Audi Q5 launch confirmed for 18 January 2018

Audi's first launch of 2018 in the Indian market will be that of the Q5. The prices of the SUV will be announced on 18 January after the media drives in the second week.

This is the second generation of the Audi Q5 that made its debut earlier this year. The SUV has grown in dimensions, but it has also lost over 100kg, thereby making it lighter than its predecessor. This time, the design is more modern and gets sharper lines, a new single-frame grille, Matrix LED headlights and LED tail lamps. There are many upgrades inside the cabin including the instrument cluster, MMI system, upholstery etc. Furthermore, many new safety features like active lane assist, blind spot warning, collision avoidance assist etc. have been added as well.

Powertrain options include a 2.0-litre Quattro Ultra TDI diesel mill tuned to produce either 163bhp in one trim, and 190bhp and 400Nm of peak torque in another. Audi might add a petrol version too powered by a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine churning out 252bhp of power. We can expected Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system to be offered too.

The price for the new Audi Q5 is expected to begin at Rs 50 lakhs (ex-showroom). It will be assembled at the VW facility in Aurangabad and upon launch, it will go up against the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3, Land Rover Discovery Sport and the newly launched Volvo XC60 too.