Spain often plays host to new product testing for major car manufacturers. In fact, on the winding road that leads from the city of Granada to the nearby Sierra Nevada ski resort, it´s a common sight to see disguised prototypes being tested to their full potential.

In Marbella for the last 4 weeks, we have seen something altogether different – not so much a disguised model being put through its paces prior to launch – more like a brand new, all-singing, all-dancing launch from one of the world´s premium car makers.
The beachside 5 star Don Carlos Hotel in Elviria, just 10 minutes east of Marbella, has been playing host to the global launch and product training of the brand new Audi Q5.

Several times I have witnessed a convoy of Q5s – in various colours and specifications – climbing the mountain road to Ronda or trundling along the coastal highway. Interestingly, amidst the convoy has also been a sprinkling of BMW X3s and Mercedes GLs, obviously provided so that testers can get a better feel for the competition.

The only nuisance is that the convoy regularly stops for a car wash, and has taken to using my local garage, but this has also given me an opportunity to get up close to the new Q5….and I have to say, I´m very impressed. I had no intention of changing my car 4 weeks ago, but this afternoon I paid a sneaky visit to my local Audi showroom. I wonder how many people in Marbella have been doing the same thing this month?