Audi previews its 2018 all-electric sport crossover with the e-tron quattro concept

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“Audi will present an all-electric, luxury-class sport SUV in early 2018,” said Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, member of the Audi board of management for technical development during the premiere. “The Audi e-tron quattro concept provides a concrete foretaste of this. It combines driving pleasure with great range, an expressive design and excellent comfort.”

When the production version hits the market in 2018, it will likely borrow some or all of the concept’s electric drivetrain components, including the three-motor setup – one driving the front axle and two powering the rear. The combination develops 430 horsepower under normal driving conditions, but that can be boosted to just under 500 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque for a short time. At full power, the e-tron quattro concept rockets to 60 mph in 4.6-seconds and on to its electronically-limited top speed of 130 mph.

The lithium-ion battery integrated into the floor of the passenger compartment offers a range of over 500 km (311 miles). Charging of the system can be accomplished via either DC or AC electrical systems. To fully charge the concept with a DC current, you’ll need just 50 minutes. Audi also equipped its concept with “Audi Wireless Charging” for remote induction charging.

Visually, the e-tron quattro concept builds on Audi’s present design language with sharp creases, a large grille, and coupe-like silhouette. The slippery design leads to a minimal drag coefficient of 0.25, “a new best for the SUV segment.

Inside, Audi has advanced it virtual cockpit which debuted in 2014. To the left and right below the full digital instrument panel are two touch displays. The driver controls the lights and the systems for piloted driving with the left display. The larger display on the right is for media and navigation management.

Still a couple years off, it will be interesting to see what convenience and technology features make it to production, and expect to see the tri-motor drivetrain in more Audi models in the coming years.