Audi is contemplating an electrical off-road electrical SUV that might use the platform from dad or mum Volkswagen Group’s deliberate Scout EV model, in line with an Autocar report.

VW introduced the Scout model in 2022, utilizing a reputation that originated on the basic Worldwide Scout SUV, with plans for a North American-market electrical pickup truck and SUV and a focused launch date of 2026. The extra luxurious Audi mannequin derived from the Scout platform would arrive in 2027, in line with the report.

Teaser for Scout SUV idea

The Audi SUV would reportedly be a rival to the upcoming electrical Mercedes-Benz G-Class, or EQG, together with the Land Rover Defender, within the European market. In North American it might possible additionally compete with the Rivian R1S and the forthcoming Jeep Recon.

Particulars stay sparse for Scout, which was a shock to VW sellers when revealed final 12 months. It would reportedly pair a conventional ladder body with a devoted EV format, with pickup and SUV fashions to come back.

Audi Activesphere idea

Borrowing the Scout platform would imbue the Audi SUV with a stage of off-road functionality to match its anticipated rivals, one thing that is not potential with the model’s present EV architectures, in line with the report. Audi additionally hinted it is contemplating a extra rugged course with the Activesphere idea proven Thursday. It is primarily based on the model’s PPE platform for luxurious and efficiency fashions, although.

This all begs the query of whether or not there are too many boxy off-road EVs within the works. Would the market be higher served with EVs which can be exhibiting innovation in on-road effectivity, not hillclimbs or water-fording?