The BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes ML and Range Rover Sport rival will be launched early in 2006, with its official debut anticipated at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Sharing its adaptive air suspension with the VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, the Audi will be powered by a 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine, as well as a 3.2-litre FSI V6 and 4.2-litre TDI units. Its quattro four-wheel-drive transmission and chassis will be tuned more for on-road ability, but like the Touareg expect it to be competent enough off-road when it’s needed.

vir: TUKI