After being spotted testing in India a number of times over the past year and a half, the all-new second-gen Audi Q5 will be officially launched in our market on January 18, 2018. Slotting in between the Q3 and Q7, the new Q5 is expected to be priced from Rs 48 lakh to Rs 56 lakh (estimated, ex-showroom). Local assembly of the model will help to keep prices in check.
While Audi has not disclosed details as yet, we can confirm the Q5 will be launched with a 190hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine that will be the mainstay of the range. The engine will come mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. A 252hp, 2.0-litre petrol and a range-topping 286hp, 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine – both of which power the larger Q7 as well – are also expected to be offered. Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system will be standard.
Built on the VW Group’s MLB Evo platform, the Q5 promises to be lighter than the model it replaces. There is a distinct connect to the larger Q7, both inside and out, but the Q5 silhouette remains quite true to the original model from 2008. Cabin quality is expected to be up there with the Q7 and Audi won't skimp on equipment either. Top trims will get the Virtual Cockpit all-digital instrument cluster, in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, an 8.3-inch free-standing screen for the MMI system that will come bundled with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
When it arrives in India, the Audi Q5 will lock horns with the likes of the BMW X3 (the new-gen model is scheduled to debut and launch at the Auto Expo 2018), Mercedes GLC and the newly launched Volvo XC60.
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Viraaj Bhatnagar
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