Ingolstadt, Germany: With an eye on strengthening presence in the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment in India, global auto giant Audi plans to introduce its newly launched model Q5 early next year, along with an advanced version of its existing Q7 in the country.

"While designing it, we have kept in mind the tradition of style, sportiness and luxuriance of Q series. Like other Audis it (Q5) is less rational and more emotional," Audi Creative Director for Exterior Design Gary Telaak told PTI during a media preview of the coming SUV.

On the India launch of the new SUV, company officials said Q5 may be introduced in the beginning of next year, however, declining to comment on the possible price range.

The officials said, keeping in view the infrastructure of the country, the Indian model would be slight different from the international version, which the company would start selling in next few months.

"The main appearance will be the same but that may vary in specifications due to customisation of the vehicle," the officials said.

The five-seater Q5 is targeted at a customer section below the Q7, which is currently sold in India at Rs 57 lakh onwards. According to Gary, it took almost five years for Audi to design and develop Q5.

The company is also going to launch V 12 TDI variant of Q7 with adaptive suspension.

"This (Q7) is another top line product of Audi range. It will have features like large high roof, strong side body, silver linings on the body," said an Audi official.

In 2007, Audi sold around 110 Q7 in India and is expecting a good jump in its sales by introduction of Q5.
Source : PTI