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The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has loved a long time of success as an ultra-luxury off-roader, arguably with none direct rival – however that might quickly be about to vary.
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner has hinted at a G-Wagen competitor being in improvement, telling the UK’s Autocar “Keep tuned” when requested concerning the four-wheel drive mission.
The Audi boss additionally instructed the corporate was engaged on a rival to the Land Rover Defender, although this can be the identical mannequin designed to struggle the enduring Mercedes-Benz.
Earlier reviews instructed Audi might lean on its standing within the Volkswagen Group by utilizing a platform created for Scout – the German auto big’s forthcoming electrical off-road automobile model.
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Mr Döllner stated the corporate was at present contemplating whether or not it ought to have its personal manufacturing unit within the US, primarily based on the present political turmoil relating to import tariffs.
Whereas there aren’t any particulars of the brand new Audi ‘Q-Wagon’ off-roader at this stage, utilizing Scout structure would lock the mannequin into utilizing an electrical powertrain – simply months after Mercedes-Benz admitted its electrical G-Class was a “full flop”.
Regardless of having 10 automobile manufacturers beneath its umbrella, the Volkswagen Group arguably solely has one off-road mannequin on sale with 4×4 and a dual-range drivetrain: the Amarok ute, which is predicated on the Ford Ranger.
These digital illustrations by artist Theottle present an thought of what Audi’s first off-road SUV might appear to be, primarily based on the corporate’s present design path.
Whereas Mr Döllner has beforehand expressed his need to simplify Audi’s lineup, he reiterated the significance of flagship fashions that includes new expertise and improvements.
“There is no such thing as a area of interest banner. It’s simply the other,” he defined to Autocar.
“It really works completely to have a extra targeted lineup within the core and, along with that, have some area of interest fashions to construct the model and to additionally switch new concepts from a distinct segment phase into the core merchandise. That works completely, and that is a part of our technique.”
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