Audi Considers Launching a Luxury Off-Roader—If Conditions Are Met

Audi is evaluating the possibility of launching a truly rugged off-road SUV, but only if the project proves financially viable. CEO Gernot Döllner stated that to compete with vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class or Land Rover Defender, the new model would need a body-on-frame (ladder-frame) architecture rather than Audi’s current all-electric PPE platform. Although the Q6 e-tron Offroad concept unveiled last year demonstrated Audi’s interest in this segment, production approval has not yet been granted. A potential solution could leverage the off-road-specific platform from Scout Motors—a Volkswagen Group subsidiary—scheduled to enter production in 2025. This platform will underpin the electric Terra pickup and Traveler SUV and will offer an optional range-extending engine. Even if the project moves forward, however, the vehicle is not expected to reach the market until around 2030. For now, Audi is prioritizing the development of the three-row Q9 and the next-generation Q7, slated for launch in 2026.