Audi e-tron quattro hints at 2018 Q6

Frankfurt-bound concept previews 500bhp-plus all-electric Q6 SUV for 2018
A "production-relevant zero-emissions concept”
Autocar|Sarah Bradley19 October 2015

Audi’s all-electric Q6 is on its way – and these official renderings of the imminent e-tron quattro concept car point to how the hi-tech SUV will look upon its planned arrival in 2018.

Referred to by company insiders as a "production-relevant zero-emissions concept”, the coupé-like one-off is set to star at next month’s Frankfurt motor show. Its size perfectly positions it in between the current Q5 and Q7, and it’s considered a direct rival to the all-electric Tesla Model X.

Its size perfectly positions it in between the current Q5 and Q7

Audi states that the battery-powered model “provides an outlook on the brand's first large-series electric car".

Boasting a claimed range of at least 500km [311 miles], the manufacturer also says the e-tron quattro makes zero-emissions driving "a pleasure, not a compromise”.

Elements of the 500bhp electric powertrain, including motor and battery tech, have been borrowed from the latest evolution of the R8 e-tron

Heavy hints at the upcoming Q6 SUV include use of the latest version of Audi’s MLB platform, already seen on the second-generation Q7. Meanwhile, elements of the 500bhp electric powertrain, including motor and battery tech, have been borrowed from the latest evolution of the R8 e-tron.

However, instead of that car’s two rear-mounted motors, the SUV has three; one within the gearbox and two on the back axle.

That projected power figure is matched by an equally impressive torque claim of 516lb ft.

That will certainly enhance the e-tron quattro’s performance image, as the R8 e-tron’s 454bhp and 678lb ft give it a 155mph top speed and 3.9sec 0-62mph time.

Energy comes from a lithium-ion battery pack, rumoured to kick out up to 90kWh

Energy comes from a lithium-ion battery pack, rumoured to kick out up to 90kWh.

This is mounted low in the hot-formed steel, aluminium and carbonfibre-reinforced plastic chassis to enhance driving dynamics and safety over rivals. Range Rover-rivalling ride is claimed, although we don’t yet know if steel springs or air-suspension will feature.

A floating centre console plus digital instrument cluster and control surfaces appear in early sketches

The super-slippery coupé-like styling clearly apes that of the recently launched Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé and established BMW X6. The nose has familiar brand styling cues, but this is the first time we’ve seen a new signature pattern for Audi's Matrix Organic LED lights.

A floating centre console plus digital instrument cluster and control surfaces appear in early sketches of the concept’s minimalist four-seat interior.

We’ll see similar hi-tech cabin architecture and features in production on 2017’s next-generation A8 luxury saloon, indicating that the SUV will receive the most contemporary infotainment, connectivity and autonomous driving features.

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