Things are about to get very interesting at the top of Audi’s->ke14 SUV->ke145 range. In addition to the all-electric, Tesla Model X->ke4202-rivaling Q6 E-tron SUV, Audi plans a range topping, ultra-luxury SUV, expected to be called the Q8.->ke4363 It will be positioned as a Range Rover->ke469 rival.

Speaking with Auto Express at the Shanghai Motor Show,->ke2470 Audi CEO Rupert Stadler elaborated on plans for both SUVs. Stadler described the Q6->ke3087 as “sexy,” “sporty” and “packed with technology,” all which are backed up by a rendering of the Q6 Audi released last month. The rendering shows a sleek, high-riding crossover->ke288 with a coupe->ke141-like profile. Stadler also alluded to an expansion of the electric car->ke1030 infrastructure, which would be in place by the time the Q6 is introduced in 2018.

Continue reading to read more about the future Audi Q6 electric SUV.

Why it matters

Now that Audi is confident in the current state of its battery technology and has purportedly meet its range goal of 300 miles, expect to see a raft of E-tron->ke3605 models in the coming years. “When it comes to a battery electric vehicle it was very clear for us, a range of 500km is a must,” Stadler explained. He also confident that premium vehicle->ke505 buyers are “prepared to pay a little bit more to say I’m doing everything well for the environment.”

It is no coincidence that Stadler was so open to discussing the Q6 while in China.->ke2090 He went on to discuss China’s plans to install electric car superchargers every 50 kilometers on between 16,000 and 17,000 kilometers of highway. “If this happens and this will happen then it could be an accelerator and create some good momentum. Hopefully the Europeans will follow.”

Speaking about the potential for the Q8, Stadler confirmed that a range-topping SUV is currently in development, though wouldn’t mention it by name. “Yes there will be something above and it will be more expensive than the Q7.” He also confirmed it would “easily” rival the $138,000 Range Rover Autobiography.

Audi Q6 E-tron

Read our full review here.