Audi has announced that an all-new model will be added to their Q range of SUVs, which already comprise of the Q2, Q3, Q5, and Q7. Recent developments have confirmed that a hybrid Q8 and and all-electric Q6 will also be joining the line-up soon.
The Q4, as it’s called, will be stylish little number that will be more comparable in size with the Q5 crossover than the full-blown SUV dimensions of the Q7, featuring a coupe-like sloping roofline and other sporty touches.
Reportedly, it’s the culmination of previous Audi development into a crossover of this type, rearing its head last in 2014 as their TT Offroad concept. Other automakers were also thinking along these lines at that time, with a few already peddling their own take on the open market.
The timing of this announcement indicates that Audi is gearing up for a fight against BMW’s upcoming X2 and Volvo’s 40 Series crossover. Existing competitors include the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Range Rover Evoque.
Insiders have told Autocar that this new model will be roughly 110mm longer overall than today’s Q3, in-line with the lengthened all-new version set to replace the existing car somewhere in 2018, on which the Q4 is likely to be based on.
Not much else is known about the upcoming model insofar as the mechanicals and exterior features go. Inside, though, the Q4 should feature a laundry list of impressive technology that would likely already be commonplace during its launch window: a 9.2-inch touchscreen navigation system, more advanced smart device integration, and the latest autonomous driving and safety technology baked in.
It’s also probable that Audi will power at least one variant of the Q4 with a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain in addition to the turbocharged TFSI units they currently rely upon. How far Audi will choose to link the Q4 and the TT is unclear, but this might result in a possible RS high performance version using the 2.5-litre five-cylinder from the current TT RS too.
For more on Audi vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
