Comparo: 2011 Audi Q5 3.2 Quattro vs. Volvo XC60 T6 AWD

By John LeBlanc For such a short time as an automotive genre, the compact luxury crossover segment has become awfully crowded, awfully fast. It’s been only a little over a decade since the first-to-market Lexus RX 300 arrived. Yet in that time, rivals from BMW (X3), Acura (RDX), Cadillac (SRX), Infiniti (EX35), Mercedes-Benz (GLK) and Land Rover (LR2) have all jumped into the luxo cute-ute fray. And now two latecomers to the class, Audi and Volvo, have their respective ideas of what a compact luxury crossover should be, in the shape of the Q5 and XC60. [svgallery name="Faceoff_2011_Audi_Q5_vs_Volvo_XC60_pics"] In such a competitive segment, not surprisingly, the results are remarkably similar in price, size and spec. As are most examples in this soft-roader class, the latest lux cute-utes are based on passenger-car bits and bolts. The Q5 on the new A4, and the XC60 on the same chassis as the new-for-2011 S60 sedan. But which of this pair of European-flavoured luxury compact crossovers is the better all-around ride? SECOND PLACE: 2011 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD For 2011, Volvo has ditched its mid-size V70 wagon, leaving the XC60 to fit below the larger up-to seven-passenger XC90, the remaining AWD XC70 and right above the smaller V50 wagon in Volvo's lineup. Our topline  $49,995 XC60 T6 AWD offers a more powerful engine, traction to all four wheels, and as-expected feature and luxury upgrades over the base $10,000-less expensive front-drive version. The T6 badge indicates a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six-cylinder gas engine. It produces a lag-free 281 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of grunt matched to a six-speed automatic. That may be more than what the Audi’s offers on the spec sheet. But both scoot from zero to 100 km/h in just under seven seconds. Fuel economy ratings are also a wash between these competing vehicles: the Audi scores marginally better than the Volvo in the city (11.5L/100 km versus 12.2L), while the Volvo is better on the highway (8.7L versus 9.0L). Beyond being as quick as some so-called sports sedans in a straight line, the Volvo also excels in delivering a comfortable driving environment. Its seats match the Audi in balancing comfort and support. It’s also quite roomy. The Q5 and XC60 are almost identical in overall length. And the cargo space aft of the rear seats is similar is size as well. However, with its rear seats folded-down—say, after a well spent day at Ikea—the Volvo’s taller cabin results in about 300 more litres of maximum space. So far, the Volvo is on relatively equal terms with the Audi, as it’s pricing suggests. But in the end, the XC60 loses on refinement and attention to detail—especially from the driver’s perspective—the Q5 has in spades. First, while the XC60 may posses the best balance between ride and handling of any current Volvo—except for the new, closely-related S60 sedan—it’s not as athletic as the friskier Q5. Opting for the T6 includes Volvo’s Four C Active adaptive shock system. There are three settings: COMFORT equals “sedate, comfortable ride quality”; SPORT offers “controlled body movements, faster steering response”; and ADVANCED delivers “firm damper control, maximum road holding”. At least that’s what Volvo’s press materials say. But in reality, the stiff-riding XC60’s ride isn’t as complaint as the Audi, sometimes crashing over sharp payment. Plus, its Haldex AWD system isn’t as proactive as the Audi’s Quattro system when the roads get slippery. You can also add in a steering rack that offers plenty of heft, but can feel too slow when hurried. And although its interior is more imaginative than the Q5’s in design, the XC60 simply can’t match the robustness and thoughtfully ergonomics that all Audis seemingly posses these days. Buy this car if ... you want a stylish, comfortable interior; you need maximum cargo room; a Volvo that doesn’t look like the box it was shipped in. Don't buy this car if ... you want telepathic steering; sharp handling. FIRST PLACE: 2011 Audi Q5 3.2 Quattro If the Q5 looks like a slightly taller A4 wagon to your eyes, there’s good reason for that. Both compact five-passenger five-aperture Audis share a wheelbase, chassis, powertrains and AWD system. That commonality blesses the Audi crossover with the same fun-to-drive driving characteristics, beautifully-crafted interior, and stolid feel of the wagon. Despite some in the industry seeing Volvo products one notch down from Audi in the prestige sweepstakes, Volvo Canada doesn’t think so. The 2011 XC60 is priced right inline with the German compact luxury crossovers. Both the front-drive Q5 and XC60 base models start around $40,000: the Audi with 211 hp turbo 2.0-litre four; the Volvo with a non-blown, 3.2L straight-six with 240 hp. Our Q5 3.2 Quattro started at $49,900, plus the $2,500 Audi Drive Select. As mentioned, its V6’s numbers (270 hp; 243 lb-ft) fall short of the Volvo, but the Audi is as quick in accelerating up to highway speeds. The Audi's six is equally as smooth as the Volvo, working with a slick shifting six-speed autobox, and it can tow more (1,995 kg versus 1,495) than the Volvo Open any of the Q5’s four doors and slip in: nothing about the interior's design, fit or finish yell “utility”. From the seamlessly-applied leather wrapping on the steering wheel, to the tight-fitting trim details to the various soft-touch plastics, there’s little difference between this “low-end” Audi and a range-topping A8. These days, a nice interior is almost a given in an Audi. No surprise here. But the way the Q5 drives—despite extra weight and higher centre of gravity over an A4 wagon—makes it a standout in its class. Unlike Volvo’s Four C, Audi’s Drive Select adjusts more than just the Q5’s suspension. Choosing either the Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, or tailor-as-you-like Individual settings affects throttle response, steering effort, automatic gearbox shift points and ride damping. Drivers will appreciate that the Q5’s most compliant setting is never as soft as the XC60. While the Audi’s sportiest setup is never as stiff as the Volvo. Better than its chassis is the Q5’s steering. Although it can feel too heavy in parking manouvres, once up to speed it delivers the level of accuracy, feel and linearity more associated with a sports sedan. It still can’t match an A4 wagon for out-and-out driving fun. But in this crowded class, the Q5 won’t steer you wrong. Admittedly, there were a few Q5 imperfections. While the Audi’s front thrones match the Volvo is support and comfort, the Q5 corners so briskly we’d ask for a more supportive sport seat option with added thigh support. The other issue is the 3.2 V6. If you can live without traction at all four wheels, the front-wheel-drive, nearly-$10,000-less-expensive Q5 2.0 turbo four model offers the same towing capacity, yet better fuel economy. To me, a no-brainer. Buy this car if ... you want the best driving luxury compact crossover; a meticulously built and well thought out cabin. Don't buy this car if ... you need butt-hugging seats; want to pinch pennies; require plenty of cargo room.

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