Marc Lichte stated that he doesn’t like the X2, X4, or X6 looks.
Although there were other models before it, such as the 1995 Suzuki X-90, the BMW X6 The 2008 launch is generally regarded as the “The” year. de facto The coupe-SUV segment was created by the Bavarians. Bavarians expanded their Sports Activity Coupe (SAC), portfolio to include the smaller version. X4 The entry-level X2 While BMW’s recipe has been followed by other automakers, it was not the only one.
March Lichte, Audi’s design chief, spoke out to Autocar about BMW’s new niche. However, he admitted that he doesn’t love the “X” models. “I have a lot of respect for BMW for inventing the idea to combine a coupe and an SUV, but honestly, it’s not something I like.”
He said Audi had spent time thinking about how to make the coupe-SUV hybrid “in a very attractive manner,” and that the E-Tron Sportback result is the product of their efforts. Lichte described how the coupe-SUV’s styling was created by using the E-Tron’s bottom and adding the A7 Sportback roof to it. He called the process “very simple.”
You might argue that the coupe-SUV segment has become a niche market, considering how many automakers have created models to compete with BMW. Mercedes has the GLC and GLE “coupes”, while Porsche now offers a Cayenne Coupe. Audi also has a model that blends the two styles, the Q8, which mechanically is related to the Lamborghini Urus. The Q3 Sportback is also available.
Even major brands are jumping on the coupe-SUV bandwagon. Renault launched the sleek Arkana, while Volkswagen presented an “SUV Coupe Concept” for China. Toyota’s funky CHR, which received a mild update a few months back, is also worth mentioning.