Revised Audi Q5 expected by year-end (Upcoming Cars)

Audi has just revealed details of a revised and updated version of the popular Q5 SUV. Although not a completely new model, the revised Q5 does have upgraded engines, re-tuned suspension and a mildly revised exterior. Completing the package is an upgraded interior as well.

The popular Q5, first launched in 2009, has been a strong seller for Audi, notably in India. The positive spin-off generated by the gargantuan Q7 has paid Audi handsome dividends, and in maany ways the Q5 was considered the ideal fil, especially on Indian roads. Now however, with the imminent launch of the baby Q3, the Audi Q5's position was looking a little tenuous.

Right on cue: enter the 'new' Q5. So what all is new? For starters, the face of the new Q5 has been revised with a subtly altered front grille and headlights. The grille now gets the high-gloss piano black treatment which we've seen on the recently relaunched Audi TT. The headlights have LED running lights, but instead of a string of LEDs at the bottom of the lenses, they now run around the periphery of the headlamp lenses, just like in the Audi Q3. The honeycomb mesh surrounding the fog lamps has been dispensed with. The big grille or 'Bavarian beard' has been altered as well, with chamfered surfaces at the upper end where it meets the bonnet.

The tail lights of the new Audi Q5 also get the perimeter LED effect.

On the inside, Audi has resorted to utilising a combination of leather, piano black embellishments and veneer insert, which do brighten up the cabin. The major visual difference is the steering wheel, with a round sterring boss replacing the squarish, angular steering wheel boss of the previous model. Audi has also simplified the MMI interface with fewer buttons, which it claims is more intuitive to use. On-board internet is available in the European version, which can also pre-select and programee up to 5,000 internet radio stations. This feature however will not be available in the Q5 in India.

Audi has also revisted the Q5's suspension and drivetrain, with retuned springs and dampers and a lighter subframe for the suspension assembly. This has resulted in some wieght saving as well, and the new Q5 is 40 kgs lighter than its predecessor. The engines have been carried over, but have been retuned for more power and better fuel efficiency. The 2.0-litre TDI diesel has been uprated to 177 PS and 380 Nm from 170 PS and 350 Nm in the existing Q5. This same diesel motor in this same state of tune will also be available in the Q3 when it goes on sale this June. The 2.0 TFSI petrol motor has also seen a bump in power to 225 PS from 210 PS, although the torque rating remains unchanged at 350 Nm. The 3.0 TDI diesel, which also has shift paddles for the S-Tronic gearbox, sees power climb nominally from 240 to 245 PS, but has a huge amount of torque, which is now 580 Nm from 500 Nm previously. This should endow the Q5 with shattering overtaking capabilities!

The new Audi Q5 goes on sale in Europe sometime in the second half of 2012, with sales of right-hand drive models pencilled in for the last quarter. It is likely that Audi India will begin assembling the new Q5 in Aurangabad by year-end. A price revision seems inevitable, which we expect to be in the range of 5 to 10 %. Nevertheless, the revised Q5 should get a boost for its second innings, especially in the face of newer competition like the recently launched BMW X3.