2011 Audi Q5,Reviews

The 2011 Audi Q5 gets a new base engine, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder found in many other Audi models. The 2011 Audi Q5 is a compact luxury crossover available in four trim levels: 2.0T Premium, 2.0T Premium Plus, 3.2 Premium Plus and 3.2 Prestige.

Nineteen-inch wheels are optional.

Step up to the 3.2 Premium Plus for a V6 engine, 19-inch wheels, headlight washers and S Line exterior trim.

The top-shelf 3.2 Prestige adds adaptive headlights, a blind-spot warning system, keyless ignition/entry, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and the Audi MMI Navigation Plus package (navigation system, digital music storage, voice controls, rearview camera, HD radio, CD/DVD player and center-console-mounted MMI system).

The 3.2 Prestige can also be equipped with 2011 Audi Q5 Drive Select (four settings alter throttle response, transmission shift points and steering assist), adaptive cruise control and the Luxury package (ventilated front seats and upgraded leather).

Both 3.2 models can be equipped with 20-inch wheels and the S Line package, which adds different 20-inch wheels, performance tires, a sport steering wheel, shift paddles and brushed aluminum trim. Powertrains and Performance The 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T comes standard with all-wheel drive and a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine good for 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. A six-speed automatic is standard. Estimated fuel economy stands at 18/23/20, which is tops among similarly powered all-wheel-drive crossovers. Safety The 2011 Audi Q5 comes standard with stability and traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags.

The rear seats slide fore and aft, which is a rarity in this segment of luxury crossovers, and the seats also recline for greater comfort.

2011 Audi A8,Reviews

As luxury sedan go, the 2011 Audi A8 is hardly a household name. Audi promises sportier driving dynamics for the 2011 Audi A8 thanks to the all-wheel-drive system's decidedly rear-biased power split; the idea here is to provide more of the feel of a rear-drive performance sedan. The 2011 Audi A8 comes in two trims: standard and long-wheelbase L (which provides more room for rear seat passengers).

Both 2011 Audi A8 models come standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive air suspension, Audi Drive Select (allows adjustment of suspension, steering and engine/transmission response), xenon headlights, a sunroof, Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) system with a touchpad that can interpret fingertip gestures, a navigation system, cruise control, a power-adjustable steering wheel, leather upholstery, 12-way power front seats, heated front and rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power rear sunshade, Bluetooth and a Bose surround-sound audio system (with HD and satellite radio, iPod connectivity, a 20GB music server and a CD changer). The L adds park assist (with rearview camera), keyless ignition/entry, power-closing doors, power rear side sunshades and a power-operated trunk.

The Cold Weather package includes heated steering wheel/rear seats and a rear-seat pass-through (with ski sack). The Rear Seat Comfort package adds power lumbar/recline and ventilation, rear vanity mirrors and four-zone climate control. The Driver Assistance package includes adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor, a lane-departure warning system and a pre-braking system. The Sport package (regular A8 only) includes 20-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, a torque-vectoring rear differential, upgraded leather upholstery and the 22-way power front seats.

Standard on all 2011 Audi A8s are antilock brakes, stability and traction control, full-length side curtain airbags, front- and rear-seat side airbags and active front headrests.

2011 Audi A6,Reviews

All A6 models also get the most recent 2011 Audi A6 Multi Media Interface (MMI) and standard navigation. Rear parking sensors are now standard on the Premium Plus, while a rearview camera is standard on the Prestige.

The A6's engines offer competitive performance for the most part.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Audi A6 is available in two body styles: a four-door sedan and a wagon known as the Avant. Opting for the Premium Plus (3.2 and 3.0T) gets you 18-inch wheels, rear parking sensors, self-leveling xenon headlights, LED running lights, auto-dimming exterior and interior mirrors, and driver memory functions.

The Cold Weather package adds heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel and, on the 3.2, heated front seats. A Sport package adds a sport-tuned suspension, a sport steering wheel, shift paddles and either 18-inch wheels with all-season tires or 19-inch wheels with summer tires.

Powertrains and Performance
The 2011 Audi A6 3.2 is the base model configuration, available only in the sedan; it features a 3.2-liter V6 good for 265 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) are standard; all-wheel drive is not available. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined.
A six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are standard.

Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2011 Audi A6 includes antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. A 4.2 with 19-inch wheels and summer tires stopped in a more impressive 114 feet.

All A6 models have Audi's most recent MMI system, which has more logical menus, crisper graphics and a joystick-like control on top of the system's control knob to increase functionality.
The 2011 Audi A6 sedan offers a trunk with a capacity of 16 cubic feet.

Driving Impressions
The available all-wheel-drive system gives the A6's driver some added peace of mind in foul weather.