Audi Middle East, has announced the official launch of its new premium five-seater SUV, Audi Q5, in the UAE.

One of the most awaited new models from Audi, the new Q5 combines the dynamism of a sports sedan with highly variable interior and versatile options for leisure-time and family use, said a top Audi official.

"The Audi Q5 is an extremely important model for us this year. We have had so many customer inquiries ever since the car was shown first in design sketches a few years ago, that we expect the car to become one of our best sellers," remarked Jeff Mannering, managing director of Audi Middle East, at the launch.

The Audi dealers in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have already made their first deliveries to the customers.

A launch test drive campaign is presently on in Abu Dhabi and will run up to March 24 while in Dubai it runs from March 19 to April 4. Registrations will be accepted on rsvp@audi.avme.ae or directly at the dealership, he stated.

The German premium car manufacturer said it expects a four digit sales in the Middle East region in 2009.

Strong and efficient engines, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and agile running gear have been brought together to create a superior technology package for both on- and off-road driving, Mannering explained.

A spacious interior with a myriad of intelligent functions and highlights, such as the innovative seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and the Audi drive select control system, are proof of Audi’s Vorsprung durch Technik, he added.

The Audi Q5 is presently available at a starting price of Dh163,000 ($44379).-TradeArabia News Service