Audi to begin production on Q4 SUV in 2019

Audi will introduce another mid-size SUV to the market in the next couple of years, with production of its all-new Q4 kicking-off in 2019.

It says the car will enter the "compact utility vehicle (CUV)" market and will feature more coupe-like proportions compared to the squarer dimensions of the existing Q3 SUV, suggesting it will compete with the Mercedes GLA and BMW X4.

While details are still scarce, AutoExpress says "the supply chain is being put in place for at least some of the Q4 line-up to feature electrification". This could mean a "pure-electric Q4 E-Tron" is on the cards, although a plug-in hybrid is more probable.

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It will be produced on the same MQB platform as Audi's Q3 and Volkswagen's Tiguan SUV, adds the magazine, with a 1.5-litre TSI engine expected to "form the base petrol option" and a 2.0-litre TDI kicking-off the diesel range.

Official figures will probably appear nearer to 2019, but What Car? says to expect a price tag of around £28,000.

Audi is also gearing up for the launch of its range-topping Q8 SUV, which appeared at the Geneva Motor Show.

Alphr reports it will debut a new plug-in hybrid 3.0-litre powertrain paired to a 17.9kWh battery pack, which combined can produce 438bhp and 516lb-ft of torque. Acceleration figures are expected closer to the car's release.

Production of the sportier alternative to the Q7 begins next year and Autocar predicts it could cost £60,000 - £12,000 more than the base model.