Audi showcased the E-tron Quattro, the large electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) concept car that is expected to be due in the market in 2018. The new E-tron Quattro, to be powered by a 95 kWH battery pack, is expected to deliver a driving range of 310 miles.
The new concept electric SUV is designed with a low roofline and appears more like a wagon rather than an SUV. However, this aerodynamic design is intended to optimize driving range from the power supplied by the electric system of the vehicle.
The E-tron Quattro features a 95 kWH battery which promises a driving range of 310 miles. The battery pack is fitted under the passenger seats deliberately, in an effort to lower the center of gravity. The battery set supplies power to three different motors, one each for the two rear wheels and one for the front wheels.
This alignment enables the drive system to put extra torque on the outside wheel, thereby pushing the back end and counteracting understeer. This arrangement enhances the overall handling of the vehicle. The 4-wheel-steering accommodates for high-speed turns and low-speed maneuverability while an air suspension enhances driving comfort.
The Audi E-tron Quattro battery pack takes 50 minutes to charge from zero to full when charged at a Level 3 DC charging station. The company is also looking at wireless charging options wherein the vehicle could drive on its own to a wireless charging pad.
The sharper line design of the E-tron Quattro reflects a combination of last year’s Prologue concept and Audi Q7. The geometric grille, narrow-roof-tailed cabin and LED headlights have been taken from Prologue.
The E-tron Quattro concept SUV’s retracting door handles and replacement of rear view mirrors with camera pods on the front fenders that transfer images at the back onto a monitor inside the cabin are features that enhance the aerodynamics of the new vehicle. Additionally, these features, combined with the low-roof cabin bring the coefficient of drag to 0.25 which is better than any other SUV in the market.
The concept car features an LCD on the instrument cluster, an idea borrowed from the company’s Virtual Cockpit driver interface. An LCD on the dashboard allows passengers view entertainment options while a smaller monitor at the console’s base enables the driver to set functions such as climate controls.
