- Audi revives plans for a rugged flagship SUV with real off-road capability.
- Upcoming model would rival the Mercedes G-Class and BMW’s future 4×4.
- It may share its platform and U.S. production line with the Scout Traveler.
The Mercedes G-Class has been around since the 1970s, yet it’s never faced a true rival from fellow German heavyweights BMW or Audi, which is surprising considering how often all three companies shadow each other’s every move.
That, however, may be about to change. Both brands are reportedly developing their own rugged SUVs, hinting that the G-Wagen’s long-standing reign could finally meet some proper competition.
A Rugged Dream Revived
Audi has been flirting with the idea of a Quattro-badged SUV positioned above the Q7 and Q8 for years. Back in 2023, former design chief Marc Lichte first hinted at the project, believing there was enough room in the market alongside the Land Rover Defender and the Mercedes G-Class.
Although Lichte has since been succeeded by Massimo Frascella, the concept appears very much alive.
More: BMW Is Planning A Rugged G-Class Rival That May Kill The XM
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner recently spoke to Autocar, adding fuel to the speculation. He confirmed that the brand hasn’t abandoned its ambition for a true off-road 4×4, encouraging enthusiasts to “stay tuned.”
Illustrations: Theottle
While Audi continues to streamline its lineup as part of the Volkswagen Group’s cost-cutting drive, Döllner still believes there’s space for a halo model.
“There is no niche banner,” he said. “It’s just the opposite. It works perfectly to have a more focused line-up in the core, and in addition to that have some niche models to build the brand and to also transfer new ideas from a niche segment into the core products. That works perfectly and this is part of our strategy.”
Concept Hints and Shared DNA
Earlier this year, Audi presented the Q6 e-tron Offroad Concept featuring a raised stance, portal axles, a reworked body kit, and grippy all-terrain tires. While this study could evolve into a production vehicle, any true G-Wagen rival would likely be a standalone model rather than an off-road variant of an existing SUV like the Q6 e-tron Sportback.
More: Audi Says Q6 e-tron Offroad Concept “Gives A Taste Of A Potential Vehicle”
A logical foundation for the project could come from the Scout Traveler SUV and Tera pickup, potentially sharing their ladder-frame chassis, 4WD setup with locking front and rear differentials, and both fully electric and range-extender powertrain options. More importantly, it could help Audi avoid costly R&D investments.
Based on current VW Group resources, an internal combustion version seems improbable, as the only available ladder-frame platform is that of the aging VW Amarok from South America.
Built In America?
The toughest Audi yet could be manufactured in the Scout facility in South Carolina, sparing it from import tariffs. Döllner confirmed that the company is considering U.S. manufacturing for upcoming models, though the final decision will depend on a “stable tariff situation” and other “regulatory boundary conditions.”
He added that while it would be logical for the brand to employ an existing VW Group facility on this side of the Atlantic, a “specific Audi factory” could also happen, depending on how they are “aligned” with the US government.
What It Might Look Like
Shortly after the report came out, independent digital artist Theophilus Chin released renderings of a speculative Audi Q-Wagon, built on the Scout Traveler’s proportions. The design integrates Audi’s cues into a full-size SUV body, balancing squared-off lines with smoother surfacing.
More: Audi A4 Returns As EV With Concept TT Styling To Give BMW Something To Worry About
If Audi does bring such a model to life, it could adopt styling elements from the more recent Concept C, whose slim vertical grille and horizontal headlight arrangement are expected to influence several upcoming models, including the next A4 e-tron.
Sources: Autocar
