Preparing the assault on the premium SUV segment, namely, through the launch, by the end of the decade, of eight new models, Audi promises to start the offensive as early as next autumn, with the launch of its first electric SUV, the Audi e-tron. Rival model from proposals like the Tesla Model X or the Jaguar I-Pace, with a range (slightly) above 500 kilometres.
With production already scheduled for the second half of 2018 , the Audi e-tron is seen, by the manufacturer itself, as a response to the progressive drop in sales of Diesels in Europe, as well as a product capable of succeeding in those that are the largest world markets, such as China or the USA. In particular, by winning over customers, both the Tesla Model X and the future Jaguar I-Pace, whose presentation should take place at the next Geneva Motor Show, in March.
Audi e-tron, more differentiated from the Q family
Following the indications already announced by the head of the brand's design, Marc Lichte, who assumed that he wanted, at this stage, a greater aesthetic differentiation between models, the Audi e-tron should appear marked by a front section that is visually different from that of the “brothers” Q5 and Q7. It will be slimmer than the other Qs, even as a way of helping the aerodynamic coefficient as well. Which, according to the British Auto Express, should be better than the 0.25 Cx announced by the Jaguar I-Pace, even as a way to maximize battery autonomy.
Inside, the same publication states that the design should be influenced, mainly, by the new A8. Through, inter alia, the inclusion of a specific variant of the Audi Virtual Cockpit and, perhaps, even two touch screens similar to those existing on the flagship of the four-ring brand. Without forgetting a habitability that, despite the slimmer profile, should be able to accommodate three occupants in the back, offering, at the same time, the same load capacity as a Q5.
Like the Q5 and many other Audi models, the e-tron will make use, albeit in an adapted version, of the MLB platform. As for technology, predictions are that the model will show, albeit as an option, level 3 of autonomous driving.
Promise of 500 km of autonomy… and 503 hp of power
Finally, and in terms of propulsion systems, Audi assumed that it already wants the e-tron to offer a range of over 500 kilometers (more precisely, 501 km), with a single charge, although without revealing what the power and torque may be set. With the magazine remembering that the prototype announced a maximum power of 503 hp and 800 Nm of torque, values that allowed it to match the Tesla Model X in acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, in no more than 4.5 seconds.
Also according to Auto Express, Audi may also imitate Tesla in the strategy of making the e-tron available, with various power levels, as well as a way to be able to offer the SUV at a sufficiently attractive entry price. With the more powerful versions being able to appear exclusively in the production version of the SUV "coupé" e-tron Sportback, shown in 2017 and scheduled for production in 2019.