Audi launched its new CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) The Q5 at the Beijing Auto Show. Unlike the Q7 which shares its platform with the VW Touraeg or the Cayenne, the new Q5 utilizes the A5 coupe or the A4 sedan architecture, meaning the Q5 has a longitudinally mounted engine rather than the transverse mounted powerplant in the VW Tiguan.

The Audi Q5 picture gallery (Click on the thumbnail to view it in high resolution)

The styling bears strong resemblance to the A4 Avant while at the same time being somewhat distinct too. The side glass is almost similar but with slightly different proportions offcourse. The greenhouse is taller given this a CUV. The tail lights taper towards the center of the tailgate just like the Avant.

The overall proportions are comparable in size to Nissan Infiniti EX, BMW X3 and the Acure RDX. The Audi appears to have substantially more room, front and back. The rear seats also feature angle adjustment for the seat back and like its big brother the Q7, the Q5 also comes with a full-length sunroof. The roof-line slopes downwards subtly, very coupe like, gives an imperssion of sportiness which buyers hanker after. The slope is small so it doesnt really hurt the head room at the back. There is no shortage luggage space too with plenty of space behind the rear seats for a family on holiday. 

The trademark Audi grille upfront features vertical bars instead of normal horizontal. Going forward, all the Audi Q models will feature vertical bars while the A, S and the all-road models will have horizontal bars. There are plenty of engine options too, right from the 3.2L FSI V6 petrol to even a 2.0 Litre TDi for European buyers. The Audi quattro will also come in Q5 with a nominal 40/60 front rear split. 

The new Q5 will start selling somewhere in the last quarter of 2008 and will be introduced in US in early 2009. Audi currently has no plans to launch the Q5 in India but with BMW X3 already launched, they might just change their plans.

The Q5 dimesions