Audi reveals radical urban electric vehicle

We recently reported a spy sighting of a new Audi E-tron concept in Germany, but now Ingolstadt has released their side of the full story.

The latest concept wearing the four roundels is an urban runabout to rival BMW’s new ‘i’ sub brand and the entry level i3 model. It doesn’t really have a name yet, referred to as just an urban concept, but it seats two one behind another, and is made entirely of carbon fibre reinforced plastic to save weight.

Audi claims the new design wears an elaborate suspension set-up and a compact electric drive system for sporty performance. Ingolstadt goes on to add that they’ve added a dash of race car to the concept, with free-standing wheels, a low driving position and central seating.

Despite the technology incorporated here, the car is focused entirely on simplicity and everything unnecessary has been left out. Which means there’s no luxury to speak of, but Audi has fitted LED lights and a dynamic design with forward-facing lines. It’s still unmistakably an Audi design, but with a new twist to it that would lend itself well to future small Audis.

Inside, the designers ensured that the driver gets a perfect driving position with adjustable pedals and steering wheel, while entry to the cabin is via the tailgate. The roof is also manoeuvrable and slides to the rear to open. Carbon fibre makes up the bulk of the cockpit construction, while the chunky wheels measure a huge 21in in diameter.

Propulsion in the urban concept comes from two electric motors which Audi claims provide zesty acceleration, while a lithium-ion battery supplies the energy. The concept will bare all at the Frankfurt show next month, where we’ll also find out if this is just a pipe dream or a true-life competition to the BMW i3.