Our new spyshots reveal Audi’s next mid-sized Q5 SUV on test in Spain about a year before it lands in showrooms around the world to fight the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo XC60.
The common for German testers psychedelic camo can’t hide the fact that Audi is playing it safe on the exterior design with the prototype featuring broadly similar proportions and profile to the current, first generation model.
In other words, except Audi’s typical evolutionary styling with slightly more angular lines on the outside, though, the interior should be all-new adopting a similar appearance to the new A4 along with higher-quality materials and the latest in connectivity features.
Nevertheless, you’d be wrong to think that this is just an updated version of the current car as the next Q5 rides on the same lightweight MLB platform found under everything from the latest-gen A4 to the Q7 SUV, and which is believed to help shed more than 100kg or over 220 pounds over the first-gen model.
Being closely related to the A4 B9, the 2017MY Q5 will offer a similar mix of four-cylinder and V6 petrol and diesel engines. We will also see two high-performance models, the SQ5 with an improved 3.0L V6 (diesel in Europe, gasoline in North America) and according to the latest rumors, a crazy RS Q5 with a new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 punching out well over 400hp.
Depending on the model, the Q5 will be available in front- and all-wheel drive quattro versions, while gearbox choices will include a six-speed manual, a seven-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic and a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic.
Audi’s high-tech LED-based Matrix light units, an air suspension, and a TT-like customizable digital instrument binnacle will be among the new features available on the Q5.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops
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