If the saying about imitation being the sincerest form of flattery is true, then the BMW Group should feel extremely flattered by the fact that both Audi and Mercedes-Benz are planning to introduce a direct rival to its X6 SAV (BMW’s acronym for Sports Activity Vehicle).
And while we not only knew about Audi’s plan to develop a BMW X6 rival, but we also scooped an early test mule model out in the open, the VW Group’s head of design came out and officially confirmed the news in a short interview with Autonews Europe on the sidelines of the Bologna Motor Show.
“We will definitely launch a sportier crossover in between the Q7 and Q5,” de’ Silva told the news site.
And that’s not all as de’ Silva added that Audi is also considering a smaller sports crossover, likely to be named Q4, that would fit between the Q5 and Q3, and compete against BMW’s upcoming X4 that’s rumored to debut in 2014.
It is believed that the Q6 will be loosely based on the Q5 sporting a slick roofline and more aggressive design details. Power should come from a range of four-cylinder and V6 diesel and gasoline engines, all turbocharged.
