The “TOPautos 2009” have been selected by more than 150 renowned independent motor journalists from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The new Audi Q5 ranks as top off-roader among the best new vehicle releases of the model year 2009.

Jörg Felske, Head of Sales Germany at AUDI AG, accepted the award in Ingolstadt. “The Audi Q5 is a performance SUV that combines the dynamics of a sports sedan with a highly versatile interior – ideal for family and leisure,” was his description of the winner in the off-road segment. With a choice of three powerful and efficient engines, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and agile suspension, the Audi Q5 offers a superior technology package for on- and off-road.

This was the fourth year that the Motor-Informations-Dienst (mid) has awarded this prize. As in previous years, more than 150 motor journalists from daily newspapers, journals and internet portals took part in the vote. This makes “TOPauto” the car and innovation award with the largest expert jury in Germany.

There were a total of 80 newcomers to choose from in the categories “Business”, “City”, “Concept Car”, “Family”, “Fun”, “Luxury”, “Innovation” and “Off-road”. The mid has put together an exclusive card game including the four best-placed vehicles in each of the eight categories, where each card features a photo and the technical data of one of these vehicles.