A couple of weeks ago, I took a trip to downtown Chicago for the Audi Driving Experience. When I went last year it was to promote the new Audi A4, but this year it was the Audi Q5. Since the Q5 is an SUV, I wasn’t sure if I would have the chance to do any autocrossing. Luckily for me, Audi tried to put a big emphasis on the Q5, so I still got a chance to squeal the tires while dodging cones.

Audi Q5 interior

The day started with a tour of the new Q5. Things like the in-dash DVD player and the rear hatch that closes with the click of a button were highlighted. After taking a look inside and out we went for a drive on South Lake Shore Drive. The Q5 provides a comfortable ride, but doesn’t come off as being especially sporty in city driving. The interior is of high quality and surprisingly spacious though.

Q5 autox

The next thing we did in the Q5 was the most fun. We got to autocross the Q5 in the Soldier Field parking lot. The Q5 is great in how confident it makes you feel when driving it hard. Most SUV’s feel like they are getting ready to flip at the limit, while the Q5 just gives you a controllable understeer when driven past its limit.

Audi A6 3.0T
The Q5 wasn’t the only Audi I got to drive though. I also had an opportunity to drive the Audi A6 with its new supercharged 3.0 liter V6. It is just an amazing car. The A6 jumps off the line and you don’t notice any additional noise from the supercharger. The braking is even more impressive because the G forces are more like something you feel when on a roller coaster.

If you would like to learn more about these events visit http://www.audidrivingexperience.com

Audi
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