2009 Audi Q5

Pros: for the 2.0t engine:
couple of grand cheaper!
lighter engine = better handling / balance, i feel less "push" in aggressive cornering
peak torque early in the rev band (mfg states 1500, feels right on)
better gas mileage

Cons: MMI takes a while to get used to (but then gets fairly easy)
"rotary phone" data entry method is JUNK JUNK JUNK
price - wow. add options with care.
no more free maintenance - now they charge $800 for a five-year oil-change and inspection plan.

Summary: I was all set to pull the trigger on the 6-cylinder, but they had a 4cylinder turbo on the lot so I took it for a spin - thank goodness I did.

MOTOR: torque with the turbocharged motor is higher and peaks sooner without being "thrashy" or harsh. the VW/audi 2.0t engine is really impressive. The engine is lighter, and to ME it makes the car feel much less nose-heavy and more nimble.
It really seems crazy spending upwards of 50 large on a 4 cylinder SUV, but if you're in the market and can suspend the snob-factor for a moment, consider the smaller engine. It may not haul heavy payloads as effortlessly as the 3.2 6-cyl, but for shuffling the wife and some groceries around the 2.0 turbo 4-cyl is more than adequate.

INTERIOR: interior quality is SOLID, good attention to detail (e.g. even the spare tire well is carpeted)
as fancy as you wanna be (air-conditioned seats, fancy stereo, reclining rear seats, etc...).
electronics take too many button pushes. MMI is OK, can be a little frustrating to learn - just remember the "back" key that's not always represented on the screen. The triple-zone AC controls are not the most intuitive and require a combination of button-pushes and dial-turning, so I just leave it set to Auto even if the fan gets noisy sometimes.
cargo area is a little narrow, a case of form over function.

EXTERIOR:
styling is understated modern, classy but a little plain. I especially like the dual scalloped lines that run from the headlights down each side - that saves it for me.

DRIVING: a nice blend between Lexus luxury smoothness and BMW sporty agility.
sight lines are fairly clear, but I wish there was a larger rear window.
side mirrors are HUGE and partially obstruct the view out the front corners (esp for shorter people like my 5'-1" wife)
much less steering and handling feedback than the pre-2011 X3, more insulated from road textures. Smooth but not floaty. I'd prefer a little more feedback through the steering wheel esp in turns, but I never feel "numb" or unsafe at the controls.