Audi to reveal concept of first all-electric SUV at Frankfurt Motor Show
Audi announced yesterday that its e-Tron Quattro concept car, an all-electric SUV, will debut at the 2015 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt which opens next month. The car, which is expected to have a full-charge range of more than 500 km, or 310 miles, goes into production in 2018 and is being seen as a serious rival to Tesla's forthcoming Model X.
Audi will build an all-electric version of its upcoming Q6 SUV "coupe," which will be previewed at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

We now know the concept will be called the Audi e-tron quattro, and--thanks to teaser images released by the carmaker--we have a rough idea of what it will look like.

Matching previous descriptions, the e-tron quattro will marry the low roofline of a traditional coupe with the tall ride height of an SUV, and a four-door body.

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This puts the e-tron quattro--and the eventual Q6 production version--in the same class as vehicles such as the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.

Audi says there are practical elements to the styling as well.

The concept will apparently feature adjustable aerodynamic elements at the front, on the sides, and at the rear, as well as a completely enclosed underbody.

Audi e-tron quattro concept, 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show

In terms of size, the e-tron quattro concept will fit between the Q5 and Q7 crossovers. The production Q6 is expected to use the Volkswagen Group MLB platform of the larger Q7 model.

The Q6 is expected to be offered with multiple powertrain options, with the all-electric version possibly badged Q6 e-tron.

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The concept version's interior features seating for four, with a lithium-ion battery pack positioned beneath the floor within the wheelbase.

Audi announced last week that lithium-ion cells for the production model will be supplied by Korean firms LG Chem and Samsung SDI.

These batteries will provide the electric SUV with a range of more than 310 miles, Audi has said.

Audi e-tron quattro concept, 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show

In the e-tron quattro concept, power is sent from the battery pack to three electric motors--one on the front axle, and two on the rear axle.

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This gives the concept all-wheel drive, justifying the "quattro" part of the name.

Audi has hinted at a production all-electric SUV for some time.

Audi e-tron quattro concept, 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show

Then, earlier this year, Audi confirmed that it will launch a "sporty SUV with electric drive" in 2018.

MORE: 2017 Audi R8 e-tron All-Electric Sports Car: Live Photos From Geneva Motor Show

With the scheduled debut of the e-tron quattro in Frankfurt, the pieces are starting to fall into place.

Press days for the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show begin September 15. Watch this space for more updates on the Audi e-tron quattro concept.

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