India Bound Next Generation Audi Q5 Spotted Almost Undisguised

The next generation Audi Q5 is slated to be unveiled later this year and has been caught testing in Germany nearly undisguised revealing a host of new details about the mid-size luxury SUV. Moving into its second generation, the new Q5 will be based on the automaker's new MLB-Evo platform, sharing it with other new Audi cars including the new generation Q7 SUV as well as the A4 and A5 sedans.

The 2017 Q5 sports the familiar hexagonal single-frame grille seen on most Audi cars

The design influence on the 2017 Q5 comes from the new generation of Audis, primarily the larger Q7. In fact, it will look more of a shrunken version of the company's flagship SUV. The curved lines pf the outgoing model are now replaced by sharper edges, while the front will dawn a the single-frame hexagonal grille that is now popular on almost all Audi vehicles. Furthermore, the new Q5 will also boast of the new Matrix LED headlamp technology, dynamic turn signals and a comprehensively updated cabin, which will come loaded with goodies like the virtual cock pit, new and improved Audi MMI with touch control among other tech.

The 2017 Audi Q5 is likely to carry the same engine options

Being based on the new modular platform, the 2017 Audi Q5 is said to be 100 kg lighter than the current version. So expect power output to improve along with fuel efficiency figures. Talking about engine options, it is said that the car maker will retain most of the current TFSI petrol and TDI diesel engine options ranging between 1.8-litre to 3.0-litre displacements, while transmission options will include the 7-speed S-tronic and 8-speed tiptronic, with the 6-speed manual available for markets overseas.

Audi is also working on the new SQ5 that will reportedly be powered by a 48V electric compressor turbocharging tech that first made way on the new SQ7, and will be paired to the 3.0-litre diesel motor. Power figures are expected to be uprated to a just under 400bhp, and the performance model will see several upgrades to control the additional power effectively.

2017 Audi Q5 Spied

What about India? Well, the current generation Q5 is one of the consistent sellers for Audi and the Inglolstadt based car maker will also introduce the new generation version as well to further capitalise on the model's popularity. What's more is that the model will continue to come as a CKD, being assembled at Volkswagen's Aurangabad facility.

The mid-size luxury SUV segment is quite popular at present and the new Audi Q5 will be locking horns against some popular rivals like the new and improved Mercedes-Benz GLE; the to-be launched Jaguar F-Pace, BMW X3, while Volvo is readying up the new generation XC60 that is also slated for launch in 2017. The Q5 will be going on the sale in the European markets towards the end of the year and the SUV will arrive in the Indian market only in the next calendar year.