Earlier this month, news emerged that Audi is exploring possibilities for creating an off-road model that would compete with the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. We imagined what this could look like.
The German automaker's model lineup includes a range of crossovers, the first of which was the Q7, which debuted in 2005. The brand has yet to produce a full-fledged production off-road vehicle; the only recent example is the Q6 e-tron offroad concept, showcased in early 2025. Meanwhile, according to industry media reports, the company is seriously considering introducing an off-road vehicle that would compete with models such as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Defender (incidentally, BMW may also release a similar model).
There is no information yet about the exterior design of this model, so we can look to the styling of the brand's latest releases. The most suitable seems to be the style first showcased on last year's Concept C coupe, and then earlier this month on the production Nuvolari supercar. Their relatively simple design and flat shapes would suit an off-road vehicle well, which shouldn't be too streamlined like other new models from the brand. The front features a strict rectangular grille with additional air intakes on the sides, above which sit narrow horizontal headlights in the style of the Nuvolari. The off-roader has large trapezoidal wheel arches capable of accommodating massive wheels with high-profile off-road tires. Above the arches are horizontal stampings that evoke associations with some of the brand's passenger car models. The tailgate features a horizontal contrasting insert, with taillights in the style of the same Nuvolari integrated into its upper section, complemented by additional vertical segments on the edges. Additionally, we have depicted the off-roader both with and without a spare wheel on the rear door.
The technological basis for the new Audi off-roader could be the platform from the revived Scout brand, owned by the Volkswagen Group. The off-road models from this company are built on an original ladder-frame platform, developed with the involvement of engineers from the Austrian company Magna Steyr. The powertrains were initially intended to be exclusively electric, but later plug-in hybrid systems of the range extender type were also announced, where the internal combustion engine acts as a generator for the traction battery and is not mechanically connected to the wheels.
The timeline for the Audi off-roader's arrival is still unknown. The brand's next anticipated new model is the flagship crossover Q9, renders of which we created last month. Also, let us remind you of another Audi model with enhanced off-road capability — the new generation A6 allroad, which premiered last week.
Comments (0)