There is a new beast gearing up to capture the SUV market, and it will not be a typical city Audi SUV. Audi is preparing to enter the hardcore off-road world with an all-new rugged 4×4 SUV which is set to take on already existing legends.
According to Autocar UK, after months of speculation, Audi’s CEO Gernot Döllner has finally hinted that the highly anticipated off-roader’s official unveiling is coming soon, saying only, “Stay tuned.”
This yet-unnamed flagship model marks Audi’s bold step into a segment it has never explored before which is the luxury adventure SUV category. The new 4×4 will not just be another premium utility vehicle, but it is expected to combine tough off-road performance with Audi’s cutting-edge technology and design.
The upcoming SUV is said to run on a Volkswagen Group platform, which could share some DNA with Scout Motors’ upcoming electric off-roader, the Scout Traveler EV, which means Audi’s 4×4 might also come with an electric powertrain that will offer instant torque and silent off-road capability which will be a big plus for eco-conscious adventurers.
Former Audi design boss Marc Lichte first revealed the project back in 2023, saying that a rugged 4×4 would perfectly fit Audi’s Quattro heritage which is the company’s iconic all-wheel-drive system known for conquering snow, gravel and rough terrain. He also mentioned that only two true premium off-roaders currently dominate the market and those are the G-Class and Defender and that “there is room for a third one.”
Lichte’s successor, Massimo Frascella, the designer who played a major role in shaping the Land Rover Defender, is now leading Audi’s design direction. We can assume that Audi’s 4×4 could blend the Defender’s rugged beauty with the sleek, futuristic look of Audi’s new minimalist design language, which was recently showcased on the Concept C at the 2025 Munich Motor Show.
If rumors are true, Audi’s new 4×4 will not only be tough enough for the trails but also luxurious enough for the city rides which will feature advanced interiors, digital displays, and modern driver-assistance features.