In the run up to the all-new Q5’s global reveal at the Paris motorshow, Audi has released a teaser video of its mid-size luxury SUV. The video shows the upcoming SUV’s LED headlamps, daytime running lamps and tail-lamps with dynamic indicators. Prior to the video, a teaser image detailing the new SUV’s tail-lamps was revealed by the carmaker. The new Q5 will give Audi the ammo it needs to take on new rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Jaguar F-Pace.
Seen wearing testing camouflage so far, the Q5 is likely to get chunkier looks than the larger Q7 with notable wheel arch flares and a stronger shoulder crease running along the flanks. However, the front fascia is expected to bear resemblance to the Q7's. The cabin of the new Q5 will draw heavily on that of the A4.
The new Q5 will be underpinned by the latest evolution of Audi’s MLB platform, as used by the new A4. The latest iteration of the architecture uses a greater percentage of hot-formed high-strength steel and cast aluminium elements than the original MLB structure, making the new Q5 both lighter and more rigid than its seven-year-old predecessor. The lighter architecture will allow Audi to deliver weight savings while still packing in more luxury and safety equipment. The new car is expected to be over 100kg lighter than its predecessor that weighs 1,820kg.
The new Q5 range will include a 2.0-litre diesel engine, a frugal plug-in hybrid that uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine and two electric motors, plus V6 petrol and diesel engines. Later on, a performance-orientated Q5 RS making around 500bhp will be introduced. While Audi will offer most variants as four-wheel drive, it will be the first model to adopt a front-wheel-drive layout because of its close relation to the new A4.
The new A4’s suspension setup – a five-link system at both the front and rear – will be used on the Q5, but will also be offered with self-levelling air suspension.
Earlier in the year, Audi imported the new Q5 to India for testing purposes. India has been an international hub for Audi to test its cars with the automaker having imported many vehicles including the new A5 and the Audi SQ7, in the recent years.
Audi plans to build the upcoming SUV at its new facility in Mexico with assembly also planned to take place in China and India.