Audi to Develop Off-Road SUV to Rival Mercedes-Benz G-Class

This new model will be assembled in South Carolina, breaking away from the brand’s tradition of importing vehicles.

According to insider sources, this SUV will be Audi’s first ground-up development tailored for the U.S. market, featuring a body-on-frame construction, full-time all-wheel drive, and an extended-range hybrid powertrain. It promises a total range of approximately 800 km, including 240 km of all-electric driving.

Sized to rival the Land Rover Defender, the SUV aims to compete directly with luxury off-road icons like the Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class and Land Rover Defender.

This move reflects Audi’s strategy to expand its portfolio into the off-road segment, diversifying from its focus on urban-centric SUVs like the Q7 and Q8.

A key differentiator is Audi’s decision to utilize the existing production line of Scout Motors, Volkswagen Group’s off-road brand, in Blythewood, South Carolina, instead of building a new facility. The Scout Terra and Scout Traveler electric SUVs will begin production here in 2027, with Audi sharing the platform for its own SUV. Manufacturing in the U.S. offers Audi reduced shipping costs, lower import taxes, and eligibility for domestic production incentives for electric and hybrid vehicles.

The new Audi SUV will feature a range-extender hybrid system, pairing a compact battery with a gasoline engine acting as a generator. This setup ensures a combined range of 800 km, with 240 km of electric-only driving—ideal for towing, camping, and long-distance travel, aligning with American consumer preferences.

This marks Audi’s first commercial vehicle with a body-on-frame design, enabling full-time all-wheel drive, differential locking, and genuine off-road capabilities. Upon launch, the SUV will position Audi as a formidable entrant in the luxury off-road segment, currently dominated by the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Defender.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)