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Audi Hints at Rugged New SUV to Challenge G-Wagen and Defender, Exploring VW Group’s Scout Platform

Audi is fueling rumors that it’s developing a highly uncharacteristic, rugged off-road SUV designed to take on icons like the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner has once again teased the possibility, telling Autocar to “Don’t give up on that dream” and to “stay tuned.” This potential shift into a new niche could see Audi leveraging platforms from within the Volkswagen Group, with the new Scout brand emerging as a strong candidate to provide a suitable, body-on-frame architecture for such a vehicle.

A New Direction for Audi: From Rally to Rock-Crawling?

While Audi has a rich history in off-pavement adventures through its rally cars and Quattro system, a dedicated rock-crawling off-roader would mark a significant departure from its traditional production lineup.

Early Teases: The idea first surfaced in 2023 with the Activesphere concept, a high-riding, wagon-like EV based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE).
Executive Endorsement: Then-Audi design boss Marc Lichte expressed enthusiasm for a high-end off-roader, believing there was room for a third competitor alongside the Defender and G-Wagen.
New Design Head: The appointment of Massimo Frascella, an ex-JLR designer who previously worked on the Defender, as Lichte’s successor further strengthens the likelihood of this project.
Niche Strategy: Döllner’s comments align with a strategy to balance a focused core lineup with niche models that “build the brand and also to transfer new ideas from a niche segment into the core products.” This includes models like the electric sports car previewed by the Concept C.

Scouting a Suitable Platform and U.S. Production

Developing a true G-Wagen/Defender rival requires a robust platform, and the VW Group’s new Scout brand could provide the perfect solution.

Platform Challenge: Existing platforms like PPE (Audi A6 e-tron, Q6 e-tron) or Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) might not offer the necessary levels of off-road capability for a dedicated rugged SUV.
Scout Motors Synergy: Scout Motors, a new brand within the Volkswagen Group, is developing a body-on-frame platform for its upcoming Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck. This architecture, designed for both all-electric and range-extended powertrains, would be ideally suited for a rugged Audi off-roader.
U.S. Production Potential: Scout vehicles are scheduled to enter production in 2027 at a new factory in South Carolina. If there’s spare capacity, this factory could potentially produce the Audi off-roader, offering a strategic advantage in light of potential Trump tariffs and the immense popularity of rugged SUVs and trucks in the U.S. market.
Local Production Discussions: Döllner confirmed that discussions are ongoing at a group level regarding whether Audi should establish a factory in the U.S., contingent on a stable tariff situation and other regulatory conditions.

Strategic Implications and Future Outlook

This move would allow Audi to tap into a highly lucrative segment, leveraging its premium brand image with genuine off-road credentials. By potentially utilizing the Scout platform, Audi could accelerate development and optimize production for the North American market, where demand for such vehicles is strong. The project signals Audi’s willingness to evolve its brand identity and explore new market opportunities through strategic group synergies. While not yet confirmed, the growing buzz and executive comments suggest that an Audi G-Wagen rival might be more than just a dream.

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