It won't be out until the end of September but the Tesla Model X SUV is already set to get a European rival. Official sketches of the Audi E-Tron Quattro Concept have just been released with a debut set for next month's Frankfurt Auto Show.
Audi's e-tron Quattro concept previews its 310 mile electric SUV coming in 2018 https://t.co/59PG0ono4n pic.twitter.com/hFHFeeuLB3
— CNET (@CNET) August 19, 2015
"Originally known under the internal codename of 'C-BEV,' the existence of the concept was first hinted at during Audi's 2015 annual accounts press conference in April," AutoCar said.
Like its intended rival the Model X, the E-Tron Quattro Concept will be a battery-electric vehicle which Audi claims to have "at least 500km [311 miles]" of range.
The passenger cabin will be home to the lithium-ion battery which said to have a capacity as high as 90kWh. This makes a low center of gravity possible for Audi's electric SUV.
Underneath the sheet metal, the E-Tron concept is said to share its motor and battery tech with the latest iteration of the R8 E-Tron.
Unlike the R8 though, the Audi E-Tron Quattro Concept is driven by three electric motors, one for each rear wheel while another one drives the front wheels.
"That configuration not only supports [all-wheel] drive, but allows torque vectoring across the rear wheels," CNET reported.
According to the website, the technology will allow the drive system to apply torque to the outside wheel during a turn to improve handling.
"Aesthetically, the e-tron will feature a sleek coupe-like roof line and an aggressive athletic profile," Business Insider said.
The concept will supposedly serve as a preview of what's to come for Audi's Q6 all-electric SUV slated for a 2018 launch. It is expected to slot between Q5 compact crossover and Q7 seven-seater when it comes out.
The E-Tron concept won't be the only German rival for Tesla's Model X SUV. Franchise Herald previously reported that BMW is also working on an electric SUV of their own.
Attendees can catch the Audi E-Tron Quattro Concept at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show from September 17 to 27 which will be held at Frankfurt Trade Fairground.
