.0-liter direct-injection gas engine and a diesel. Slightly larger than the VW Tiguan, the Q5 shares no components with the VW but instead is based on Audi's new A4/A5 architecture that includes a longitudinally mounted engine. With prices starting in the $30,000–$40,000 range, the 5-passenger Q5 is expected to compete with other upscale crossovers like the Acura RDX, Infiniti EX and BMW X3.