View Full Version : Test drove Q5 and GLK yesterday


sow
02-22-2009, 05:24 PM
<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/155975/whiteq5_3.2.jpg"></center><p>
Yesterday I spent a couple of hours to test drive GLK and Q5 back to back. Here are some of my impressions:

I like the exterior styling of both cars. Q5 is beautiful-looking from pretty much every angle. It looks absolutely gorgeous in white (please excuse me for the quality of my iphone picture)

GLK looks much better then it is in pictures. The styling is pretty aggressive especially with the 20" 5-twin spoke wheels.

As always I'm impressed by Audi's interior. The fit and finish is first-class. It appears that the Q5 and GLK are not in the same class in terms of interior quality. That being said, GLK's interior is still not too bad and looks better with wood. Unfortunately, the Q5 we tested doesn't have the Nav. I really wanted to check out the 3rd gen MMI. Please share some light if you have tried it in person.

The legrooms are better in Q5. I can sit pretty comfy in the rear after adjusting the driver seat to my setting. I think the GLK has more headroom overall because the shape of the car is more boxy. Also I can get a pretty good driving position in Q5, whereas on glk, the steering wheel always somehow blocks the instrument panel if I adjust the seat to my liking.

Although Q5 has a larger cargo space on paper, I couldn't tell the difference by just looking at them, partially because the opening of Q5's rear is quite narrow.

Both cars are pretty fun to drive. I like the handling on Audi better. The steering is lighter on GLK but the gas pedal is lighter on Q5. Q5 is more car-like compared with glk.

Overall, I think Q5 is a better package although it's the pricer one of the two.

P.S. My dealer told me the cinnamon brown leather is delayed until April. Plus 12~15 weeks of waiting time after that, it sounds like I need to wait until end-of-July-ish if I order with that color.

TIME89
02-22-2009, 05:57 PM
What do you think about Q5 side mirrors - my wife think they are too big and even more disturb then help.

sow
02-22-2009, 06:01 PM
They don't bother me at all. Maybe it's the seating position, I actually like the fact that I can see more.

TIME89
02-22-2009, 06:57 PM
Maybe you right - we just adjust seat to make sure we can reach pedals.
I always read Car and Driver about Audi interior - one of the best in auto industry - this car done beautifully inside and out.

sow
02-22-2009, 07:12 PM
Ya, I agree the interior is definitely topnotch, which is one of the main reasons we prefer q5 over glk. btw, have you seen the new MMI yet?

TIME89
02-22-2009, 09:46 PM
Yes, but I didn't have time to play with it. I am very impressed with what I saw. And this came from the owner of Acura and BMW.

Blownaway
02-23-2009, 11:01 AM

mdwredb7
02-23-2009, 02:46 PM

AofC_RR
02-23-2009, 03:31 PM
I used to work for infiniti till I could get a spot here. The nav is as good as what they offer but the graphics are better as is the 3D. The voice command is outstanding. I've already learned my way through it. I'm impressed with the ease of use. It's worth what Audi is charging.

sow
02-23-2009, 07:05 PM
I really like that color...