The wraps have come off the new Q5 at the Paris Motor Show, with the new model intended to set standards in connectivity, ride comfort, handling dynamics, efficiency and driver assistance.

The new Q5 brings increased interior space, headroom and rear kneeroom

The second-generation model has been reworked from the ground up and brings increased dimensions, standing at 4.66 metres long, 1.89 metres wide and 1.66 metres tall with a 2.82-metre wheelbase. As a result it offers interior space, headroom and rear knee room as well as a luggage capacity increase of 10 litres to give boot space from 550 to 610 litres with the seats up to a maximum of 1,550 litres.

Yet it’s also up to 90kg lighter than its predecessor, helped by the use of steels with maximum tensile strength and aluminium as well as the VW Group’s MLB platform while also being one of the most aerodynamic cars in its class.

Engine line-up from launch brings a 187bhp 2.0 TDI engine offering significantly reduced fuel consumption joined later by an updated 249bhp 2.0 TFSI engine offering up to 41.5mpg official combined and 154g/km – both of these will offer the Quattro drivetrain with Ultra technology as standard, which disengages the rear-axle drive whenever it is not needed. An intensively revised 3.0 TDI will also arrive later, offering increased power and torque of 282bhp and 457lb.ft respectively. This can be offered with an optional sport differential at the rear axle which distributes torque between the wheels as necessary. Six-speed manual, seven-speed dual clutch automatic and eight-speed torque-converter automatic gearboxes are on offer.

The new Audi Q5 also brings newly developed five-link suspensions and an electromechanical power steering system. Dynamic steering is available as an option and customers can choose from two extension stages of springs and damping. There’s also a new adaptive air suspension that can be used to vary the ride height of the car body over five stages, while the standard Audi Drive Select system offers the choice of seven driving modes, including two new modes, lift/offroad and allroad, to optimise the offroad character of the Audi Q5.

Driver assistance and safety systems are bundled into three driver assistance packages – Tour, Parking and Parking Advanced. Equipment on offer includes a predictive efficiency assistant, Adaptive cruise control (ACC), Audi active lane assist, distance warning, cross traffic assist rear, the exit warning system, collision avoidance assist and turn assist.

Audi pre sense city comes as standard, and warns of pedestrians and vehicles braking if needed.

UK ordering is expected to open towards the end of this year with first deliveries anticipated in spring 2017