Audi is preparing a complete overhaul of its product portfolio. There are new vehicles in the pipeline which will be introduced shortly including the new flagship A8, new-gen A6 and A7 Sportback. The SUV line-up will be joined by an all-new Q4 and the new flagship Q8 as well. Apart from these, Audi has announced its plans to introduced three different electric vehicles by the turn of this decade.
First up in the three EV line-up will be an SUV. The shifting trends towards the SUV amongst car buyers make it so much more viable. According to the carmaker, although the SUVs have a tough architecture, the need for perfect aerodynamics is eliminated. Audi has already revealed a few SUV bodystyle concepts at many auto expos with the e-tron moniker, but it is unsure as to which amongst it would eventually become a part of the first proper electric-SUV from Ingolstadt.
Following the SUV will be an electric sports car earmarked the BMW i8. It is rumoured that this car will to have a basic structure similar to the SUV but with a definitive iteration of a sports car, like the TT. Though the details regarding the electric sports car are scarce, it remains to be seen whether this i8-rival would follow the same principle and fill in the void of the discontinued R8 e-tron.
Thirdly, the three EV line-up will be completed by a smaller and compact car similar to the I.D. Concept showcased by Volkswagen. Audi has admitted the employment of the Volkswagen’s Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB) electric platform which is specially developed for the German giant’s future EVs. This I.D.-based Audi’s compact could be pitched against the i3 from BMW.
Audi’ expected push towards electrification could be a part of Volkswagen’s grand scheme of introducing 30 or more electric vehicles by the year 2025. Previously, Audi also disclosed its intentions to introduce a new electric vehicle every year beginning from 2018. This move would help the German giant to move away from the infamous dieselgate and bury its emissions scandal for good.
