India-bound Audi Q5 facelift spotted wearing Q8-like face

-        The updated Audi Q5 will get a new family face along with added features. 

-        Expected to arrive by the end of this year. 

-        Will make its way to India as well.

Audi, continuing on its biggest model offensive till date, was spotted testing the Q5 facelift near their headquarters in Germany. As can be seen in the minimalistic camouflage, the updated Q5 will get a family nose along with a revised feature list. We also expect changes under the skin when it arrives later this year. 

The Q8-inspired grille with large nostrils up front flanked by large verticals air vents can be seen under the wraps. The same design is seen on the updated Q3 and Q7 so it is obvious that the Q5 will also receive the same design language. The redesigned headlamps and taillamps are also complemented by skid plates in the lower bumper. The camouflage extending on the side wheel arches could mean slight tweaks have also been planned around there, akin to the one seen on the Q3 Sportback.  

On the inside, the refreshed Q5's interior is expected to get Audi's newest MMI infotainment system and a refreshed dashboard design. As seen on the other new cars from Audi stable, the dash-mounted touchscreen will be joined by the Virtual Cockpit. Other features from more expensive models might also trickle down to the new Q5 as well. 

In terms of powertrain, the new Q5 is likely to get a longer-range plug-in hybrid variant. Apart from that, the usual powertrain options will be carried forward without any changes. We expect the updated Q5 to break cover later this year with sales likely to commence in 2020. It shall arrive in India too once it goes on sale in the international markets. It will continue to rival against the likes of BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC apart from Jaguar F-Pace and upcoming new Range Rover Evoque.