Audi debuts Q5 at Beijing Auto Show

Shanghai, April 22 (Gasgoo.com) Audi finally debuted its new Q5 crossover at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show.

The model features a crisp body design with a number of Audi styling cues, and has a more "car-like" stance and appearance in comparison to its main rivals, including BMW X3, Infiniti EX35, and Lexus RX350.

The model will be available with three different engine variants after its launch, a 170bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel, a 240bhp 3.0-litre turbodiesel and the company's 2.0-litre turbocharged FSI gasoline (petrol) unit, which generates 211 bhp.

The Q5 is set to be rolling into European showrooms this year and will reach U.S. dealers early next year as a 2010 model. Prices are expected to start at less than $40,000.

Speaking at the launch, Audi CEO Rupert Stadler said that the company expected a strong customer response from Chinese buyers for the Q5, although no decision has been made on producing the model in the country.

Stadler also outlined the company's Chinese sales forecast for 2008 of 110,000 units for the year, compared to the 101,996 units that the company sold last year in China. Stadler was unsure of the effect the forthcoming Beijing Olympic games would have on car sales in the most populous country.