Audi reveals large off-road SUV to compete with Land Rover Defender

Video : Introducing the Audi Q8 e-tron electric luxury SUV.

According to inside sources, this will be Audi's first SUV built from the ground up with American customers in mind: body-on-frame, strong off-road capabilities, great towing capacity, and optimal range. The vehicle will be similar in size to the Land Rover Defender, competing directly with names like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Notably, Audi will not build a new factory itself but will use the production line of Scout Motors - the off-road brand that parent Volkswagen Group revived in 2022. Scout is building a factory in Blythewood (South Carolina), expected to operate from 2027 with electric models Scout Terra and Scout Traveler. Audi will share this production platform to launch its own SUV.

Audi reveals large off-road SUV to compete with Land Rover Defender.

Audi is currently at a huge disadvantage in the US because all of its cars are imported from Europe or Mexico, making them expensive, subject to import duties, and ineligible for domestic electric vehicle incentives. Meanwhile, competitors like BMW and Mercedes have been manufacturing cars in the US for years.

Audi’s move to build its SUVs in the US not only reduces shipping costs and time, but also opens up access to federal incentives for domestically produced electric vehicles – an increasingly important factor in the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

Audi's new SUV will use a range-extender hybrid powertrain, combining a small battery with a gasoline engine that acts as a generator. This configuration allows the car to maintain an operating range of up to 800 km, of which about 240 km will be pure electric.

Compared to pure electric models like the Scout Terra with a 120 kWh battery for a range of about 560 km, Audi's hybrid configuration is lighter and more optimized for activities such as towing trailers, camping or traveling across the state - exactly the actual needs of American customers.

Audi also confirmed that the car will be built on a body-on-frame platform – an unprecedented move for the brand. The body-on-frame construction increases rigidity, supports locking differentials, full-time four-wheel drive and real off-road capabilities.

Audi has long been known for its luxury SUVs like the Q7 and Q8, which are designed with a luxurious feel and smooth on-road performance. However, the company has never entered the large off-road SUV segment, where Americans prefer power, versatility, and the ability to “go anywhere.”

The new SUV project is a clear statement from Audi: the company wants to compete on equal footing in the most promising segment in the US market. Not only is it a product shift, but it is also the first time Audi will produce cars in the US – a strategic and symbolic move.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/audi-he-lo-suv-dia-hinh-co-lon-canh-tranh-land-rover-defender-post2149070296.html