Audi Preparing Q6 Crossover to Battle BMW's X6 in 2016

As already reported, the success of Audi's Q-series has convinced company officials to expand the firm's presence in the SUV/Crossover segment. In 2010, sales of the Q7 increased by 37.1% compared to 2009 rising to 47,700 units while the Q5 recorded a 32.4% growth to 155,000 deliveries.

Add to that another 100,000 annual sales that Audi expects from the recently launched Q3 and it’s pretty clear why Ingolstadt's bosses want to double the luxury brand’s range of crossover models.

Sources from within Audi have hinted at the development of three new production models. The first one to be launched in 2014 or 2015, will be the sporty Q4 based on the revised version of the Q5 that will rival the likes of the Range Rover Evoque. In addition, a Q2 model build on a smaller platform is also under consideration.

However, as CAR magazine reveals, it is the Q6 that could be the most interesting of Audi’s new crop of SUVs. The British publication says the Q6 will also be loosely based on the Q5, and while Audi could launch it as soon as 2013, the report claims the Germans will most likely wait for the unveiling of the second generation Q5 to use an extended version of its updated platform architecture.

What prompted Audi to develop the Q6 is the same thing that made Mercedes-Benz plan a new, sporty SUV for 2015: the success of BMW’s X6, which last year alone sold 44,000 units. Car says Audi intends to outperform its rivals by offering a more spacious and practical interior. And although platform sharing with other SUVs in VW Group’s empire sets certain restraints, Audi’s designers have opted for an aggressive stance with a low roofline and raked windshield and rear window.

The Q6 is said to be offered with a wide range of engines from Audi’s more than ample portfolio. The base version will likely be powered by an updated version of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder TFSI with an output of around 220HP.

Further up the range there will be a new 3.0-liter petrol V6 similar to the one found in the S5, but with a turbocharger replacing the supercharger and a maximum output of 300HP.

Consumption-conscious buyers who don't want to sacrifice performance will be able to opt for Audi's 3.0-litre TDI V6 diesel with 250HP and 550 Nm (406 lb/ft) of torque or the plug-in hybrid version that will combine the 2.0-liter TFSI with a 100HP electric motor.