German automaker Audi is set to take on Tesla Motor’s forthcoming Model X with its own electric SUV that will have a range of over 310 miles.
Audi, based in Ingolstadt, Germany said in a statement Wednesday that its electric sport utility vehicle, provisionally called the e-tron quattro, will be unveiled at the upcoming International Auto Show in Frankfurt, which opens to the press September 15.
The Volkswagen-owned automaker is planning to put its electric SUV into production in 2018 as its first large series electric car. As Tesla’s highly anticipated Model X SUV is the company’s third vehicle and will start shipping only in a few months.
The e-tron quattro concept car is described by the car maker as a “sporty SUV” in a release. The electric SUV will be powered by a large lithium-ion battery. The model will have an SUV body and a “flat, coupe-like cabin” with a spacious interior that can carry four people. The new SUV will have a length between that of the Q5 and the Q7. The concept will feature three electric motors — one on the front axle and two on the rear axle. New battery technology and technical measures to reduce aerodynamic drag contribute to the electric vehicle’s long range, Audi said.
The automaker did not give further details of the car’s performance but according to some reports in the motoring press, the concept is expected to develop 500 horsepower and an incredible 517 pounds-feet of torque.
In comparison, Tesla’s Model S can travel up to 270 miles on a single charge and the Model X, Tesla’s second model which will start production in early 2016, is expected to have a range of 170 to 230 miles. Tesla says on its website that their seven-seat Model X will be powered by two independent and digitally controlled electric motors.
Audi’s announcement follows days after Aston Martin revelaed that it is planning to launch an 800-horsepower all-electric version of its four-door Rapid sports car in the next few years.
