“The golden age of coupe-type SUVs”… A ‘three-way battle’ foreshadowed by the three German companies’ SUVs!

[Daily Car Reporter Shin Jong-yoon] Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi are expected to clash once again for the top spot in the ‘luxury coupe-type SUV’ market.

Audi unveiled a partially modified model of its flagship SUV ‘Q8’ on the 5th (local time). The new Q8, which boasts a stylish design and generous space utilization with a coupe-type body, competes with the ‘BMW X6’ and ‘Benz GLE Coupe’, which were launched in the domestic market in July and August this year.

The three models representing the three German companies are based on a semi-large SUV platform and are characterized by both a generous body size and a smooth roofline. In addition, all three vehicles are models subject to partial changes and feature new front and rear designs.

First, the newly introduced Audi Q8 features HD matrix LED headlamps equipped with four styles of ‘digital light signatures’. Drivers can select their preferred style among four designs through MMI. A large digital OLED light can be selected as an option for the rear lamp, and the radiator grill pattern has been changed.

The powertrain of the new Q8 is equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline and diesel engine including a 48V mild hybrid. The 55TFSI, a gasoline model, has a maximum output of 340 horsepower and a maximum torque of 51.0kg・m, and when combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission, it can run from 0 to 100km in 5.6 seconds and at a top speed of 250km/h. The high-performance version, the SQ8, is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 gasoline engine and produces a maximum output of 507 horsepower.

The selling price of the Audi Q8 is 86,700 to 119,500 euros, approximately 123.89 million to 170.77 million won, and the domestic release schedule is not yet determined.

The BMW The headlamps, which are sleeker than before, the daytime running lights that emphasize the width of the vehicle, and the kidney grille with a vertical double bar stand out.

The powertrain is equipped with a 3.0-liter in-line 6-cylinder gasoline and diesel engine, and includes a 48V mild hybrid system. The representative lineup, the X6 xDrive40i, produces a maximum output of 381 horsepower and a maximum torque of 53.0 kg・m. The automatic 8-speed transmission and the xDrive intelligent four-wheel drive system combine to deliver a 0-100 km/h performance of 5.4 seconds.

The X6 M60i is a high-performance model in the lineup, and its 4.4-liter V8 gasoline engine produces a maximum output of 530 horsepower.

The selling price of the BMW X6 is 125.8 million to 164.1 million won.

The last Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe was first unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in 2015 and was first introduced to the domestic market in 2016, and is currently a second-generation partially modified model. The front and rear lamp graphics have been changed, emphasizing a sleek and sophisticated feel.

The powertrain is equipped with a 3.0-liter gasoline and diesel engine, and a 48V mild hybrid system is installed to increase efficiency. Additionally, additional electrical output and torque are supported by applying the second-generation integrated starter generator. The transmission uses a 9-speed automatic and AWD drive system.

The 3.0-liter gasoline engine is released in the high-performance specification Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+, and produces a maximum output of 435 horsepower and a maximum torque of 57.1kg・m. Zero to 100 km/h is 5 seconds, and the maximum speed is 250 km/h. A plug-in hybrid model based on a 2.0-liter gasoline engine is also scheduled to be released.

The selling price of the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe ranges from 131 million to 159 million won depending on the model and trim.

Meanwhile, the sales volume of each model registered last year was 1,039 units for the Audi Q8, 4,834 units for the BMW X6, and 3,399 units for the Mercedes GLE Coupe, with the BMW X6 recording the highest sales volume. (※ RS Q8, (including AMG GLE63 S Coupe)

jyshin@dailycar.co.kr