Mine Is Bigger Than Yours! Audi To Build Q8 To Answer GLS And X7 Threats

Audi plans to roll out a range-topping SUV that will challenge the upcoming Mercedes MLC and BMW X7 for buyers of spacious luxury crossovers.

The large SUV will go on sale before the end of the decade, Audi CEO Rupert Stadler told Bloomberg.

The coments follow those Stadler made in May, when the executive said Audi was mulling the possibility of building a Q8 model above the Q7, Audi’s current flagship SUV. His comments followed BMW’s announcement that it planned to build a new X7 in response to customer demand for an SUV/crossover with three rows of seats.
 

chewy - 1/20/2015 1:49:47 PM

+1 Boost

The Q7 is already GL length but less boxy, it's longer than the X5 and is about the same size as the X7 will likely be. All that's been mentioned about the Q8 is that it will be a more of a coupish version of the Q7, a bit like the X6 and GLE Coupe but bigger which is what the pic shows.

cidflekken - 1/20/2015 2:57:48 PM

+1 Boost

The Q7 is only comparable to the GL in length. It's substantially narrower and shorter, with far less interior room. The third row seat especially is extremely cramped compared to the GL. I don't believe the new Q7 changes that much and, based on the photos posted, the backseat still looks extremely cramped.

chewy - 1/20/2015 5:59:34 PM

+1 Boost

It is, still I don't think the Q8 is going to be bigger than the Q7 in any dimension. It will likely be the same length as the Q7 but more coupeish and even lower so I don't think the Q8 is going to be anymore of a X7 and GL competitor than the Q7 is right now, unless plans have drastically changed at Audi. A coupe crossover makes more sense as an addition to the lineup than a slightly bigger three row SUV to complement the Q7.

Car4Life - 1/20/2015 2:13:13 PM

+5 Boost

Wrong...Headline should read, Audi plans to build Q8 to make up for the flop of the Q7

Dr550 - 1/20/2015 6:42:49 PM

+1 Boost

Waiting to see X7 but not because of 3rd row seating but more cargo space. I hope the 3rd row is a option and BMW does not slant the rear like the Q7. BMW, please look at the GL and do not screw up. This is why the GL and Range Rover look like SUV's and not like big station wagons.

iamdabest1 - 1/20/2015 7:03:10 PM

+2 Boost

wait till gas goes back to 4.50 a gallon and you will hardly see these around, x7, q8, etc..

GermanNut - 1/20/2015 7:08:33 PM

0 Boost

This isn't news. We already knew the Audi Q8 was confirmed for production months ago. There definitely is a market need for a larger SUV than the Q7 and I'm glad Audi sees this opportunity and is going to capitalize on it.

MDarringer - 1/20/2015 7:59:59 PM

+1 Boost

So now an inflated VW Toedrag?