Our correspondent experiences a mix of luxury and technology in the AUDI Q5
The storm clouds loom threateningly out of a darkening monsoon sky and the humidity is so high you can see drops of moisture dancing before your eyes. Of course, if you are watching this spectacle ensconced in a silent and plush leather wonderland through a rather enchanting panoramic sunroof, you have the good fortune of sitting inside the new Audi Q5.

Among the technology that is the pride of the well designed central console is the third generation Audi Multi-Media Interface (MMI) that integrates navigation, telephone, intuitive radio, audio, video, climate control and intuitive voice commands. However, the trouble with the Q5 is that everything has been designed for the driver, almost at the expense of everyone else. For example, the intuitive voice commands, though easy to use, can only be activated by a button on the far right of the steering wheel. Similarly, the complete absence of a USB port is baffling given they have thought of making space for two memory cards and a SIM card.

The standard Audi sound system is a 180W 10-speaker affair with stellar sound. Another option is the Bang & Olufsen 14-speaker surround sound system which is even better. With the symphony radio system, Audi provides a Bluetooth system that integrates the phone into the radio operating system with voice control. While phonebooks can be accessed by inserting your SIM card, the MMI also allows you to store names and numbers for access using voice commands.

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