What else can you buy for the price of Audi Q5?

Audi has finally launched the much-awaited Q5 in India at a price of Rs 53.25 lakhs. The SUV has always been the highest selling Four Ring and the new one just takes the game ahead with its updated styling, new platform and added features. The Q5 is available in two variants - Premium Plus and Technology – with a single diesel engine option. Here is a list of a few other options that you can have a look at for the same money.

For the price of the new Q5, there are its usual rivals – the BMW X3 in the 20d M Sport guise and the Mercedes-Benz GLC in the 220 d Sport trim. The Bavarian one is evenly matched in power to the Q5 while the Three-Pointed star falls a little short on it. However, all the three SUVs have the same 400Nm of torque on offer. If you want something different and striking, the newly-launched Lexus NX comes as a stylish alternative in the price of the Premium Plus trim. If you need something subtle and safe, the Volvo XC60 Inscription will suffice. To give the Q5 a serious run for its money in off-roading, the Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE Luxury comes as a British alternative in the segment.

Apart from the high-riding vehicles, the mid-size executive sedans come as the next best bet. Another German trio – the Mercedes-Benz E 220 d, BMW 520d and Q5’s stable mate, the A6 35TDI, come as opulent and classy alternatives. One can also have a look at the newly launched Audi A5 and the slightly-exclusive Lexus ES and Volvo S90 in the same price range. All these luxury sedans come with identical output figures from their diesel powerplants (except the Lexus, which uses a petrol hybrid powertrain). 

The Q5 is now based on the new modular MLB Evo platform. It is lighter than before and comes with a new fascia akin to its elder sibling, the Q7, with all the new features Audi has on offer. There is the new Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster, loads of cabin space, three-zone climate control, eight airbags, Matrix LED headlamps and a potent turbodiesel engine. The new Q5 comes as a well-rounded, no-nonsense, and easy to drive/live with SUV.