I like the Q7 a lot but it is too big for my needs so I have been looking forward to the Q5. Some thoughts:

* The bumpers on the Q5 need to be more driver friendly. (This is true of most vehicles but it is especially true in a utility vehicle.)

The bumpers need to be produced with the obvious expectation that they are going to get hit from time to time (this should cause no real damage) either from parallel parking or from tapping the front/back of a garage when you pull in too far. If you (as the driver) don't do this then someone parallel parking in front of or behind you will. The bumpers need some well-constructed, aesthetic, mini bumpers built into them. The last vehicle that did this well was the rear of the Nissan 300z from '87/'88.

* Similarly, the side doors of the Q5 need impact (rubber?) guards for the same reason. Someone parked next to you is eventually going to open a door too hard and too fast. Without impact guards this is going to leave unsightly dents in the Q5 doors.

* What is the mileage going to be on the Q5? 15 to 25mpg is not going to cut it in the current climate. If Audi is going to sell a car in the US they need to pay attention to US consumers: Americans don't want diesel; we prefer hybrids or hydrogen fuel cells.

* I know there are cigarette lighters in the car but are there regular plug in outlets? Say one in the front and two in the rear? Any "utility" vehicle should have this built in. I will want these outlets if I go camping... if a hurricane knocks out power in my neighborhood... if I am parked at the beach and want to plug in anything... if... you get the idea.

* I read on CarandDriver.com that a loaded Q5 is going to approach $50K. Bad idea. If I'm going to spend $50K on a SUV it will not be the Q5. It will be the RX400h, a vehicle I know is finely appointed, extremely reliable, offers hybrid technology and better gas mileage.