► New Audi E-tron concept unveiled
► Hints at forthcoming Q6 E-tron
► Production scheduled for 2018
Audi has laid down a marker in the sand in the battle for electric SUVs: meet the Tesla-battling E-tron Quattro concept car, a 4×4 EV which can be charged up in just half an hour. And this isn’t just a concept car; it’s due to shape a forthcoming Audi crossover bound for showrooms soon.
Back in March 2015 we revealed that Audi was readying a Q6 E-tron to eclipse the ever-delayed Tesla Model X. Then in July we reported on unofficial leaked images of the Audi Q6 E-tron, and now – finally – Audi has revealed the concept at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show.
It’s powered by three electric motors, one situated on the front axle, with two on the rear, creating what Audi calls an ‘electrified Quattro’ system. Production is scheduled for 2018, CAR understands.
Audi E-tron Quattro Concept – aka the Q6 E-tron
Although Audi names the concept the E-tron Quattro, we reckon this is a huge hint at the forthcoming Q6 E-tron, which will slot neatly between the Q5 and Q7 in Audi’s burgeoning SUV range. According to Ingolstadt, the concept sets an SUV record for the lowest drag coefficient rating, with a value of just 0.25 thanks to a smooth undertray, more aerodynamic pop-out rear-view cameras where you’d normally see indicator repeaters and a special diffuser at the rear.
The ‘electrified Quattro’ Q6 has a claimed electric range of over 310 miles and Audi is promising better driving dynamics than any other SUV in the segment. Really? Better than a Macan? We’ll have to wait until 2018 to make that judgement…
Next-gen lighting too
The E-tron Quattro features Audi’s new Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) headlights. They’re not only lighter than conventinal LED headlights, they’re also flatter and thinner – meaning that design boundaries can be pushed to new limits. The OLED design headlights have variable dimming, meaning they need no light guards or defectors. Click here to read our earlier scoop on the Audi Q6 E-tron expected in 2018.