audi_q5_Md_Dc

Hello folks,
I have been religiously driving my Honda Accord for the past 6 years and it has been a big part of my life so far. Bought the car (2001 model) as soon as I got my Masters in 2004. Anyway, it is time for an upgrade. I have read the Q5 vs RDX comparisons all over the forum but I have a question - I test drove the Q5 this evening and loved the way the car looked from the outside!(absolutely totally loved it!). But while we were driving on a bumpy road I could feel the road and the bumps while I am in the car. Isn't driving a luxury car all about not feeling those bumps and having a comfortable ride? I am *not* trying to compare the ride to RDX (I am going to test drive it tomorrow) but I am curious to know your thoughts since the Audi salesperson said "all SUVs make you feel that way except Lexus, the car is just an extension of you etc". What do you think?
Also, I saw the 2010 RDX yesterday (didn't drive it though) and I do agree with the comments of it being "plasticky" but have to tell you the interior features add quite a bit of "coolness" - bunch of really useful stuff comes in as standard with tech package. I definitely want to have navi in my car and for a 2010 Audi that takes me to at least 45K with 36K for RDX. I felt the RDX navi screen to be a bit bigger or am I mistaken? And is RDX navi package better? The big Audi moon-roof is plain awesome! Still torn if the 7K-8K more is worth it!!! aye aye ..these tough choices in life!

princetonq5

Ride harshness is about the same in the RDX and Q5. However, you'll get MUCH more road noise in the RDX. I think the extra $$ is worth spending on the Q5, as you get bigger (better) engine, more cylinders, better transmission, better AWD system, and the list goes on. Besides, what's cooler than the LED daytime running lights?

audi_q5_Md_Dc

Thanks for your response Princeton. I will let folks here know what I find after I drive RDX tomorrow (the "bumpy" ride and noise). I was reading online and seems like the "drive select" option might make the ride a bit more "smoother". What do you guys think about it? Also, are there any other useful (coooool) options I am missing by thinking of Premium Plus and not Prestige (I know it is about ~4K-5K higher in price but I am curious).

Thanks again!

manup

Search this forum and your questions will have been addressed by others before you. Lot's of real good answers and info here.

fastd1

If you want to experience a harsh ride, try the Infiniti FX35, which is what I came from!
Option wise, with the Q5 Premium Plus and Nav, it has everything you need (imho) except for the keyless entry. I also added the 19" rims, I love the look of those.
When I was shopping, I did not even consider the RDX. I still do not know why the auto sites compare the Q5 to the RDX, EX, X3. Size wise, feature wise, and performance wise, I feel the Q5 is a direct competitor to the FX35, RX350, X5. The MDX is more of a 4wd Odyssey, of which I chose the Odyssey as my family mover.
Have fun test driving!!

audi_q5_Md_Dc

I drove the 2010 RDX and just got back home. Here are my thoughts -

RDX Cons
1) RDX is definitely noisy inside the cabin - not so much the road noise but the engine noise.
2) The Turbo sound ("noise"?) was weird for a "luxury version". It may not be a bad thing depending on the social circle - sounded more like a sports car than a luxury sedan.
3) The moon-roof isn't as big as Q5 and that was a bit of a disappointment.
4) The RDX exterior is no match for Q5 - Q5 has such a "presence" on the road and the LED lights are awesome!
5) I looked at it specifically again after looking at Q5 last evening and man, the plastic definitely seems a bit too obvious esp when compared to Q5's wood inlays!
6) I was driving at 75 in Q5 and it felt like 55. I was driving at 75 in RDX and it felt like 75...

RDX Pros
1) My wife very strongly thinks the seats in RDX are more comfortable than Q5 especially in the back. I am not sure though.
2) The tech gadgets are definitely pretty cool. It pretty much everything needed as standard (in fact, you guys correct me if I am wrong but Q5 didn't have USB port but RDX does - not that it is a deal breaker but still).
3) I didn't find the ride "bumpy" though - in Q5 I felt like I was a feeling the road a bit too much like you guys said "harsh ride". Didn't feel that way in RDX much to my surprise!
4) Price, price and definitely price is much better.

I am not sure if I should drive a Lexus RX though.
Thanks for your thoughts.

FitzLA

It's a luxury sports car (suv). You're suppose to feel the road. The less you feel the road, the more you give up in handling and performance.

fastd1

1a) Note that the Q5's front seats have a power lumbar control. Once you get it set right you melt into the seats, if its set wrong it just digs into your back!
1b) Note that the rear seats in the Q5 slide forward/backward and also tilt back.
2) There is an AMI cable jack in the glove box, and there is a USB cable (item #4F0051510G) you can get for it. I have an iPod cable and a 3.5mm cable for mine.

kleinbus

akkapeddi,

You sound like a man with big M so you definitely need a real machine as you deserve the best of the best, the jewel of all, the most comfortable ride that exists,

<O</O
The Jeep Commander.

<O</O
<O</O
Seats comfy and soft like your couch, bling bling and electric pleasure more than you can count and no to forget the ride of all rides, so comfy and smooth that you just hover over the masterpiece of greatest art form of crappiness, also known as local roads and still have bad **** shiny trail rated emblem on each side of masterpiece.
<O</O
<O</O

I did have one bling bling electric pleasure that made me wonder who needs Viagra when they can have Commander....

rawg51

..nor the ML/GL (Merc), x5 ('09-'10) where I had come from before..but did consider X6

First car I had in my early 20s was a Jap made one. No cheap stuff for me again.