Audi mulls over an X3 competitor

The Q7 was Audi's first real SUV which was launched to allow the company, famous for its 4-wheel drive Quattro system, to have a pie of the lucrative luxury SUV segment. After launching the Q7 last year, Audi went on further to release a Cross Coupe Quattro concept in the Shanghai Auto Show this year. The venue for a worldwide launch was interesting but well expected since China is now Audi's fastest growing market.


Exterior design of the concept is typical Audi with good looks and clean lines. According to Audi, the Audi Cross Coupé quattro was meant to combine the design and dynamism of a compact premium sports car with the spaciousness and versatility of a four-seat sport utility vehicle (SUV). Thus the market target is clearly young, active small families, putting it in direct competition with the X3.


The concept car features several nice touches like the fabric folding roof which can be opened electrically and huge chromed 20 inchers showcasing the cars huge potential. LED lights that graces the Audi R8 also makes an extensive appearance in the Cross Coupe. Audi's Multi-Media Interface is also showcased in the interior with a new dual-view technology monitor. The new monitors can produce different images for the driver and front-seat passenger as these images are visible when viewed from a specific angle. Such a system allows the driver to read data from the on-board computer while the front passenger watches a TV programme, listening to the sound through headphones. Expect to see it in future production cars sometime in the future as more video functions makes it important for individual mobile entertainment.

Takeaway: Sleek crossover vehicle that tries to build a niche market but forgot that the X3 was already in production.