The Audi Q5, a compact crossover style SUV was finally released at the Beijing Auto Show this week. The most interesting thing about it is, the Q5 is based on an entirely new platform and not a hand me down from the VW group. Audi’s joint venture partner in China, FAW are planning to build a new factory in Changchun (North East China) to accomodate production of the Q5. The Q5 is due to hit dealers in Europe later this summer and sales are expected to begin in the States towards the beginning of next year.

Production is expected to begin in August, 2009, leaving us with a long time to wait to see the Q5. The Q3 is expected to be based on the smaller VW Tiguan platform, and be released in 2010, the Q3 will be a 3 door SUV.