Audi Q2, new Audi Q5 confirmed for 2016 unveiling; production e-tron quattro EV SUV to arrive in 2018

It looks like 2016 will be a big year for the four interlocking rings – Audi has confirmed that the coming year will bring not one, but two SUVs, as both the Audi Q2 and the next-generation Audi Q5 will make their world premieres then.

The smaller Q2 heralds Ingolstadt’s entry into the lucrative B-segment crossover market – although in this case competing against the more premium MINI Countryman, rather than the more utilitarian players like the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3. As for the new Q5, Audi says it will open a new chapter in the compact SUV’s success story, and judging by the current car’s popularity over here, we certainly wouldn’t argue with that.

In addition, the company has also confirmed that the production version of its e-tron quattro fully-electric SUV concept will indeed make its debut in 2018. The show car is powered by three electric motors – one in front, two at the rear – providing 429 hp (or up to 496 hp via a boosting function) and permanent all-wheel drive. It remains to be seen if such a setup will be employed when the car hits showroom floors.

In other news, Audi is investing over €3 million and conducting further process and cost optimisation over the course of the new financial year. The extra cash flow will be spent both at its Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm plants, as well on new models and technologies, as it plans to expand its lineup to include 60 different models by the year 2020. Also on the cards for 2016 is the recruitment of more talent in the field of new tech.

SPYSHOTS: Audi Q2

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