Audi considers a rugged SUV — maybe on the Scout platform

Audi engineers are formulating plans to possibly build a “super saloon” luxury off-roader SUV in 2027, It would compete in a segment that now includes the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class, according to a report in Britain’s Autocar.

According to Audi designer Marc Lichte, quoted in the story, the platform for the new model could be borrowed from the Volkswagen Group’s recently announced sister brand, Scout Motors, which is currently developing electric-powered concepts and prototypes.

While Audi has developed a PPE (Premium Platform Electric) architecture for its base EV lineup, that would be replaced in the planned model with Scout’s ladder chassis to provide the steep departure angles and ground clearance needed to negotiate tough terrain, as well as with the latest generation of Audi’s Quattro four-wheel-drive technology, Autocar reports.