and also its listed as a direct competitor for the Q5. I would say they hit the target at least in my household (U.S.).

I'm not stepping into the gas vs. TDI debate because in my case that is not going to be a deal breaker one way or the other. That might irritate some who are passionate about the need for the TDI here but it is the truth for me. Plus, if we are the target market many other Q5 aspects are appealing (std equip plus avail options). Add in the supposed appealing driving dynamic and it would be a hit in our household.

We moved to Lexus from audi more by default. I went from an 01.5 S4 avant and my wife from an 03 a4. We ended up with an '06 IS and an '07 RX350. If the Q5 lives up to its press release (reasonably) it could definitely pull us both back to audi (I would go after a b8 a4).

I actually don't dislike the Q5 design (yet). I've found that audi cars are so much better viewed in person. New models often look odd at audi, at least to me. The b8 a4 is an exception but even it is better looking in person according to the forum posters.

We may be in the minority but someone has to represent that wide band of target market people. Hand raises slowly.
my .02.

I think the Q5 looks better than the RX350 (I also own an RX350).

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and more hp into the car via dual exhausts - and makes the interior more quiet.

hmmm...actual powertrain options for the US, not just one engine and transmission combo....what will those crazy Toyota marketing execs think of next?

hybrid versions - but that has always been a questionable option when you factor in the cost of operation.

one of my great downfalls in forum posts? the mind reader requirement. I was referring to the new 2010 RX350 concept in terms of design cues. They are subtle but when you add real world requirements such as door handles and better visibility the RX concept will share some lines.

I also agree the current egg shaped RX can look good from some angles but others are just plain goofy looking. Its the trade off for all that interior room. Especially in the back (flat floor, reclining, fore/aft moving seats, etc...

Since the Q5 addresses many of these needs/wants(albeit in a smaller package) I think the driving dynamic will be the thumbs up or thumbs down decision point for us. The power will be about the same. The RX can be downright scary in some of the most common turns (at speed) even with the suspension set on the lowest setting. My wife is no andretti clone but even she feels it could feel more confident in certain situations. The highway ride is great and it is an suv afterall but...

I'm with you on the xmission, gotta be the six speed at a minimum. Back to the Q5, I would be in play for the post launch model so who knows what they may add to the mix based on how the RX shows up dressed for the party. They could also go the other direction.

I also think the RX will show up in one drivetrain configuration.

Time and patience are all I need.

but it's funny that Lexus hit this market on the head and Audi ignored it - I've had to point out to many here who said the allroad was equivalent when in fact it was heavier and longer.

We'll be watching both the RX and Q5 to see how each changes/matures over the next 2-3 years. My SO drives a Highlander and likes it, but she wants something newer in a couple of years. The Hybrid option might be nice, but the battery life is still a question in my mind. We're no strangers to diesels, so a Q5 2.0 TDi might be nice and great fuel economy. I wouldn't back off of the 3.0 TDI, if that is all that's offered in the US. Toyota will be doing some design changes to the entire line and will even offering a new "A-Bat" car in the Scion line. The A-bat will be a Honda Ridgeline type of vehicle, with hybrid power system. Not much competion to an Audi, but an interesting concept none the less.