WITH the launch of the Q5, Audi has entered an increasingly competitive sector of the market.
The German car maker believes more and more buyers are looking to the premium, mid-size SUV sector as they downsize from bigger, thirstier cars.
Audi sees the main competition as coming from the BMW X3, the Land Rover Freelander and the Volvo XC60.
In many areas, the Q5 scores some important points over its rivals.
The Audi is the longest (4.629m), highest (1.65m), lightest (1,730kg) and most aerodynamic (drag coefficient of 0.33) in its class. It also claims the most spacious boot, whether seats are up or down.
But it's also the narrowest car in the class - and rear-seat room for a third passenger is not huge.
Predictably, the Freelander leads the group in terms of off-road performance statistics. But the Q5 is not far behind, with a respectable ground clearance of 200mm (the Freelander has 210mm), the ability to drive through water up to 500mm deep (the same as the Freelander and the X3), and can handle slopes up to 31 degrees (the Freelander can manage 34).
Some models of the Q5 stack up better than the opposition in a game of new car 'Top Trumps'.
For example, the 2.0 TDI SE is out-pointed by some or all of its rivals' comparable models in terms of power, torque, acceleration, top speed and economy. But the differences are small or negligible in most areas.
However, the 3.0 TDI Q5 fares rather better - Audi claims for it the highest torque, most power, highest maximum speed, best acceleration, lowest fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in the mid-size SUV group.
Likewise, the 2.0 TFSI beats the rivals in all those categories except power, where the 218bhp BMW manages a superiority of only seven bhp, despite having a 2.5-litre engine.
Audi's quattro drive on all Q5 models and S tronic dual clutch auto boxes are unique in the sector, and the Q5 is also offered with a full range of Audi options such as lane assist, intelligent ESP control and switchable dynamic steering and damping.
The Audi is also likely to hold its value better than its rivals, according to the trade guide CAP Monitor.
After three years or 60,000 miles, it's estimated the 3.0 TDI SE will be worth 40% of its new value, the same as the Volvo XC60 and better than the BMW X3.
CAP say the 2.0 TFSI SE will be worth the most in the class (37% residual value) after three years or 60,000 miles and the 2.0 TDI SE will jointly lead its segment with the Volvo on 41% residual value.