HERNDON, VA – Audi has set the base price for its all-new 2009 Audi Q5 crossover vehicle. The Audi Q5 will begin to arrive in U.S. dealerships during the 3rd week of February and will be offered in three equipment levels, according to the manufacturer.

MSRP for the 2009 model-year Audi Q5 Premium starts at $37,200. Pricing for the Audi Q5 Premium Plus starts at $41,500, and the Audi Q5 Prestige starts at $48,200. Prices do not include the destination charge of $825, taxes, title or dealer charges.

With the new Q5, Audi will have its first crossover vehicle for luxury car buyers. The launch of this new vehicle allows Audi its first opportunity to surpass contenders in the popular luxury crossover vehicle segment.

“Luxury crossover vehicles appeal to a wide audience seeking both practicality and performance,” said Johan de Nysschen, president, Audi of America. “But monotony has developed in that segment — sameness we're certain the Audi Q5 now disrupts with its array of distinctive styling cues and forward-thinking features.”

The Q5 offers plenty of features that give it a balance of functionality, luxury, and performance. The Q5 will be the only vehicle in its segment with three-zone climate control, which lets drivers and passengers select their own comfort levels. It is also the only vehicle in its segment with 40/20/40 rear seats that recline and offer fore-aft adjustment for the comfort of passengers and for balancing cargo-carrying capabilities, according to Audi.

Audi is also equipping the Q5 with its signature LED tail lights as standard equipment, including running lights, brake lights, and turn signals. The Audi Q5 will offer standard hitch preparation for 4,400-pounds of towing. Also standard are roof rails with aluminum cross bars that sync with the Audi ESP system to adapt accordingly.

Audi has a strong reputation for outstanding automotive interiors and that tradition carries through in the Q5 with standard twelve-way power front seats, leather seating surfaces throughout, and genuine wood or brushed aluminum inlays.

The Audi Q5 will be the first model sold in the U.S. with available MMI Navigation plus, the third generation of Audi's acclaimed MMI (Multi-Media Interface) system, which manages entertainment, communications and navigational information.

The Audi Q5 will also lead the segment of AWD, gasoline-powertrain crossover vehicles in fuel economy. According to the U.S. EPA, the Audi Q5 achieves 18 mpg city mileage and 20 mpg combined — both tops in the category — along with 23 mpg highway mileage.