The second-generation modular longitudinal platform offers Audi broad technical possibilities, including with the drive train. The Audi e-tron quattro concept technology study uses three powerful electric motors – one on the front axle and two on the rear axle. Total output is 320 kW, with boosting enabling the driver to temporarily mobilize up to 370 kW.

The electric motors are highly efficient over a wide engine speed range, including at low and intermediate load. They thus combine emotional driving pleasure, a high level of active safety and, above all, an extensive range. The electric motors are liquid-cooled, as are the power electronics specially developed for the technology study.

The concept with three electric motors, which Audi is presenting for the first time, makes the Audi e-tron quattro concept an electrified quattro – an e-tron quattro. The controller continuously computes the optimal interplay of the electric motors for every driving situation. At low load, the motor on the front axle is solely responsible for propulsion. When the driver floors the accelerator and all three electric engines are working together, 370 kW of output and more than 800 Nm (590.0 lb-ft) of torque are available. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) is completed in 4.6 seconds; the top speed of 210 km/h (130.5 mph) is quickly reached.

The key drive train management parameters are the position of the accelerator, the mode chosen in the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, the driving program – S or D – and the battery charge level. The data about the near surroundings provided by the sensors for piloted driving, the predictive route data from the navigation system and the real-time traffic information from Audi connect also flow into this computation, always with the aim of optimally adjusting the drive train to the current conditions.

The focus is on not just powerful performance, but also maximum efficiency. Before even starting out, the driver can have the Audi e-tron quattro concept compute a drive train strategy to minimize energy consumption. When underway, the Audi e-tron quattro concept recovers large amounts of energy. Up to moderate braking, the electric motors are solely responsible for decelerating the vehicle. The hydraulic brakes only come into play for heavy braking. The driver can adjust the degree of recuperation in stages. At the lowest setting, no energy is recovered at all in certain situations. Instead, the sport SUV glides with no deceleration torque because the drive train is decoupled.

The concept with the two electric motors on the rear axle offers major advantages when it comes to sporty handling. The Torque Control Manager, which works together with the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC), actively distributes the power between the rear wheels as necessary. This torque management system provides for maximum dynamics and stability. The adjustments are made fast as lightning thanks to the virtually instantaneous response of the electric motors. Whether lateral or longitudinal dynamics, the drive concept of the Audi e-tron quattro concept adapts perfectly to every situation.

The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.