Audi Q8 coupe-inspired SUV due in 2019

Audi confirmed launch timing for its new BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe rival at its annual general meeting over the weekend.

The confirmation comes a little over two months after the German luxury car maker first announced plans to build the Q8, which will mix the mechanics of the seven-seat new Q7 SUV with a sportier body with a swoopy, coupe-style roof.

Audi gave no other clues about the 2019 Q8 at the AGM, though the company’s head of technical development, Ulrich Hackenberg, told us in March it would take inspiration from the brand’s recent Prologue concepts.

“It will be something new, following designs established on the Prologue concept,” Hackenberg said.

“It will be positioned as something more emotional and more sporty than the Q7. The Q7 will be a car for seven people, the Q8 will be more coupe-like.”

The car maker also reaffirmed it plans to release the entry-level Q1 crossover next year, as well as launch a “sporty SUV with electric drive” in 2018.

The latter of those, which has previously be described as a “large premium … battery-powered sports activity vehicle”, is believed to be based on the forthcoming Audi Q6, which will be spun off all-new Q5 that’s due to be revealed in the first half of 2016. The Q6 will in all likelihood compete with the likes of the BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

Audi says its aggressive growth plans will expand its model range from 52 today to 60 by 2020.

Note: Audi Prologue Allroad concept sketch pictured.