Audi is getting serious about its portfolio of battery-electric models and is set to launch three battery-electric vehicles over the next three years, CEO Rupert Stadler officially confirmed at the 2017 Vienna Motor Symposium. There will be two mid-size crossover models and a more compact premium car. The push to go full electric seems to have put plans to offer a plug-in hybrid model of the Q7 SUV in the U.S. on the back burner, as we reported earlier this year. Here are Audi’s definite future plans for its fully electric e-tron models, in chronological order:
Audi e-tron Quattro: Previewed by the e-tron Quattro concept (above) displayed at the 2015 Frankfurt auto show, this crossover will feature a spacious interior, a futuristic cockpit, and high-performance powertrains beginning at more than 300 horsepower. The top model will deliver about 430 horsepower, including a short-term peak of around 500 horsepower. Maximum torque should be around 590 lb-ft. This model will have one electric motor up front and two in the rear, and the top model will be able to reach 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds, with a governed top speed of 130 mph.
Based on Audi’s modular longitudinal (MLB) platform and with a footprint similar to that of an A6 but taller, it will come to market in late 2018 as a 2019 model. The base model is likely to be priced starting at around $60,000.
Audi e-tron Quattro Sportback: If you’ve seen the Shanghai auto show concept (above), you have seen a good 80 percent of the final model. This is the Sportback version of the above described e-tron Quattro, and the concept’s looks are extremely close to those of the series production model. This includes the futuristic horizontal taillights stretching across the entire width of the vehicle. But it also includes the tiny camera rearview mirrors, which project the view onto OLED screens. Where legal, they will be offered; other markets get conventional mirrors. The interior will be cleverly differentiated from the e-tron Quattro, much as the Audi A7’s differs from that in the A6. We expect to see the same three-motor powertrain that is fitted in the e-tron Quattro, with peak power of around 500 horsepower for the top-of-the-line model. Pricing of the Sportback will be slightly above that of the regular model, carrying a premium of about $5000. It will appear on global markets in 2019 and be sold in the U.S. as a 2020 model.
Audi e-tron premium compact: This as-yet-unnamed premium compact car will be slightly bigger than the A3 sedan, and it will be the first Audi based on the Volkswagen Group’s modular electric (MEB) architecture. It’s fitted with two electric motors, one up front and one in the rear; power output in top configuration will be around 300 horsepower, but there will likely be lesser entry-level configurations. A range of around 300 miles is a given. When it comes to market in late 2019 as a 2020 model, we expect an entry price point of less than $50K; it will directly target the Tesla Model 3 (if Tesla manages to get it to market by then). A U.S. launch of Audi’s most compact electric has not yet been decided, but it is a strong possibility. For hints about its looks, see the Volkswagen I.D. Crozz (below) and the Škoda Vision E; Audi’s compact electric is a variation on the same theme.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen Group CEO Matthias Müller, also speaking at the Vienna Motor Symposium, gave an update on the company’s plans for hydrogen-powered cars: They won’t happen in the foreseeable future.
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