Luxury car makers are expanding their portfolios in two directions at present: SUVs and compact vehicles – sometimes with the same model.
Audi's new Q2 baby SUV has just launched from about $40,000 in Australia, where SUVs now account for 40 per cent of all new-vehicle sales and about half those of many premium brands.
The high driving position, wagon-like practicality and decreasing trade-offs in terms of dynamics and efficiency points have made them irresistible to buyers, and the trend doesn't show any signs of waning.
Audi has a range of new models in the works to make sure every customer and demographic niche is covered by an SUV. It has confirmed it will fill every hole in its SUV range, which currently includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.
After it launches its new Q5 this year, next year will see Audi release its first all-electric model based on the e-tron quattro concept, plus its all-new Q8 flagship SUV and a second-generation Q3.
Further afield, it will spawn the first Q4, while the new Q5 will form the basis of the first Q6 — just as the Q7 underpins the Q8.
And then there's a host of S and RS versions, which could eventually spread across the range. These computer-generated images will give you an idea of what to expect.
Designed to appeal to customers who want top-shelf standard features, luxury appointments and improved dynamic abilities, the SQ2 could even be followed by a more potent RS Q2 -- particularly since Audi has promised six new RS models by 2018.
Inspired by the Audi TT Offroad concept, the Q4 will be a mid-size coupe-like SUV with an emphasis on style and technology rather than practicality. It's also likely to be offered with a hybrid powertrain – at least overseas -- to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
That means 331kW and 600Nm and 0-100km/h acceleration in the time it takes to blink twice – or around four seconds. A pair of large oval exhaust outlets, big air intakes and a subtle wide-body kit are expected.
The design has already been previewed via the Q8 concept, but this rendering shows how the production car could look when it emerges in 2018.
The vehicle measures more than five metres long, pumps out 350kW of power and can sprint to 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds. It also has a plug-in hybrid powertrain, giving it the ability to drive on pure electricity and for up to 1200km between refills.
Audi has also let slip that SQ8 and RS Q8 models could also be on the cards. The Q8 Sport concept hinted at the former, while the latter badge was seen on pre-release images.