- The 2014 Best Cars for Families awards recognize cars, SUVs and minivans that improve family life on the road
- Awards based on professional automotive reviews, safety and reliability ratings, seating and cargo volume and the availability of family-friendly features
- Audi Q5 leads segment consideration according to recent survey by market research firm GfK
The 2014 Audi Q5 has been named Best Luxury Compact SUV for families by U.S. News & World Report. The Q5 took the top prize in one of 19 automotive categories that highlight vehicles which make driving for families easier.
A variety of factors, including professional auto reviews, safety and reliability ratings and family-friendly features, were evaluated in determining the winners of each category. The award was announced on the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Cars website.
Additionally, the Audi Q5 topped a consideration list in a recent luxury survey conducted by GfK, the brand-consulting firm. For the first time, the Q5 led all its competitors in both “good opinion” and “would consider buying the vehicle” categories. The Audi Q5 beat the BMW X3, Lexus RX and Mercedes M-Class in each measure. GfK determined results by surveying American luxury consumers who were in the market for a vehicle in the segment from October through November of 2013. The survey is conducted twice a year.
The Audi Q5 was introduced to the U.S. market in early 2009, and Audi of America began to advertise it heavily as an upstart alternative to traditional offerings in its segment. American premium buyers’ interest in mid-sized SUVs began to rise strongly at about that time. Last year the Audi Q5 posted record sales for the nameplate of 40,355 units, up 41 percent from 2012.
The Audi Q5 is admired for its smooth and efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and is offered in V6 and hybrid variants, giving buyers options that suit their needs. In 2013, the Q5 received a freshened design that includes new unmistakable LED headlamp design, new front grill, bumper and new rear tail lamps and lift gate. The interior received some additional changes that gave the vehicle a richer feel by adding chrome and alu-optic finishes on the window and MMI controls respectively. The Q5 features an award-winning 3.0T Supercharged engine that delivers 272 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, or the fuel efficient and powerful 2.0T engine available as the entry to the Q5 model line. The Q5 combines the sports appeal of a sedan with high variability of its interior space and many practical solutions for recreation and everyday driving.
New for 2014, the highly-anticipated and fuel-efficient Q5 TDI® clean diesel model achieves an EPA estimated 24 city/ 31 highway/ 27 combined MPG. At the same time, the Q5 TDI model– powered by the 3.0 TDI Turbocharged clean diesel V6 engine – generates an impressive 240 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque. The Q5 TDI offers superior handling as well as the utility and practical solutions for recreation and everyday driving. Also new for 2014, the Q5 3.0T and TDI models offer an S line® plus package, which includes 20-inch 5-segment-spoke wheels in Titanium finish, summer performance tires, matte black roof rails, high-gloss Black exterior trim, and more.
