Audi’s all-electric SUV is coming. Here’s your first look

In 2018, Audi will bring to market a production-ready, full-size all electric SUV. The sketch of the concept car above is the first step on that journey.

The concept is called the Audi e-tron quattro, an all-electric, all-wheel-drive SUV that sits in size right between the Q5 and Q7. Audi will give it a world premiere at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

Because it’s big, it sits on the VW Group's second-generation modular longitudinal platform, better know as MLB. That isn’t especially interesting, but what is interesting is the drivetrain, which we’re told will borrow from Audi's upcoming R8 e-tron supercar, itself finally confirmed at this year's Geneva Motor Show.

Which means an electric motor on the front axle, and an electric motor for each rear wheel, with a big lithium-ion battery fitted between the front and rear axle, below the passenger compartment. Nice and low.

In the R8 e-tron, that electrified drivetrain is capable of producing a combined 456bhp and a whopping 678lb ft of torque. That’s many horsepowers and many, many torques.

Audi is also promising the e-SUV will boast a range of more than 310 miles on a single charge, though we suspect that largely depends on how you deploy those horsepowers and torques. Either way, impressive numbers.

The electric SUV concept features a drag coefficient of 0.25, and also active aero around the front, sides and rear to improve the airflow. All of which are difficult to see from a sketch, so we’ll have to wait until the show for more info and proper pics.

But it is coming. A full size, electric Audi SUV. Stay tuned…