Audi Q5 debuts in China

The once uninteresting Premium CUV segment , once dominated by the BMW X3, just got more interesting this week, with the launch of Audi's competitor in this class, the Q5. The new model didn't make its debut in Beijing by accident , as it will be built both in Inglostadt, Germany, as well as in Changhun, China.

 Based on the platform of the A4 and borrowing the looks of both the A4 and the gargantuan Q7 SUV, the Q5 comes with a  rather conservative design, just like its main competitors that are no big lookers either. The GLK is not a really stunning appearance and the old BMW X3 seems to have just become obsolete.

Just like its rivals, the Audi CUV puts the stress on sportivity and compact size, measuring 4.63 meters in length, 1.88 meters in width and 1.65 meters in height. The sportivity is also reflected in the engine range, which includes three choices, starting with a 2 liter diesel developing 170 horsepower, a 3 liter V6 TDiI oilburner capable of 240 horsepower an an upgraded version of the 2.0 TFSI petrol powerplant good for 211 horsepower.

This way, customers can choose either the small diesel for good fuel consumption, the petrol for elasticity, or the big 3.0 TDI for its monumental 500 Nm of torque. As a premiere, the 3.0 TDI and the 2.0 TFSI are mated to a twin clutch seven speed sequential gearbox, while the 2.0 TDI is available with the traditional 6-speed manual. The Q5 comes as standard with quattro all wheel drive for better off-road capability.

As a serious competitor in a premium segment, the Audi CUV comes with lots of standard features including ABS and ESP as well as comfort options starting with an eight speaker sound system on the base model and ending with a DVD drive, navigation system, Audi lane assist,  adaptive cruise  control and  MMI interface.
The production of the new model is expected to start in Germany this summer, with  sales following later this year. More images in the gallery below.