Audi to launch Q5, Q2, Q8, A8 and 6 new products in India this year

Hyderabad feb 22 : Audi is gunning to regain over a period of time the top slot in Indian luxury vehicles segment which it had lost to rival Mercedes-Benz. The company plans to launch ten products this year, including 'a couple of completely new models' as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance its position in the country.

"For 2017 there will be 10 new launches, out of which there will be a couple of products which haven't been introduced in the Indian market before," said Rahil Ansari, Head, Audi India.

Audi has already launched the diesel version of its best selling sedan A4 in India. It is also preparing for the new A3 sedan.

Audi Q5: Audi is currently working on a new generation of the Q5 which is said to make its way to the market in a couple of years, with a new chassis, new looks, technologies and engines. The German manufacturer is putting the finishing touches on the new generation of the Q7, set to be revealed later on this year.

The bestsellers will remain the traditionally powered versions such as the 2.0-litre TDI which, in its future version, is said to consume 25.6kmpl. Two outputs will be available for the 3.0-litre V6 diesel, one for the regular Q5 and one for the SQ5.

After the launch of the new Q5, the "Q" family will be expanded with a Q6, which should be a more practical model, similar to a 7-seater MPV. The new Q5 is said to be launched in the middle of 2016. Expect Audi to launch it by end 2016 here in India.

Audi A8: The flagship sedan from Inglostadt is getting ready to compete with the new Mercedes S-Class and the BMW 7-Series. The next-generation A8 will be based on Audi's new MLB Evo platform, an evolution of the MLB platform found in the current A8 and several other Volkswagen Group models.

The MLB Evo was first showcased in 2013 in Audi's Sport quattro concept. The new A8 will benefit from a lighter curb weight, as one of the key areas of focus in developing the MLB Evo has been weight reduction.

Another key area has been alternative powertrains. The engine line-up should be similar to the current A8's offerings, meaning V6 and V8 units. A W12 powerplant is also likely to be offered once more and we should see a plug-in hybrid option and possibly even an all-electric option. European markets should also receive a four-cylinder A8.

Audi Q2: Just like its competitors, Audi too is busy bridging gaps in its portfolio and in tune with that comes the Q2. Audi recently unveiled their baby SUV and by the looks of it, sure comes with all the elements one expects from the brand. In profile the high shoulder line is eye-catching and the flared wheel arches add to its SUV intentions.

The Q2 comes with a length of 4,190mm and sports a wheelbase of 2,600mm. Interiors are also in sync with larger Qs and come with the MMI system which can be operated via rotary/push button controls. The Q2 comes with a host of engine options internationally which include the small 1.0-litre three pot TFSI petrol all the way up to the 2.0-litre TDI.

Audi Q8: Setting the Q8 apart from the more practical Q7 is a racier front end with a more sporting grille, shallower side glass and a sloping roofline. Unlike the traditional styling employed in the Q7, the Q8 will be much sleeker. Based on the second-gen MLB platform, the key development is the adoption of aluminium, thinner-gauge high-strength steel and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic, which together promise a significant reduction in weight with the base Q8 coming in under 2,000kg.

In terms of performance and technology, the Q8 is described as being on a par with Audi's A8 flagship saloon, albeit with the added ability to head off-road thanks to its raised ride height and, on top-end models, adjustable air suspension. It will be powered by a range of V6 and V8 petrol and diesel engines.