Audi E-Tron Sportback And Compact SUV Concept Teased, PB18 E-Tron Heads For Production

BY Michael Gauthier | Posted on

Audi launched the all-new E-tron in the Netherlands today and Autoweek.nl reports the company used its so-called “Mission Zero” event to tease two upcoming electric vehicles.

First and foremost, the company revealed a darkened teaser image which shows a compact electric crossover. The image isn’t very revealing, but it shows the concept will have a prominent grille and large air intakes. We can also slender headlights, massive wheels and a strong shoulder line.

Little is known about the model, but Audi’s head of exterior design, Andreas Mindt, reportedly suggested the concept will spawn a production model which is intended to sell in higher numbers than the E-tron and E-tron GT. Mindt went to imply the crossover will ride on the MEB platform that will underpin of a number of upcoming electric models such as the Volkswagen ID hatchback.

The crossover concept is slated to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show and the site believes it could have a range of approximately 186 miles (300 km).

Besides talking about the upcoming concept, Mindt confirmed the production version of the E-tron Sportback concept will be introduced later this year. The model is expected to use the same powertrain as the standard E-tron which features a 95 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that powers two electric motors which develop a combined output of up to 402 hp (300 kW / 407 PS) and 490 lb-ft (664 Nm) of torque. This enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in as little as 5.7 seconds and have a combined range of 259 miles (417 km) in the WLTP cycle.

The site posted a new teaser image of the crossover and it reveals the production model will have slender headlights, video camera side mirrors and a sporty roofline which echoes those seen on the A5 and A7 Sportback.

In related news, the site says Audi CEO Bram Schot confirmed the PB18 E-tron concept will be going into limited production. Only 50 units are slated to be built, but little else is known about the car at this point.

The concept debuted the at the 2018 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and featured a solid-state battery and three electric motors which could produce up to 764 hp (570 kW / 775 PS) and 612 lb-ft (830 Nm) of torque. This enabled the car to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in “scarcely more” than two seconds.

Thanks to Herman and Stephen for the tip!

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