We saw it coming, but Audi has confirmed that it’s developing two new SUVs->ke145 that will sit at the top of its range: a yet to be named all-electric->ke1030 SUV with a sporty bent coming in 2018, and a Range Rover-rivaling->ke469 luxury SUV called the Q8,->ke4363 slated to arrive in 2019. Both are part of a push to expand Audi’s portfolio from 52 to 60 vehicles by 2020.

Audi CEO Rupert Stadler recently described the all-electric SUV as “sexy” and “sporty.” From what we know, its primary rival will be the upcoming Tesla Model X->ke4202 SUV. A recent rendering from Audi shows a sleek SUV with a coupe-like profile, and R&D boss Ulrich Hackenberg has previously said styling will be inspired by the 2014 Prologue Concept. With a 300-mile range, Audi expects China->ke2090 to be a big market, where plans to install electric car superchargers on over 16,000 kilometers of highway are currently being considered.

Despite what the Audi nomenclature suggests, the Q8 will actually be smaller than the next Q7.->ke1083 Both will use Audi’s MLB platform, but the Q8 will have a coupe-like profile. We also expect the Q8 to distance itself from the Q7 with a high-end interior more in line with the flagship A8->ke1089 sedan, meaning plenty of tech and leather. Audi also says the Q7 will be one of the first Audis to feature “a preliminary stage of piloted driving,” which will incorporate adaptive cruise control and the traffic-jam assistant. Expect this technology to be taken a step further with the Q8. Engine options will include a V-6 and V-8 TFSI and a V-6 TDI diesel.

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Why it matters

Between Audi’s electric SUV and the Aston Martin DBX,->ke2849 China is shaping up to be a huge market for all-electric luxury crossovers,->ke288 and if its investment in electric-car infrastructure goes ahead as planned, we’re sure to sure to see even more E.V.s in the next few years. It remains to be seen if Europe and the U.S. will follow China’s lead.

The Q8 meanwhile is likely to be a big seller back in the U.S. and Europe. Stadler has said that one of its primary rivals will be the $138,000 Range Rover Autobiography, meaning it will likely be offered with similar levels of luxury and carry a similar price tag.

2017 Audi Q8

Read our speculative review here.