Currently reading: Audi to expand SUV range: Shanghai motor show 2013

Audi is looking to expand its SUV range, with a model larger than the Q7

Audi is looking to dramatically expand its SUV line-up, and a large new luxury model above the Audi Q7 could crown the range. It is likely to be badged Q8 and sources suggest that it would combine a Range Rover Sport-style sporting look with a very luxurious interior, on par with the company's A8 limo.

"SUVs are our biggest priority," Audi technical chief Wolfgang Durheimer told Autocar at the Shanghai motor show. "And an SUV bigger than the Q7 is one we could do. It would fit in our offerings. Bentley has shown what can be done with a car of this size.

"I pushed for the Bentley SUV and I'm pushing for Audi to make something in this segment also. I could see Bentley and Audi both making SUVs, and Lamborghini also; in my job [Lamborghini is under the control of the Audi brand] I'm trying to encourage the Lamborghini SUV project to progress."

Durheimer said internal competition was encouraged and VW, and the models wouldn't overlap. "There is no limit at VW on market access or price strategy as long as you have a business case," he said.

An Audi Q2 compact SUV was also described by Durheimer as a "top priority". The only limits to Audi's future model expansion would be "R&D budgets and engineering man power", said Durheimer.

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The Q7 is accomplished, but doesn’t feel as at home on UK roads as more refined rivals like the Range Rover Sport and BMW X5

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Mark Tisshaw

mark-tisshaw-autocar
Title: Editor

Mark is a journalist with more than a decade of top-level experience in the automotive industry. He first joined Autocar in 2009, having previously worked in local newspapers. He has held several roles at Autocar, including news editor, deputy editor, digital editor and his current position of editor, one he has held since 2017.

From this position he oversees all of Autocar’s content across the print magazine, autocar.co.uk website, social media, video, and podcast channels, as well as our recent launch, Autocar Business. Mark regularly interviews the very top global executives in the automotive industry, telling their stories and holding them to account, meeting them at shows and events around the world.

Mark is a Car of the Year juror, a prestigious annual award that Autocar is one of the main sponsors of. He has made media appearances on the likes of the BBC, and contributed to titles including What Car?Move Electric and Pistonheads, and has written a column for The Sun.

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MikeSpencer 21 April 2013

All steam ahead to destination SUV!

Can I get off please?