This new headset isn't a Quest 2 replacement.
It's aimed at businesses. And it will be priced that way too. Last rumour I heard was that it was going to be $1500(£1800), that's a lot of money. I would not be surprised if there was also a yearly subscription fee.
As for the timing, well, it's not a consumer headset, so I don't think the timing matters as much. But, let's say it was a consumer headset, why would the timing be bad releasing at the end of October? To me, that sounds like perfect timing. Enough time to build up interest just before the Christmas shopping period.