Audi Q2 and Redesigned Q5 to Debut in 2016

Audi Q5 (Credit: © Audi)

Audi is planning massive investment in 2016 to the tune of €3 billion ($3.29 million). Half of this money will go toward enhancing its facilities in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm, but some of it will also go toward creating new and redesigned models. Along with announcing its upcoming investment, Audi also announced two of the vehicles that will take a good portion of the leftover cash.

The models in question are the all-new Q2 and the redesigned Q5. The Q2 has long been a rumor, and now we get official confirmation that this subcompact crossover is actually in the works. The Q2 will likely set its sights on super-tiny crossovers – a la the Mini Countryman and Fiat 500X – but with a lot more class. Powertrain and design details of the Q2 remain unknown for now, but we should see them roll out sometime soon.

As for the Q5, look for this to be a modernization of the current model. It will follow Audi’s recent trend of simply modifying its existing look to match the times. This, like Audi’s previous design language, will help keep the looks relatively timeless. Look for the new Q5 to sit atop the same MLB platform as its cousin, the Porsche Macan.

Audi continued its announcement rally by saying it plans to also release its first mass-produced electric vehicle by 2018. The press release indicates that this upcoming EV will be a crossover inspired by the E-Tron Quattro Concept that bowed in Frankfurt this year.

Given the Q5 and Q2 are both set to roll out next year, we should see them hit the auto show circuit very soon. The likely scenario is a mid-year European auto show with a late-year U.S. auto show debut to follow. Stay tuned for more info.