AudiWorld Forums - Picked it up today (Pics!)

Alright. Chronicled my story on this forum a bit already! But to summarize, ordered Aug 15, the car arrived at the port Oct 7 (I went down and snuck some photos of the Cougar Ace), and picked up from the dealer tonight, Oct 11. Talk about an unbearable two months! Certainly summoned some of my most intense OCD tendencies... This is primarily my wife's car. I commute by bike or transit, so don't usually have a separate car of my own. But if I am very well behaved, I may get to drive it occasionally :)

We traded in our red/black 2008 A3 2.0T DSG. Fantastic car, but the cuteness of the compact size and stiff ride diminished a bit over the three years we had it. I am sure it will be a fun little hauler for the next owner. Actually, I'm surprised how many A3's I see around town nowadays -- especially TDIs. I was under the impression Americans hated premium hatches? It wasn't uncommon to pull up to another red A3 at a stoplight. Anyway, at the end of that story, I am proud to report that I actually received a very fair trade-in value.

Received the "Go" light from the dealer about 10am this morning, and was able to meet up with my wife and head over there around 5pm. After a re-inspection of our trade-in, and about an hours worth of paperwork, finally held the "keys" to the new Q5, configured as follows:

2012 Audi Q5
2.0T
8-speed automatic
Ibis White, Black leather
Premium Plus
Bang & Olufsen stereo
Advanced Key
AudiCare

We intentionally ordered w/o navigation; I didn't feel it was a very good deal. Although, now that I've backed it out of tight spots a few times, I do wish I had a rearview camera -- I am investigating the possibility of a cleanly integrated aftermarket solution. Also on the docket is powder-coating the wheels black or gunmetal. I had been reading a bit about the STaSIS APR tune, but now that I've logged a couple hours behind the wheel, I am actually quite happy with the power as is. Handling is excellent. Stopping is excellent. I am in the process of adjusting to the *high* seating position. This is the first tall car that I've had.

What do I love? Beyond the driving dynamics... the striking black/white combination, and the panoramic moonroof. I am coming around to the design of the wheels. And I thought the power liftgate was a gimmick, but it is somewhat neat.

Finally.. A friend of mine asked if I wanted to go take some pictures this evening. Serendipity! My first opportunity to drive it in traffic. Pics as follows! Now, in some of the shots the lighting was *very* challenging, and doesn't convey the stark white of the car due to many lighting sources of many different colors. The profile view in front of the cafe is most representative of how the color looks in person.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6234/...f96622e2_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6179/...fff0b363_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6108/...5ea94ee8_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6109/...b5f5fce9_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6168/...6298ac3e_b.jpg