Inovev forecasts 45,000 units per year for the new Audi Q7 SUV
- The Audi brand (a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group) has unveiled the third generation of its new high-end SUV (E segment), the Q7, whose style is even more massive than that of the two previous generations, although the length of the model remains identical at 5.06 m.
- The new Audi Q7 will, however, struggle to gain traction in Europe due to its unusual size, a price close to 100,000 euros, and an outdated engine offering (3-litre V6 diesel) while awaiting plug-in hybrid petrol versions next year, in an environmental context that encourages the purchase of electric cars, preferably small ones.
- In addition, the new Audi Q7 will have to defend its territory due to the presence of the Audi Q8 which is hunting on the same ground and even the upcoming arrival of an Audi Q9 which could become the flagship model of the Audi SUV range.
- Under these conditions, the Audi Q7 will only find a receptive market in the United States, where it could also be manufactured. In China, it will be more difficult given the strong local demand for all-electric models, particularly those from Chinese brands.
- Thus, Inovev does not believe that the Audi Q7 produced in Bratislava, Slovakia, will exceed an average of 45,000 units manufactured annually during its presumed seven-year life cycle (2026-2033).
- With the Q7, Audi intends to compete with the Mercedes GLE and GLE Coupé, as well as the BMW X5 and X6, while the Q9 will be more of a rival to the Mercedes GLS and BMW X7.