Audi's version of the "G-Wagen" is coming? Developing a rugged 4x4 with the help of the Scout platform

[PCauto] If you ask what the hottest niche market in the automotive world has been in recent years, it's definitely not those grocery-shopping MPVs that housewives love the most, but rather those boxy, rugged off-road vehicles that can take you over mountains and across valleys.

Look at the Mercedes-Benz G-Class—still commanding a premium on the used market. Look at the Land Rover Defender's global success after its reinvention. It's clear: when it comes to "hardcore," high-end buyers simply can't resist.

As one of Germany's Big Three, Audi has its renowned quattro badge. But when it comes to true body-on-frame off-roaders, the brand has remained absent. That may finally be about to change.

Audi is considering launching a hardcore off-road vehicle

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner recently made it clear in a public interview: a true hardcore off-road vehicle is already under consideration at Audi.

This is no longer a version of the Q7 with a circle of anti-scratch plastic cladding, but a professional-level contender built on a hardcore ladder frame chassis.

For those who find the Q series too urban and elite, and don't want to queue up for a G-Class, this is exciting news.

The new car will utilize the Scout platform

Audi does not intend to burn money developing an entirely new off-road platform from scratch, as it does not align with Volkswagen Group's current emphasis on cost efficiency.

Existing resources within the group include Scout Motors, which created a sensation in the US last year. Scout has developed a brand-new electrified ladder frame chassis specifically for the North American market, natively supporting both pure electric and a range-extended powertrain called Harvester.

For Audi, this is ready-made homework to copy.

Since Scout has already handled the high-strength ladder frame and front and rear mechanical differentials, Audi only needs to leverage its strengths in interior design, chassis tuning, and brand premium to quickly enter this high-margin market.

Speaking of power, this is probably the most intelligent aspect of this Audi off-road vehicle.

Based on the current information, it is highly likely to skip pure gasoline power and directly adopt a range-extended system.

This actually offers a significant advantage in the hardcore off-road sector. The instant large torque output of the electric motor makes climbing extremely effortless, while the gasoline engine acts as a generator, completely resolving the range anxiety during long off-road treks.

For such car owners, carrying a can of gasoline in the wilderness is obviously more reassuring than searching for a charging station.

What will the price be?

Audi's past success is largely due to its advanced technological image and on-road driving dynamics.

If they were to truly launch a car based on the Scout platform, Audi must find a delicate balance between "off-road capability" and "brand tuning."

It can't just be a Scout with a four-ring badge and leather seats—it must drive like an Audi.

At the same time, its competitors include not only the well-known Land Rover Defender but also the rumored BMW G74 "Rugged" SUV currently in development.

As for pricing, if this car eventually hits the market, its positioning will undoubtedly be above the current Q8.

Referring to its competitors' positions, we estimate its starting price to most likely be around 100,000 Euros(468,000 MYR).