Our spies caught two seemingly different camouflaged Audis in Germany, one of which was a prototype of the brand’s large SUV, potentially called Q9 or Q7 L, and the other a mule branding an Audi face on what looks like a VW Atlas body.
The latter looks particularly bizarre as it doesn’t have production-ready headlights but circular headlamps, turn signals, and fog lights popping out from the camouflage. This mule is also intriguing as it appears to be sporting the bodywork of a VW Atlas, hence why the rear half of the SUV looks so familiar.
By comparison, the second prototype which was spied on the roads near the Nurburgring, does seem to have its production-ready bodywork. Whether these two vehicles are related (perhaps the mule is a leftover from early development stages that’s still in use) or different models altogether, remains a mystery.
Immediately catching the eye with both test cars is a large single-frame grille that has a slightly more bulbous and less angular design than some other current Audi models. This grille also sports a large section where various sensors and the radar will be housed.
The test mule above appears to be built around the VW Atlas, while the prototype below, looks more like a bigger Q7
The rear-end has been disguised by camouflage just as well as the front, although we can see LED taillights and a shapely bumper.
Read More: 2023 Audi Q9 Spied With Production Body As A Large SUV For China
For quite some time, there were rumors that suggested the Audi Q9 could adopt a coupe-like body but it is now thought that Audi will take a more traditional approach with the vehicle and pitch it as a rival to the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS.
A Chinese Affair Only?
The big question surrounding the Audi Q9 or Q7L is which markets it will be sold. Some rumors suggest that Audi’s Chinese division is leading the development of the vehicle and that it will be a Chinese-only affair, effectively taking the form of a significantly modified VW Atlas, which could explain the presence of the two camouflaged models caught by our photographers.
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