2018 Audi Q5 35 TDI launched at Rs 53.25 lakh

Audi India has fired its first salvo of 2018 by launching the all-new second generation Q5 at Rs. 53.25 lakh, ex-showroom pan India. For now, the new Audi Q5 is powered only by a 2.0-litre TDI engine in India but Audi plans to offer the SUV with a petrol engine in future and a bigger diesel could be looked at too. The engine offers 190PS and 400Nm and is mated to a 7-speed S-TRONIC dual clutch transmission. Claimed 0-100kmph acceleration time is 7.9 seconds while the ARAI certified fuel efficiency stands at 17.01kmpl. The new Q5 also comes with Audi Drive Select which includes driving modes like Dynamic, Auto, Comfort, Individual and Off-road. The new Q5 is also 65kg lighter than its predecessor and comes equipped with adaptive suspension that helps improve ride and handling significantly. Available in two variants, the Audi Q5 Premium Plus 35 TDI is priced at Rs 53.25 lakh, while the Audi Q5 Technology 35 TDI is priced at Rs 57.60 lakh (ex-showroom).

The 2018 Audi Q5 sports a design language similar to the Q7's as the face is sharper with rectangular all-LED headlights, while the sides and rear use curvier lines. The new Q5 is slightly larger in size but the sharp creases on the bodywork suggest otherwise and it looks more compact than before. Interiors are well appointed and use high quality materials all round. The Q5 uses a 12.3-inch TFT display for the instrument cluster, as seen on the A4 and Q7 before, while the infotainment screen is an 8.3-inch display mounted on top of the dashboard. Seats are covered in beige-coloured leather and a massive panoramic sunroof adds to the sense of airiness.

The 2018 Audi Q5 looks sharper, more compact and is powered by a 190PS/400Nm 2.0-litre four cylinder diesel engine

On the convenience front the new Q5 comes equipped with a three-zone air-conditioning system that includes dedicated controls for the second row. The air-conditioning system also detects which part of the car is getting direct sunlight or is more humid and adjust blowers accordingly to optimize cooling. The second row seat can be reclined slightly as well to add to the comfort of second row occupants, while the tail gate is now electrically operated. Connectivity options include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the Q5 also boasts the latest version of Audi's MMI. It gets a wireless smartphone charging tray, a smart key fob that will remember your settings for driver's seat, ORVMs, air-conditioning, drive mode and multimedia connectivity too. On the safety front there's 8 airbags while on the convenience front the Q5 gets Audi's park assist system along with a 360-degree camera.

The 2018 Audi Q5's boasts roomier and more premium looking interiors and comes equipped with more features and equipment than before

Things in the midsize luxury SUV segment are clearly heating up once again as the new generation Volvo XC60 and Lexus NX300h have just been launched while the all-new BMW X3 will be launched at the 2018 Auto Expo. Apart from these the new Audi Q5 also faces off against the Mercedes-Benz GLC. You can read our first drive review of the new Audi Q5 here.