Audi is currently developing an all-electric crossover SUV that’s apparently intended to compete directly with Tesla’s soon-to-be-released Model X, according to recent reports.
The company’s chief of engineering, Ulrich Hackenberg, noted that the as yet undefined electric SUV could possess a battery capacity as substantial as 90 kilowatt-hours — likely making for a very considerable range, potentially topping the Model X.
Of course, the Model X is expected to be released before the end of 2015, whereas Audi’s offering is still on the drawing board (more or less). So comparisons between the two models are a bit pointless, especially when you consider that Hackenberg also noted that the proposed SUV will likely be particularly costly. As he put it, it will “be used by families that have some money, it is premium,” he said. And, “it will have a big battery capacity.” Of course, the Model X also won’t be cheap, but does anyone think Audi can produce a vehicle comparable to the Model X with a lower cost?
Audi R8 e-Tron
These comments (and others, of course) were recently made at the Geneva Auto Show, in an interview with Auto Express. Amongst the others, was the comment that the lessons learned from the development of the Audi R8 e-Tron would be (are being?) applied directly to the electric SUV.
The model will be, as stated before, something of a crossover utility in character — though not much else is clear other than that, regarding appearance. One thing, though, according to Hackenberg it will be “more passenger orientated” — which presumably means an emphasis on increased seating, as compared against other foci. A final note, the SUV will apparently possess dedicated bodywork.
With the release of Tesla’s Model X getting closer by the day, we’ll soon get an opportunity to see what an all-electric SUV has to offer, in actual practice. What do you think? Is there room for Audi? And for that matter, is Audi actually going to follow through on this, or is it just talk?
Image Credit: Audi
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