Audi’s Defender-Rival To Be Based On The New Scout Platform! [Details]

It looks like Audi is finally entering the full-size off-road SUV space. New reports from Germany’s Automobilwoche confirm that the brand is preparing a rugged SUV that will be built in the United States using the upcoming Scout platform. It will reportedly be designed specifically for the American market. This puts Audi directly up against heavyweights like the Land Rover Defender.

Audi’s Off-Road SUV Is Finally Taking Shape!

Rumours around a tough, adventure-ready Audi have been floating for years. Now, things are moving. The company is said to be developing an all-new body-on-frame SUV that will borrow its foundations from Scout, the iconic American off-road brand that Volkswagen Group revived recently.

At present, Audi doesn’t build any cars in the United States. Because of this, import tariffs have become a major challenge for the company. Audi’s CFO recently stated that these duties alone will cost the company over €1.3 billion (around $1.5 billion USD) this year. Audi has no plans to take chances with the new product.

The new SUV will be made at Scout’s (upcoming) factory in Blythewood, South Carolina. This plant is currently under construction, and production for both Scout and Audi models is expected to begin by late 2027.

New Audi-Scout SUV: Expected Powertrains And Underpinnings

Last year, Scout revealed two new models- the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup- both inspired by the brand’s classic off-roaders from the 60s and 70s. These vehicles use an advanced body-on-frame platform and 800-volt all-electric (with support for up to 350kW fast charging) and range extender powertrains. Audi is expected to borrow these.

A Defender Rival In The Making!

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner had hinted at this model earlier, saying the company “hasn’t given up on that dream” of building a true off-roader. Based on current information, this SUV will be smaller than earlier rumours suggested, making it a direct rival to the current Land Rover Defender 110.

Expect a premium cabin, Audi’s latest tech, and strong off-road capability backed by the Scout-based hardware. With the right pricing, this could be Audi’s best terrain-ready product from recent times. .

ALSO READ: Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh: We’ll Price Our EVs Right!

Expected Launch Timeline

Production is expected to start in late 2027, with a global premiere likely shortly before that. While Audi has not officially confirmed the model, the Scout partnership and factory plans reveal that the project is well underway. If everything goes as planned, the Defender will soon have a fresh challenger in America…