All-electric four-door to follow the footsteps of the pending e-tron SUV in 2020.
Is this Audi’s answer to the Tesla Model S?
That’s likely the case. At its annual press conference in Germany this week, Audi has confirmed that it’s planning a second battery electric vehicle in the guise of a sleek four-door saloon to potentially take on the Tesla Model S.
As seen in this official rendering of the car, the so-called e-tron GT will follow the footsteps of the imminent e-tron SUV, which was recently unveiled in thinly disguised form at the Geneva motor show.
Audi says the e-tron GT will be made at its Neckarsulm factory and is one of the 20 electrified models to feature in its showrooms by 2025.
Will it share know-how with Porsche?
That’s also likely the case because both Audi and Porsche are affiliates in the Volkswagen Group. In fact, the two brands have already done extensive cooperation in the development of engines and platforms such as for big SUVs and saloons like the Q7/Cayenne and A8/Panamera.
This should sound as good news for early adopters of BEVs. Also in Geneva, Porsche displayed a concept car called Mission E Cross Gran Turismo which highlighted two key points for BEVs.
First is the touring range of at least 500km deemed essential in giving BEV users peace of mind when needing to drive away from the wall socket.
Second is the recharging time in which the Porsche show car can revitalise its battery to 80% in just 15min. Although that requires a special fast-charging system, such a quick rate should make life easier with BEVs.
Cool! Is it true that Audi intends to sell BEVs in Thailand?
According to the people at the Thai Audi office, there’s a plan to sell BEVs in the country starting with that e-tron SUV later this year when the production-ready model is officially revealed.
In fact, Audi has a plan to bypass plug-in hybrid electric technology in Thailand so that it can take the lead in BEVs ahead of arch rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
At the moment, Audi doesn’t have any production facilities here, unlike its two key rivals which are already offering a range of plug-in hybrid saloons and SUVs in locally assembled forms.
