2009 Audi Q5 vs. 2009 BMW X3, 2010 MB GLK350, 2010 Volvo XC60, 2010 Lexus RX350 - Car and Driver
all-wheel drive, traction control, stability control, and onboard navigation see to that. Arrival—as opposed to just plain ol’ arrival—naturally costs a little more, the price of moving up the status pyramid far enough to be where everybody isn’t. This comparison test is prompted by four new entries in this so-called “compact-luxury sport-utility” class. We’re facing them off against the veteran BMW X3 , first introduced in 2004, the winner of our last roundup [July 2007]. For the record, these crossover vehicles are all based on passenger-car platforms. The Audi Q5 , newborn for 2009 and Audi’s first entry in the segment, is based on the similarly new A4 sedan. 2-liter V-6 and Quattro all-wheel drive are standard equipment. The new-for-2010 Lexus RX350 follows the formula that made its predecessor the bestseller in the segment, a sumptuous leather cabin riding on a creamy suspension. Mercedes-Benz, long a lofty presence in heavyweight SUVs, for the first time lowers its sights to the compact segment with the 2010 GLK350 , which is based on C-class architecture. Source: www.caranddriver.com
