New-gen Audi Q5 SUV unveiled at Paris Motor Show; to be launched in India in 2017

German luxury car maker Audi unveiled the second generation of the Q5 SUV at Paris Motor Show after a lengthy teaser campaign. The first-generation of the Q5 entered market in 2008 and it is the highest-selling luxury SUV in its segment with over 1.6 million units sold. In the latest avatar, the SUV wears a new design language in line with the Q3 and Q7 SUVs.

The new-gen Q5 is built on the MLB-Evo platform and it makes the vehicle up to 90 kilograms lighter than its predecessor. The platform is also the base of Audi's new models such as the Q7, A4 and the A5.

The SUV comes with more aerodynamic body structure. The face gets large single-frame grille with chrome outlining. The design of the headlamps has been tweaked slightly and it is slimmer now. Audi's Matrix LED headlamps with daytime running lights will be offered as an option. The side and rear profile received only minor updates. The tail lamps come in fresh design and it sports dynamic turn signals as an option.

The five-seat cabin is offered with Audi's 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit display. The new version is also offered with adaptive suspension for the first time in Q5. The boot space has also gone up in the new model, with the capacity increasing to 610-litres.

The new Q5 for India is expected in three engine options -- 2.0-litre TDI, 3.0-litre TDI and a 2.0-litre TFSI engine. Audi claims it has reworked on all three engines to make it 15 percent more fuel efficient than the predecessor. The 2.0-litre diesel engine will be offered in three states of tune â€" 148bhp, 161bhp and 189bhp -- while the 3.0-litre TDI engine will make 285bhp of power and 620Nm of torque. The 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine will generate 251bhp.

The SUV will go on sale by the end of 2016 in Europe. The India launch of new generation Q5 is expected in the second quarter of 2017.