AUDI TO BUILD Q2, Q4, Q6 AND Q8 CROSSOVERS

German luxury car brand Audi’s Q range of crossovers have been big sellers for the brand across the world and the car maker is planning a major model expansion to add a slew of crossovers in the coming years. In an ambitious expansion move, Audi will launch the Q2, Q4, Q6 and Q8 range of crossovers to target new segments of buyers, while also offering a very wide range of choice for car buyers across the world. These new range of crossovers will be sold in both developed as well as developing markets although Audi is currently tight lipped about which models will be sold where.

Now, Audi plans to position the even number range of crossovers as predominantly road going models. Therefore, the Q2, Q4, Q6 and Q8 range of crossovers will sit lower than the odd monikered models. They are also touted to feature a dynamic set up inclined towards the road rather than off it. On the other hand, Audi also plans to give the Q3, Q5 and Q7 crossovers an off road appeal although these cars will still traditionally be crossovers rather than SUVs. Audi plans to endow the next generation Q3, Q5 and Q7 higher ground clearance and other features that will allow these vehicles to perform better under off road conditions.

That said, the next generation versions of the Q3, Q5 and Q7 will still retain the crossover underpinnings which means that these vehicles won’t be out and out SUVs that are specialized to take on off road terrain. As is the case now, these crossovers will still be capable of light off roading, albeit with better ability overall. Many models in the next generation Q range of Audi crossovers are expected to share parts with the likes of other Volkswagen group vehicles like Porsche, Bentley and Lamborghini. The Porsche Macan, the Bentley SUV and the Lamborghini SUV are the three models which will share common platforms with the next generation Audi crossover range.

The sharing of platforms will allow the Volkswagen group companies like Audi, Lamborghini, Porsche and Bentley save on both development costs as well as on parts. This could allow for more profits per crossover sold while also giving the car makers the option of pricing their products more competitively at the market place. Expect a few of these crossovers from the Volkswagen group to come to the Indian market as well in due course of time.