VW Group to launch 7 new SUVs

Volkswagen group is looking to spin off the new MLB platform that Audi is engineering with five different brands in the offing. The upcoming Audi Q8 and Porsche Cayenne coupé are just two of the SUVs from the seven planned with the MLB platform. 

 

While the new Q8 is expected to lead the model push from within Audi’s stable, the Cayenne will spearhead a similar attack for Porsche by expanding its current lineup. 

Audi has confirmed plans of producing 11 new cars by 2020. While the new Audi A7 will be the first model seen from the new assault when it goes on sale later this year, there are six others also in the pipeline.

 

Most important change for the Q7 will be that it will weigh 300kg less thanks to the lighter MLB platform that will result in improved agility and fuel economy. A plug-in hybrid variant of the model will also be offered. However, expect a less aggressive look.

 

The third-generation Cayenne is in development, even though a heavily facelifted current model isn’t due until later this summer. Expect an edgier, less rounded look for the next-gen Cayenne, inspired in part by the 918 Spyder. 

 

The Falcon, as Bentley’s SUV is known internally, is due in 2017 and has been described as a “true thoroughbred” by bosses. It will mix sporting and luxurious traits with a 322kph top speed and refinement to better a Range Rover.

 

A revised Touareg was seen earlier this month in Beijing. The next-generation model will again be the VW Group’s price-leading big SUV, but it will get a more luxurious cabin, a lighter chassis and modern, fuel-efficient engines. 

 

Audi's new range-topping crossover SUV will rival the likes of the BMW X6 and Range Rover Sport when it goes on sale. A development programme is currently under way, with the aim of getting the Q8 on sale within three years. It'll lead an upmarket push from Audi, and sit in the firm's expanded Q-badged SUV line-up.

 

Although at an early stage at the moment, design proposals for Porsche's new five-door liftback SUV are already close to being signed off. Tentatively due on sale in 2018, the model should come as part of the third-generation Cayenne line-up and will act as a rival to the likes of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz MLC.

 

Audi boss Rupert Stadler has said Lambo’s SUV is on track for 2018, adding that it wouldn’t deviate too far from the Urus concept. It will be the most extreme of the VW Group SUVs, with typical Lamborghini driving characteristics.