Since the world appears to have an insatiable appetite for large luxury SUVs, Audi and BMW intend to serve up just what everyone is asking for.
The Audi Q8 and BMW X7 – the only thing in common between these two upcoming behemoths is their girth. Most will call them gigantic by any standards. So, naturally, these models will sit at the top of their respective SUV families – exceeding 5 metres in length! But what makes them unique is that they represent two different interpretations of the sport utility concept.
Large SUVs are highly sought after in the US and they continue to significantly outperform the overall market. In India too they are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional luxury cars – perhaps because of our road conditions. In 2016, SUVs and pick-ups accounted for 60% of all vehicle registrations in the US. What’s more significant is the fact that models, such as the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS, outpaced their more affordable siblings – the Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA.
Maximum coupe, maximum challenge
In the wake of the aforementioned results, the Ingolstadt-based automaker has decided to strengthen its presence in the segment. And so has come forth with an SUV-coupe, which is quite bold and brave in terms of its dimensions – measuring 5.02 metres in length. The Q8 concept is over 10cm longer than the BMW X6 (4.91m) and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe (4.90m). However, designing a car of such mammoth proportions was quite challenging – it was important to make it visually appealing without losing any of the macho factor. The formula, as devised by Audi’s chief designer Marc Lichte, resulted in a rear-section that doesn’t resemble a typical coupe. With a heavily raked rear windscreen and thick D-pillars, it looks more like a hatchback.
Moving on to the sides, the team that designed the Q8 proudly announced that the massive bulges in the Q8 concept pay homage to the Audi Quattro of 1980s – the coupe which brought Audi success and fame in the world of rallying. More importantly, the appeal of the Q8 is not limited to its exuberant styling, but various other aspects. First, let’s take a look at its engines. For Europe, the 3.0-litre V6 TDI will be the mainstay of the range. Expect a bonkers SQ8 variant as well, featuring the same 429bhp 4.0-litre V8 TDI engine of the SQ7. For petrolheads, there might well be an RS version, fitted with a bi-turbo 4.0-litre V8 petrol that propels the mad RS7. Also, as confirmed by Audi Sport MD Stephan Winkelmann, there will be a petrol hybrid plug-in (the Q7 e-Tron has a diesel, in case you’re wondering), which will have a 3.0-litre V6 TFSI running in conjunction with electric power for a total of 450bhp.
Another area where the Q8 will take the game forward is its in-car technology and cutting-edge interior. The Q8 will have new levels of luxury and opulence, which it will share with the next-gen A8 saloon. So, expect futuristic stuff like a human-machine interface, large touch surfaces and a head-up display akin to virtual reality.
Made in the USA
Unlike the big brash Audi, the BMW X7 treads on a rather careful – albeit equally challenging – path. It’ll be more of a big-burly luxury cruiser, joining ranks with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Range Rover and even the Cadillac Escalade. Featuring seven seats and full-size SUV design, you can in fact call it the Super ‘X’ of the BMW range.
The BMW X7 will be for those who demand space and prestige without looking horrifyingly ostentatious. Think of it as a jacked-up 7 Series. To confirm this, sales director Ian Robertson said that it will offer individual-seat configuration like the 7 Series. It should feel like a proper flagship car, albeit one with an extra row of seats. Engine options will also be offered accordingly. Since it’ll be built on the CLAR modular architecture of the 7 Series, the SUV will retain the straight-six petrol and diesel engines along with a hybrid plug-in. There could also be a V8, sitting at the top of the range. But BMW may also surprise everyone and fit it with the 6.6-litre bi-turbo V12 from the M760Li.
Since the X7 will be built at BMW’s factory in Spartanburg, in the US – as opposed to the Audi Q8, which will most likely be built in Bratislava, Slovakia – BMW doesn’t have to worry about Donald Trump’s threats, at least in regards to the X7. On a related note, BMW has already announced that plans for its new manufacturing unit in Mexico – where other models will be built – will not be altered.
Quick overtake
When, in 2011, the MD of Daimler, Dr Dieter Zetsche, announced his goal to bring Mercedes back to the top spot by 2020, ahead of Audi and BMW, very few believed it was possible. Well, Mercedes achieved this target four years beforehand – the firm currently tops the luxury sales charts. But, with the new SUVs in the offing, Audi and BMW are all set to wage war on the three-pointed star.
Big & Bulky
But it’s a BMW…
Carving a niche for itself will be a tough challenge for the BMW X7. Besides being a spacious, luxurious and aspirational SUV, the BMW will have to meet customers’ expectations in terms of design, and, especially, driving dynamics.
New face for
a new era…
Among the most radical features of the Q8 is its new front fascia – headlined by a redesigned single frame grille. Bulky, convex and with double vertical slats, it sports an octagonal and flattened shape – the new A8 will have a similar face, we’re told.
THE MORE, THE BETTER
If the Cayenne, at the beginning of the century, made the world get used to the idea of a Porsche SUV, what we’re going to witness in the coming years will make this audacious bet appear like a small scandal of little relevance. You see, the range of super utility vehicles is going to face an onslaught without any definitive pattern. To name a few, Lamborghini, with its Urus, will be followed by the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, which is ready for a 2018 debut (you can see a prototype below) – it’s built on a completely new aluminium architecture. Aston Martin doesn’t want to be left out either, so the British marque is reportedly working on developing a high-riding coupe based on the DBX concept. Oh, and there are rumours that Mercedes-Maybach is mulling a GLS based SUV, which is expected to come out in 2019.
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