Crossovers disguised as SUVs have formed one of the most popular segments in recent years. They are designed for people who do not care about the place in the cabin, but it is extravagant and expensive to maintain a car. In order for such machines to be approved on the market, in addition to quality, they must have a good design.
The first attempt was on a BMW, and it turned out to be very successful. The first X6 series was produced with a circulation of 60,000 pieces and was immediately sold out. This success made other premium manufacturers think twice and urgently develop cars in this class. However, the Bavarians do not stop there and intend to maintain their leadership.
BMW X6
The first step in this direction is the next-generation BMW X6, which will go on sale in 2014. Its appearance will be changed to smoother lines, but at the same time it will become more aggressive and dynamic. This will happen thanks to the new roofline and rear end.
BMW X4
A year later, the «younger brother» X6 — X4 should appear. The difference between the two crossovers will only be in size, although they will be on the same platform. And in 2016, the Bavarians should show their most unusual crossover — X1 with three doors. It has nothing to do with the current version of the same name. the model will be BMW’s smallest crossover and will be available in an extended version in some markets.
Audi is preparing for battle too. The company is developing 4 new models — Q2, Q4, Q6 and Q8. The first to appear is the Q4, which will be on the same platform as the Q5, but will feature a more aggressive look and powerful engines. This model will be something like a fastback version of the Q5 and will be aimed at a younger audience that wants a combination of sports car and crossover.
Audi Q4
Next up is the larger Audi Q6 crossover, which will share a platform with the Porsche Macan. And in 2015, a crossover version of the Audi A1 will be released, which will be called Q2.
Audi Q2
However, the concern left its strongest asset in the end — a large executive coupe-crossover Q8. Neither BMW nor Mercedes-Benz has such a model, and great hopes are pinned on it. The reason is that such cars are in great demand in the markets of the Middle East, China and Russia. It is full of newly rich people who can happily spend a lot of money on such a car.
The third member of the big German trio, Mercedes-Benz, does not appear to be racing. The company constantly denies rumors about the development of new crossover models. But according to Mercedes-Benz sources in Stuttgart, hard work is being done to create the MLC coupe-crossover. As the name suggests, it will be based on the M-Class platform, have a dynamic coupe look and will cost much more than the Mercedes-Benz ML.
In addition, the GLC crossover should appear in 2015. It is assumed that this will be a passable version of the 4-door CLC. After that, we should see the compact BLK, which will be based on the new B-class.