The Audi Q5 is expected to be re-introduced in India by end-November. The model has not been on sale for over a year as the carmaker discontinued it in the run-up to the implementation of BS6 norms last year. The Q5 will arrive in facelifted form with revised styling, updated interiors and unlike before, solely with a petrol engine.
- Updated Q5 expected to pack in more tech
- Will be a petrol only SUV
- To come integrated with Amazon Alexa
Audi Q5 facelift: what’s to know?
Revealed last year, the updated Q5 gets refreshed styling like a larger, more prominent grille, new LED headlamps and tail-lamps and revised bumpers, bringing it in line with Audi’s design language. International-spec cars get the option of Matrix LED headlamps, though it remains to be seen how Audi offers the tech on the Indian model.
The cabin too gets minor changes and packs in more tech with a notable update being Audi’s new MIB 3 infotainment platform with a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen sitting atop the centre console. The new infotainment system also packs in connected car tech and Amazon Alexa integration. The international-spec cars also come with a host of active driver aids, though it remains to be seen how much of it will make its way here.
Coming to the engine line-up, Audi had chosen to go the petrol-only route with its line-up post BS6 and the same applies here. While its predecessor did come with a diesel engine option, the new Q5 will be offered solely with a 245hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox – same as the Audi A6 currently on sale.
Audi Q5 facelift: rivals
Coming to the rivals, the updated Q5 will go up against the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Land Rover Discovery Sport and the BMW X3 –the latter is due to receive a facelift in India.