Audi already has a fairly successful full-size SUV, the Q7. But they are apparently thinking of stepping things up a bit, and launch a properly luxurious utility vehicle to rival the mighty Range Rover. That car has reportedly been confirmed for production as the Audi Q8.

Sources close to the company say the Q8 will have a very elegant coupe crossover design, which should mean it has the BMW X6 in its sights. But as we know Audi has different plans for a X6 rival with a new model allegedly called the Q6. Audi wants the new car to look as different as possible to the Q7, what with the new design strategy for greater differentiation between models.

The Q8 will be like a crossover version of Audi A8. The luxury saloon is supposed to branch out and spawn a couple of different models over the next few years, including the long rumor A9 four-door  Coupe. Technically, however, the Q8 shares its platform with the next-gen Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg.

As for the engines, the Q8 will get a range of V6 and V8 powertrains, plus a plug-in hybrid variant, and also an RS version with up to 550 horsepower.

via CARmagazine