Audi Says It's 'Evaluating' A Rugged Off-Road SUV

"The US is not one market," says Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. He's speaking to a group of us seated at a roundtable discussion. Döllner is saying that certain models that work well in California might not work in Nebraska. One that might, however, is a more rugged SUV—something that Audi is actively "evaluating," Döllner notes.

Off-road capable machines are big business right now. From Honda's Trailsport family to Subaru's Wilderness lineup, dealers and customers are eager for adventure-ready vehicles.

Audi itself has explored this idea. Last year, the company introduced its Q6 E-Tron Off-Road Concept with 6.3 extra inches of additional ride height and a track that was 9.8 inches wider than on a stock Q6. That monstrous machine pushes the envelope, clearly, but there are ways to easily scale back those upgrades for a consumer product.

Inspiration From Bentley?

Audi only has to look towards its own platform-sharing sibling for more inspiration. Bentley recently showed off an off-road-ready Bentayga concept, leaving customers and dealers itching to see it brought to production.

For Audi, creating a new off-road trim for its SUVs could be a simple way to start making a bit more money.