It’s AGM time at Audi, and alongside news of record deliveries (1.8million cars in 2015, and 620,100 in the first four months of this year) and big investment (€3billion in property, plants and future tech’ in 2016) was something a bit more us – news of a new car.
And the news is that beginning in 2018, Audi will launch a new EV every year, starting with a ‘sporty SUV’ with a claimed range of ‘more than 500km’ (310.69 miles). That’s more even than the Tesla Model S, which according to the US Environmental Protection Agency has a highway range of 303.2 miles. Your move, Elon.
Admittedly, this news doesn’t come as much of a surprise. At last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show Audi unveiled the E-tron Quattro Concept (pictured), and quickly confirmed to TG that yes, it would make production and yes, it might look a bit like the concept. The concept had two electric motors, one for each axle, with a combined 503bhp. Audi claimed 4.6secs to 62mph, 131mph and that 310-mile range.