Starting the new year as they mean to go on are several of the automotive world leaders in innovation, design and technology with highlights including the NAIAS and new model releases.
Audi release Q5 for April deliveries
More comfortable, more agile, more efficient, more protective and better connected – the all-new Audi Q5 is about to build on the consistent sales success of its predecessor with an even stronger skill set, firmly securing it once more as a cornerstone of the Q range and a standard bearer for the brand’s uncompromising pursuit of progress.
Orders can now be placed in the UK ahead of first deliveries during April for Q5 models in either SE, Sport or S line specification, and pricing starts from £37,170 OTR for the 2.0 TDI quattro 190PS, rising to £41,040 OTR for the 2.0 TFSI quattro S line.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLA goes on sale
The new Mercedes-Benz GLA is now on sale, with prices starting from £25,880 for the GLA 200 SE.
The GLA is available with three petrol engines; GLA 200, GLA 250 4MATIC and Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC with power outputs ranging from 156 hp to 381 hp for the range-topping GLA 45, while combined fuel economy and CO2 emissions start at 50.4 mpg and 131 g/km CO2.
The GLA 200 d 4MATIC and GLA 220 d 4MATIC feature a 2.1-litre diesel engine capable of producing either 136 hp and 177 hp respectively. Combined fuel economy for the entry-level GLA 200 d is 67.3 mpg, while CO2emissions can be as low as 108 g/km.
As before, the GLA is available in either SE, Sport or AMG Line trim. Customers opting for SE now benefit from Keyless-GO starting function as standard, alongside Apple CarPlay; a reversing camera; and off-road comfort suspension. A 360° camera is now also optionally available for £330 (only in conjunction with Premium and Premium Plus packages).
The Premium package is still available for £1,695 and includes Garmin satellite navigation; parking pilot; LED high performance head lights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist. For £2,995, the Premium Plus package includes the contents of the Premium package, with the addition of Keyless-Go Comfort package and a panoramic sunroof.
North American International Auto Show News
Audi present Q8 concept at NAIAS
Dynamic, highly efficient and extremely comfortable: Audi presented the Audi Q8 concept at the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Serving as a prelude to a production model that will be introduced in 2018, it combines the spaciousness typical of an SUV with the elegant lines of a coupe and will tap into a new segment for Audi by offering an elegant alternative to the classic design of the full-size class. Propulsion is provided by a powerful, yet highly efficient plug-in hybrid with 330 kW of system output and 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) of torque.
Despite the sloping, coupe-like roofline, even the rear-seat passengers enjoy ample head and shoulder room. The control concept uses large touchscreens in the cockpit and is rounded out by an expanded version of the Audi virtual cockpit and a contact-analogue head-up display. The latter uses intelligent augmented reality technology that merges the real and the virtual worlds.
INFINITI introduce the QX50 Concept
Also making its global premiere in Detroit was the QX50 Concept which showcases INFINITI’s vision for a next-generation mid-size premium SUV.
Demonstrating how the design of the 2016 QX Sport Inspiration, its conceptual forebear, could be adapted for a future production model, the QX50 Concept confidently articulates INFINITI’s ‘Powerful Elegance’ design language.
The organic forms of the ‘driver-centric, passenger-minded’ cabin were designed in harmony with the exterior shape. Blending progressive design with modern craftsmanship, the QX50 Concept’s interior reflects INFINITI’s desire to challenge conventional approaches to premium interior design.
INFINITI’s latest concept also previews the roll-out of its autonomous drive support technologies. Central to the strategy for the development of all future INFINITI autonomous drive support systems, they ensure the driver retains ultimate control over their vehicle – in keeping with INFINITI’s focus on driver engagement. Allowing drivers to retain control over their vehicle, INFINITI autonomous drive support systems will act as a ‘co-pilot’ for the driver, empowering rather than replacing human control.
