E-Tron Electric Crossover

Audi has shown off what it has in store for the near future with the e-tron Quattro concept car. Many think that the crossover previews what could eventually become the Audi Q6, an all-electric SUV that will take on the likes of the Tesla Model X.

No Sacrifice to Performance and Handling

At the front axle is a single electric motor, while two others sit on the rear axle. Total system output comes in at 429 horsepower, with the ability to temporarily boost that to 496 horsepower. According to Audi, peak torque is well over 590 lb.-ft. While all of that sounds impressive, what's even better is the estimated 0 to 62 mph time of only 4.6 seconds.

Handling should be nothing less than amazing, thanks in large part to the 52/48 percent front/rear weight distribution. Also helping keep the crossover balanced is the low placement of the batteries in the chassis. Further boosting the concept's on-road handling is all-wheel steering and rear-axle torque vectoring.

Wireless....Charging!

One of the coolest features of the concept is the fact that it uses wireless charging. The vehicle actually drives itself to get positioned over the charging plate just so, using lasers, ultrasonic sensors and cameras to detect obstacles. On a single charge, the E-Tron Quattro is supposed to be able to travel over 310 miles between charging sessions. Using a 150-kW fast charger, it takes about 50 minutes to completely replenish the battery pack.

It's all in the Details

Plenty of futuristic or advanced features are sprinkled throughout the E-Tron Quattro. Various lighting elements use organic LED technology and even lasers, adding to the dramatic design of the vehicle. A carbon-ceramic braking system provides consistent performance. Wrapped around the large 22-inch wheels is 265/40 rubber.

The Audi E-Tron Quattro measures 192.1 inches long and 76 inches wide, which makes it a perfect fit between the Q5 and Q7. The concept also stands only 60.6 inches tall, making it the shortest of the three vehicles by far.

Several exterior design elements seem to signal a shift in how future Audi alternative-fuel vehicles will look. For example, the octagonal grille up front features five bright horizontal cross members, setting it apart from other Audi vehicles. The low roofline swoops back like on a coupe, making the crossover feel fast and athletic, even when it's at a complete standstill.

Even though it looks large enough on the outside to accommodate three rows of seating, the interior of the Audi E-Tron Quattro seats four, sacrificing passenger room for cargo room. A large console runs down the middle of the entire passenger space. Designers created a simple yet mesmerizing effect by making all interior components different shades of gray. All of the instruments are displayed on organic LED screens, and some of them react to touch. Even the two rear passengers get their own screens, giving them access to entertainment features.

A compelling element of the E-Tron Quattro is the low drag coefficient, which is supposed to be 0.25. Once the vehicle reaches an optimal speed, various flaps, spoilers and other extensions spread out, boosting aerodynamics. The design helps make the most of each charging session, helping to cut down on how often the driver needs to stop for electricity.

We Can't Wait

Industry experts are guessing that Audi will release a production version of the E-Tron Quattro by the year 2018. A gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid version, as well as a model that runs entirely on hydrogen are also distinct possibilities. In the meantime, the Audi A3 Sportback will be arriving soon.