Audi has given us a cheeky look at the e-tron quattro, a sports utility vehicle concept that ditches petrol and diesel engines in favour of something a lot less conventional.
The Audi e-tron quattro uses an all-electric drivetrain comprised three separate electric motors, two on the rear axle and one on the front. In doing so, it has all-wheel drive when the need arises.
In terms of size, the e-tron quattro sits between the Q5 and Q7. It has a ‘coupe-like’ cabin and space for four people inside its ‘spacious’ cabin. The lithium-ion battery used to power the electric drivetrain lives beneath the axles and passenger compartment to help with weight balance and provide a low centre of gravity.
Knowledge gained from the R8 e-tron has enabled Audi to eke out a claimed 310 miles of range, putting the e-tron quattro in Tesla Model X territory, although the latter will have at least a two-year headstart in terms of production.
Sports utility vehicles are hardly known for cutting through the air, but inspiration from Audi ‘Aerosthetics’ concept means the e-tron quattro has a cd value of 0.25, which is less than some saloons. That is partly why it has such a large claimed range.
Audi says the e-tron quattro will be production ready in 2018 so it won’t be long before you can silently roll up to the school gates. Until then, wait until the Frankfurt Motor Show in September for the big announcement.
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