Audi E-Tron Quattro Concept Is An Onslaught On Tesla's Electric Conquest

The sharp-looking e-tron Quattro concept previews 2018 Audi Q6 Coupe Crossover, an all-electric production SUV whose target competition would be Tesla Model X.

I'm a great fan of car electrification. What one can realise in recent times is that every auto giants are going to bring up something big on electrification in the immediate future. BMW's i range is catching up to speed, and Tesla is undeniably on fire, setting stage for a real EV revolution in the luxury segment, while Audi has been waffling a little in the electric arena with its hyped R8 e-tron. And here come the game changer!!

Audi has unveiled the much anticipated e-tron quattro concept at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show that has just began. The 'sporty' electric crossover boasts an expected 500 km (311 miles) range of sweet electric drive, with an acceleration of 0-100 kmph in just 4.6 seconds. The top speed will be electronically restricted to 210 kmph (130.5 mph).

Audi e-tron quattro provides a concrete foretaste of SUV (Q6 Crossover) that will hit market in 2018

Power for the e-tron quattro is sourced from three electric motors - one mounted on the front axle while the other two drive the rear wheels - derived from the R8 e-tron, combined with a 95-kWh battery package to pump out an estimated 429 horsepower of max power and 590 pound-feet of torque. This setup provides for all-electric full-time AWD system without a propeller shaft. The concept features SAE-spec Combo/Combined Charging System (CCS) outlet as well as wireless induction charging. Audi claims that a 150-kW DC fast charger can rejuvenate the batteries in just 50 minutes of charge.

Sharp curves and sublime details sum up e-tron quattro's overall styling

The design of the concept is exciting either. Sharp curves and sublime details sums up the overall styling, partly owing allegiance to Audi's new design language. The defining front grille is octagonal, marking a departure from the hexagonal design of the present-generation Audis. The angular Matrix OLED lights, seriously sculptured bumpers and body claddings, and a sloping roofline makes this concept a real visual treat.

Audi's Virtual Cockpit is a visual treat!

On the inside, the cabin Audi’s virtual cockpit that has progressed from those that debuted in production vehicles last year. To the left and right below the fully-digital instrument cluster are two touch-screen displays - one for piloted driving and the other for media and navigation utility.

The Volkswagen Group, which owns the Audi brand, is also presenting Volkswagen Tiguan GTE plug-in hybrid and Porsche Mission E concept at the Frankfurt show along with Audi e-tron quattro. Audi is currently working on a comprehensive line-up of EVs to take on the dominance of Tesla and BMW i range. With the adoption of the MLB architecture – currently underpinning a host of star cars like the new A8, upcoming Porsche Cayenne, and the just revealed 2017 Bentley Bentayga – Audi can benefit from modularity architecture to fit electric motors and a battery packs to make EVs.

Tesla Model X Prototype as shown in 2012

Although unheard in India, Tesla gained global attention for their Tesla Roadster, the first fully electric sports car ever. The company's second vehicle was the Model S, a fully electric luxury sedan, that became a big hit in North America, Europe and China. On the pipeline are Models X, an electric SUV due in few week from now and Model 3 sedan.

Also Read: VW, Audi Plan Big On Fuel-Cell Hydrogen Cars

Photo Credit: Audi, Netcarshow