With the eyes of the double-cab world trained firmly on the impending impact of the recently launched Mercedes-Benz X-Class, Audi has now confirmed that it will follow its traditional Stuttgart-based rival into this burgeoning segment with its interpretation of a lifestyle-focused pick-up.
Expected to share much of its componentry with the upcoming second-generation Volkswagen Amarok alongside which it will be developed, the new Audi double-cab bakkie has been confirmed for launch in 2020 and looks certain to usher in a new naming strategy for the Ingolstadt-based brand.
While Mercedes-Benz launched its range with a 2,3-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel in two states of tune (the V6-powered X350d will follow later) borrowed from the Nissan Navara on which its based, Audi looks set to focus its attentions primarily at the very summit of the pick-up market, building on the relative success of the V6-powered Amarok.
While it seems likely the Quattro-equipped Audi pick-up will inherit this 3,0-litre V6 turbodiesel from its Volkswagen Group sibling, which in its current most potent configuration makes 165 kW and 550 N.m, its final output has yet to be revealed. Regardless of the powerplant’s eventual vital statistics, expect the upcoming Audi double-cab to feature a highly sophisticated interior, complete with a next-generation iteration of the brand’s acclaimed virtual cockpit.
*If you’ve not already figured it out, this was our April Fools’ Day story for 2018…
