Just as the Mercedes-Benz CLS spawned the so-called “four-door coupe” segment, it appears that BMW’s X6 has created a “crossover coupe” niche of its own. The first imitator was the Acura ZDX, and now Volkswagen has confirmed that Audi will get a X6-fighter of its own.
“We will definitely launch a sportier crossover in between the Q7 and Q5,†Volkswagen Group design chief Walter de’ Silva told Automotive News.
The vehicle, likely to be called the Q6, could use the Q7′s platform but will definitely seat just five and feature distinctive styling cues including a wider, more athletic stance a sloping roofing. Engine choices will probably include one or both of the Q7′s supercharged V6 options, while a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 or VW Group’s ubiquitous 2.0-liter turbo four are also possibilities.
No word on when the Q6 will arrive, but its likely to be at least a few years away.
de’ Silvia also indicated that Audi is mulling over a competitor to the upcoming BMW X4, an X6-inspired crossover coupe based on the X3 that is expected to hit the market by 2014. The vehicle would be positioned between Q3 and Q5 and, rumor has it, could have just two doors, placing it closer to the traditional definition of a coupe.
