cprg2011

I've had my 2.0T for a month and I agree with Reisen on all counts. It seems most of the comments leaning toward the 3.2 that I have seen here and elsewhere relate to transmission behavior, which has never been an issue for me. Obviously an 8-speed tranny will feel different from an older-style 6, but after trying both I found the 8-speed to feel more refined.

As stated many times, it really depends on where you're driving most. I drove both engines before deciding on the 2.0T, mostly because I am in the city 80% of the time. For that, torque wins. Even at highway speeds with heavy incline, I have not found 2.0T acceleration lacking. I can say this after taking it up to Whistler this weekend fully loaded with gear and 600 lbs of human. It certainly has to try a bit harder than the 3.2 would in those conditions but it was just not an issue, and especially won't be if you flash the ECU to something more interesting. Also, did not notice the shifting issues noted by RCM09 & Barksdale though this might be a reason to get the Audi Drive Select so that you can tune the shifting to hold revs. It's a pricey item but I don't regret it..

All that said, Coolieman1220's comment can't be ignored: the 3.2 sounds more satisfying. Damn.
Other than that the 2.0T wins on all counts IMO, especially if you are posting from somewhere that will allow you the S line package.

2011 Q5 2.0T S line, Lava/Black, Pano, Nav, ADS, B&O

Lyth

I picked up a 2011 3.2 premium plus two weeks and have just about 1000 miles on it. I am getting 25-27mpg highway driving at 10mph over the speed limit with the cruise control on. I live in NYC and local driving is about 15-17mpg. I did calculate my own mpg between fill ups and the cars calculation is almost exactly the same as mine. Love the smooth power and the passing acceleration of the v6.

I did not test drive the 4cyl. I went straight for the 3.2

Coolieman1220

i also hate that the 4 banger still feels like a 4 banger, vibrates like one and is still rough like one. major turnoff for me in a luxury car. it should not feel like an econo car w/ a 4 banger

CrustyNoodle

In Australia, we have the option of all four engine variants currently available in the Q5 platform. On the Australian Audi forum, we did a poll on which engine variant people had ordered. The results are currently as follows:
2.0 TDI - 18.87%
2.0 TFSI - 33.96%
3.2 FSI - 4.72%
3.0 TDI - 42.45%

So what conclusions can we draw from this?
The 3.2 FSI is very unpopular.
The 2.0 TFSI is significantly more popular than the 3.2 FSI.
The 3.0 TDI fills the role of the 3.2 FSI in Aus.?

Doesn't really answer any questions but might give a bit more to think about.

MrsAdams2007

We live out in the country and have to drive on a two-lane highway to get to any civilization. So, most of my driving will be highway! I still like the feel of the 2.0T better. The first time I drove the 3.2, I didn't even think of Audi as an option over the X3, but when I went back to drive it again I really felt the difference and the luxury that BMW just can't provide. I just drove the 2.0T for the first time the other day and had the BEST time driving it. I did hear the engine noise and I do feel the difference, but I like the satisfaction of the turbo. However, my husband hasn't driven the 2.0T yet so I'm not sure what he will think. I wouldn't be sad if we 'had' to buy the 3.2 either!

cprg2011

Wow, coolieman. You think the 2.0T feels like an econo-car engine? I don't know what economy-driven vehicles are in your car history, but you were obviously driving things higher up the scale than I was.
It's an interesting comment, though. The U.S. market seems to be hunkered down with the 3.2 in a way that nowhere else is.

shanerdogrs4

I just ordered a Q5 with the 2.0T after driving both configurations. The 2.0T generated more power than the 3.2 where I live, 6800 ft. elevation. More power, lighter weight and better fuel economy than the 3.2. The 2.0T seems really refined for a 4 cylinder engine.

vwtoys

2.0T is fine for the wife. The 3.2 isn't that much faster to begin with. We've had no issues or complaints for the 8 speed. Never had a problem with it hunting for gears. We're getting 20 city, and 24-25 mixed. On highway only trips it gets 28. It does not have 2 banks of cylinders so future repair costs will be a bit cheaper and easier (I do all the maintenance). Loads of space to work with. Other than that there's really no difference in terms of ride and handling (the 3.2 is heavier in front). The turbo motor is a lot cheaper to get power out of in the future. They should have brought the 3.0T or 3.0TDI in 2011 or 2012 to refresh the line-up, since the 3.2 a bit behind the competition.

tgdA4

I would say go with the 3.2. It sounds better, smoother, and more passing power on the highway. 2.0T is also very capable. I just think with the 3.2 you are less likely to have regrets, whereas the 2.0T you might.

Bruflu

Just my opinion, but I like the 3.2. Feels better to me, and as others said, sounds better. I almost went with the 2.0, but have not regretted my choice in the least.