Report: Audi considering top-end SUV crossover above Q7, to be called Q8, according to CEO Durheimer

So it’s pretty obvious that crossover SUVs have been the buzz for the last decade or so as the mass market leans towards the “one for all” mentality—in other words, most typical buyers these days want the most they can get out of one automobile. And crossovers have been the answer to that as they tend to mesh the qualities of various types of automobiles all into one package. Audi is a manufacturer to really take advantage of this segment and with that said, word is that the Ingolstadt brand wants to expand their crossover SUV lineup even more.

According to a report by AutoCarUK, Audi wants to introduce a new large luxury crossover above the Q7, after speaking with head honcho Wolfgang Durheimer at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show.

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“SUVs are our biggest priority 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,” Durheimer told AutoCarUK. “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 I’m trying to encourage the Lamborghini SUV project to progress.”

This new SUV is said to be coined the “Q8,” much like how the brand’s flagship sedan is called the A8. Durheimer described it to potentially have similar styling to the Range Rover Sport, but with a very luxurious interior—one that would you would most likely find on the A8.

That said, Volkswagen AG is also on board with the idea without much worry for market overlap as the corporation is also encouraging internal competition, according to Durheimer. As of now, Audi is currently focusing on the compact Q2 SUV crossover as the make’s current priority.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoCarUK