Audi’s first all-electric coming

The Audi e-tron quattro, the brand’s first pure electric model, will be available on the European market later this year and is launching in New Zealand in 2019.

Pricing and specifications will be confirmed closer to its launch.

A prototype has been unveiled, albeit in camouflage, at the Geneva International Motor Show running until March 18.

What lies beneath is a sporty SUV with room for five people and plenty of luggage, the car maker says.

Audi says the car will have a long range – but doesn’t say how many kilometres – and comprehensive charging options. It can charge up from stations with up to 150kW capacity in just under 30 minutes.

“The Audi e-tron is a key model for the model range and we’re excited to have it here in New Zealand in 2019,” Audi New Zealand general manager Dean Sheed says.

Produced at a carbon neutral plant in Brussels, about 250 development cars will undergo testing over five million kilometres on four continents in extreme conditions.

In addition, intensive tests of the charging technology are being held worldwide –an important safeguarding standard for battery-electric models.

“In 2020 we will have three all-electric vehicles in our product range, with a four-door Gran Turismo –the production version of the Audi e-tron Sportback concept –and a model in the compact segment joining the sporty SUV,” Audi AG management board chairman Rupert Stadler says.

“We will be launching more than 20 electric cars and plug-in hybrids by 2025 –spread across all segments and concepts.”

Visit www.e-tron.audi

for more information.