At a recent conference, Audi CEO Guernot Döllner was asked whether the company was still committed to the idea of launching a full-fledged off-road vehicle. “Don’t give up on that dream,” his response was.
According to Autocar, the executive highlighted it as “good news” that Audi was properly equipped to make vehicles of all imaginable types, from affordable city EVs all the way to large body-on-frame off-road machines. He also assured the audience that the company was ready to expand its portfolio, and that it would be appropriate to “expect much” from the German brand in the next few years.
This should sound particularly exciting for everyone who got hyped up by the Q6 e-tron Off-Road Concept unveiled last year (see video). In theory, a luxury SUV like that could compete with the likes of Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The automaker fueled up the rumors about impending mass production, commenting that having a vehicle like that on the lineup would enable it to “reach new audiences” and boost sales.
No technical details are available. All we know to date is that the newcomer has next to nothing in common with the full-size Audi Q9 SUV slated for U.S. premiere later this year. One theory that we consider plausible holds that Volkswagen wants the off-roader to be based on a completely new body-on-frame platform it’s been designing for its Scout brand revival in the States. With that one delaying production until 2027 or later, though, plenty of time may pass until we hear about these plans again.
