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Although the large SUV market is not the main selling model in every region of the world, as the global SUV market continues to rise, first-tier luxury brands are constantly expanding their SUV lineup, including flagship SUV models.

Since Mercedes-Benz launched its flagship SUV GL model in 2006, BMW and Audi have not been able to really achieve the standard GL model. After Mercedes-Benz renamed the GL model to GLS in 2016, both BMW and Audi released their latest flagship SUV models, BMW X7 and Audi Q8, respectively, which have been sold in China.

But it seems that the Q8 model launched by Audi is only a sedan SUV to position, nor can it be regarded as a competition between Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7. To this end, there are recent foreign media reports, Audi brand will launch a new flagship model Q9, from the name of the car can be seen that the positioning is significantly higher than Q7 and Q8 models, and the new car will point directly to Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7.

Although it is only a plan for Audi to launch Q9 at present, in fact, Audi registered the trademark of Q9 as early as 2013 and was exposed by foreign media last year.

From the rendering picture, the Q9 model as a whole also looks larger, relatively in line with the large SUV positioning. The front face is designed with the shape of Q8, and the polygonal intake grille is wrapped by silver chromium-plated strips to highlight the aura. At the same time, a straight line similar to Q7 is used to extend to the tail. However, mirrors are not traditional lenses, have been replaced by cameras, and may also become a direction for Audi's new car.

In addition, it is understood that the new car will be built based on the MLB-evo modular platform and will be launched at the end of 2020, but according to the speed at which new cars are launched overseas, it is estimated that Q9 will have to wait until next year.

At the same time, BMW is also launching the new flagship SUV model. According to the information on the German patent and trademark website, BMW submitted an application to register the "X8M" trademark on March 23. Registration number: 302020103935, and successfully registered on April 1, is currently in the public notice, after the expiration of July 30, if there is no objection, it can be formally approved.

But from the rendering of the BMW X8 and the chassis code, the X8 is not an ordinary SUV model, but a sedan SUV, which is simply the coupe version of the X7. According to Sam Fiorani, vice president of BMW market analyst AutoForecast Solutions, the new X8 will compete with Lamborghini Urus and Porsche Cayenne Coupe, which will begin production at BMW's Sparta, South Carolina plant in the summer of 2022.

Whether it is the flagship SUV or sedan SUV models, it seems that many car companies have specifically launched niche models in the past two years, although the sales volume is not large, but the profit is not small, relying on higher-end positioning, and outstanding styling, can still win the favor of some consumers, but also allow car companies to bring huge profits. After all, as a flagship model, what matters is not only the product performance, but also the expensive brand premium.

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