Now in its eighth month at our office, the Audi Q5 is showing little wear and is proving to be a reliable vehicle, and a popular one at that. Staff members are quick to grab the keys to this luxury crossover.

Art director Kelly Murphy had a chance to finally get behind the wheel after a long withdrawal for a weekend sprint to Canada and back with friends. "Usually this white gem is scooped up by others in the office, and after my weekend road trip to Toronto I can see why. On the road you seem to forget you're in an SUV; it performs more like an Audi sedan. However rear seat passengers legroom was tight, but adequate; and the cup holders available in the rear proved to be almost useless for anything bigger than a juice box or a sippy cup."

Murphy and his passengers did admire many of the Q5's features, specifically the glass roof. "The glass roof proved to be more than perfect for driving through the urban jungle of downtown Toronto. Heads seem to be consistently angled and pictures were being snapped through the roof at all the tall buildings."

In less happy news, deputy editor Joe DeMatio received the honor of receiving the first speeding ticket in our Q5: 75 mph in a 55 zone on a two-lane highway. "Afterward, I tried to maintain 55 mph," he says, "but the Q5's natural gait is more like 65 or 70."

Our newest staff member, associate web editor Jeffrey Jablansky, has now had a chance to experience the Q and is shaping up to be another one of the Audi's admirers. "I've now had several chances to experience the Q5, and so far I don't have a single complaint. The sound system is as good as they get, and the huge panoramic sunroof is just beautiful."

We'll see if the popular Audi can keep everyone smiling as it enters the peak summer road trip season.

~ Joe Lorio
Automobile Magazine

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