Audi is working on a new all-electric off-road vehicle that could rival the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Recent spy photos reveal a heavily camouflaged prototype, providing the first clear signs that this SUV project is moving forward.
Spy Photos Reveal Rugged Off-Road Design
The prototype was spotted at an Audi facility, though the images have had their backgrounds removed to keep the location secret. The camouflage pattern is unlike Audi’s usual European or Chinese test covers. Notably, the space for the license plate suggests the design targets the American market.
At the rear, temporary taillights and backup lights integrated into the bumper hint at a work-in-progress look. The lack of exhaust pipes confirms the vehicle is fully electric. The most striking feature is the large wheel arches housing chunky BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires—similar in style to those on the Mercedes-AMG G 63 4×4²—paired with six-bolt steel wheels. This setup points to serious off-road capability.
True Off-Road Chassis and Safety Features
Inside the cabin, a tubular safety cage is visible through the front window. This indicates that the prototype is prepared for demanding off-road testing. During the spy sighting, the car seemed ready for transport or possibly winter testing in cold climates like Lapland, known for harsh conditions.
Underpinnings May Link to Scout Platform
Audi’s CEO Gernot Döllner has hinted at plans for a genuine 4×4 electric off-roader but said it would need an appropriate platform. That platform could be the ladder-frame architecture recently confirmed by Scout, an Audi-backed American brand set to launch electric SUV and pickup models. These will use electric and range-extended electric powertrains, aligning with expectations for Audi’s new off-roader to feature quattro all-wheel drive and at least two electric motors.
This vehicle is expected to be a premium, high-cost product, possibly hitting the market before 2030.
What’s Next?
While this new Audi off-road electric SUV is still in early development, the spy photos suggest it is progressing into real-world testing phases. Details like the front design and exact powertrain specs remain under wraps. The project signals Audi’s intent to enter the rugged electric SUV segment dominated by models like the Mercedes G-Class.
More details will likely emerge as the prototype moves through testing toward a future launch.
Source: motor.es
Software Developer & Tech Journalist. Creator of Autodatalog.com. Experienced in Python, PHP, PostgreSQL, and Android system modifications. Whether I'm writing Python automation scripts, or exploring the technical specs of Fiat/Alfa Romeo engines, I love reverse-engineering how things work. Based in Istanbul, Turkey.