Update1 with 25 New Photos – 2015 Audi E-Tron Quattro Concept is Sexy but Pointless EV SUV

Updated with 25 Live Frankfurt PhotosThis is the latest Audi fantasy concept. And it is not named Prologue. Yay!

But it is just as exhausting to behold.

The E-Tron Quattro is a 100-percent electric SUV concept promising 310 miles of range and AWD traction.

In truth, though, the idea of an EV SUV is the most ridiculous thing we can even fathom. Electric vehicles and SUV adventures are anathema. They do not mix. Imagine going skiing from Denver to Vail or Breckenridge, a three hour mountain drive climbing thousands of feet on steep mountain roads. It is snowing, with fresh powder and possible 5-hour traffic jams on the way back after a day of skiing. Being in an EV for that drive seems not Eco Chic. But downright irresponsible.

In addition to fitness-for-purpose, all EVs to date have suffered big power and range losses in extreme weather. Of any kind.

So if an EV can’t be a real SUV in very-cold or very-hot weather, the whole battery-electric concept seems like a bad fit.

Yes, this car would theoretically compete with the Tesla Model X. But it is not anywhere near production. Not even close.

The overall profile, surface crispness and design details are a big step forward for Audi versus its current production cars. 2017 Q7 included.

But after seeing the new TT and A4, it is clear that Audi is not doing anything like this for upcoming designs. Just rehashes for the time being. Which makes this E-Tron Quattro feel like a vaguely pointless exercise. Greenwashing to the core?

If Audi could not manage the EV R8 supercar, what chance does this SUV have? Both in reaching the market and also its capabilities once in buyer hands.

Yet Audi promises quite explicitly that it will produce an all-electric SUV in 2018. For whom, and why, remains TBD.

Not even a very-faked Chicago skyline and longing for my hometown warms my heart to this machine, especially versus Porsche, Bugatti and Mercedes concepts today. Just blah, Audi. Eyes rolling, unfortunately to report.

Who knows. This rant sounds like someone who hated the BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne. And those trucks rock. Hopefully technical innovation will make real SUV duties possible in the eventual Audi E-Tron SUV in a few years.

 

2015 Audi E-Tron Quattro Concept – Frankfurt IAA Debut

2015 Audi E-Tron Quattro Concept

09/14/15

Ingolstadt

Audi MediaCenter

Audi e-tron quattro concept: Electric driving pleasure with no compromises

  • A foretaste of the production version: The electric-powered Audi e-tron quattro concept
  • Range of more than 500 kilometers (310.7 mi) for full everyday usability
  • New concept combines aerodynamics and creative design solutions

Flow-enhanced design with a drag coefficient of 0.25; a powerful, all-electric e-tron quattro drive with up to 370 kW – Audi is presenting the Audi e-tron quattro concept at the International Motor Show (IAA) 2015 in Frankfurt. The car is the company’s statement about the future of electric mobility: It is sporty, efficient and suitable for everyday use.

Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.

He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.

Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.

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