German automaker Audi reportedly hinted at its planned electric 4×4 SUV to rival the Mercedes Benz G-Class, Land Rover Defender, or the likes. Audi might launch the new vehicle by 2027, while other reports suggest that it may come as early as 2025.
Upcoming luxury electric Audi 4×4
Audi is attempting to penetrate the luxury 4×4 segment for the first time with the hints of its new electric off-road SUV. Per the reports, the yet-unveiled EV will have a high-quality interior that will enable exceptional performance on and off the road.
The automaker revealed its latest activesphere concept on January 26. It is a four-door crossover coupe with a mix of a premium SUV, sports car, and off-road pickup. It must be noted that it is a different concept from the secret new electric Audi 4×4. Nonetheless, it gives us a glimpse of the automaker’s future plans.
Audi Head of Design Marc Lichte hinted at the company’s plan of an electric rugged 4×4 offering in an interview with an established publication Autocar.
“I think there is space [for a rugged SUV in Audi’s lineup]. There is potential because there are only two premium players, and I think there is space for a third one.”
Audi Head of Design Marc Lichte
He confirmed that the new EV would use a platform designed by Volkswagen rather than the PPE platform, jointly developed by Audi and Porsche. Unfortunately, the design exec has not disclosed further details.
Car also shared some exclusive statements from Marc Lichte about the possible platform it might use in the rugged SUV.
“If you look to the VW Group, there will be a real rugged SUV platform in the future – and I’m not talking about the one with Ford. So there is a platform available to us. And, as you know, we’re experienced in sharing platforms. Think Q7 and Cayenne. E-Tron GT and Taycan. I think, honestly, in the premium 4×4 segment there is only the Defender and the G – because of this, both of those models are sold out for the whole year.”
Audi Head of Design Marc Lichte
As per the publication, the release date of the new rugged SUV will align with the Scout SUV and truck in 2026. However, Liche apparently noted that e-Tron GT’s development with the Taycan’s J1 platform “was the fastest development, and the cheapest, in our history.” That said, Audi might be able to develop the highly awaited electric 4×4 SUV earlier than expected, probably by 2025. Meanwhile, other reports suggest that it may launch by 2027.
