Off-Road Vehicle Battle: Germans to Showcase Bright New Models in 2026 0 22

Audi plans to release its competitor to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Carscoops reported.

Currently, there is very little information about the model itself, but it is likely to be based on the off-road concept car Q6 e-tron, which features a raised stance, portal axles, a redesigned body kit, and durable off-road tires.

It is reported that the model will be positioned above the Q7 and Q8. Hints at a competitor to the G-Class were given back in 2023 by former Audi chief designer Marc Lichte.

It was previously announced that a new flagship model in the Audi lineup—the Q9 crossover—will debut in 2026.

BMW is also preparing its competitor to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The new model may appear in 2029, with development set to begin in the second half of the current year. The flagship is planned to be assembled at BMW's plant in South Carolina, USA, where the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM models are currently produced.

It is known that the SUV, codenamed G74, will be built on the platform of the upcoming generation X5, rather than the larger X7. The vehicle will be equipped with a classic internal combustion engine and will also feature a special suspension and software for off-road driving.