The big bro (not the big boss) of SUVs – Audi Q5 has recently been caught in a new skin in Mumbai. The test mule bearing the red number plate was under almost nil camouflage. The second in line Q Series SUV by Audi had a facelift and the new Q5 was unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show held recently. Currently priced around Rs 39 lakh the Audi Q5 is the best selling mid size SUV from the Germans that has also helped the car maker in dethroning Mercedes and pushing it to the third in row from the title of best selling luxury car maker. In India, the Q5 is a close rival to BMW X3, Land Rover Freelander and Volvo XC60.

A smaller Q5 expected in India but unveiled at the Auto Expo is the Audi Q3. This smaller and compact SUV is expected to be launched in India soon. The Q3 is expected to take on the BMW X1 that is the bestselling car in India and this has a significant contribution in the sales to make BMW the best selling luxury car maker in the country. Coming on to the Q5 thus spotted, the mule was not camouflaged, as the car has already been unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show. A new front grille, new pair of headlamps and a new bumper are some customary changes spotted besides the new steering mechanism that is now powered electrically rather than by hydraulics.

Audi has also slightly made some changes to the suspension system in order to make the SUV more mannered both on road and off road. The engine line up seems to continue as it is and thus it will continue to be offered in petrol and diesel options. Reports however, suggest that Audi could make some changes in the line up and thus there is a probable change in the engine line up that will make the SUV a little more powerful and frugal than the existing models. The new Audi Q5 heads to a Diwali launch.