All-Electric Audi A9 E-tron Sedan To Launch By 2020

Audi has confirmed that it will launch an all-electric luxury sedan by 2020 as a rival to the Tesla Model S.

Thought to be dubbed the A9 e-tron, Autocar reports that the model will share many parts with the upcoming Q6 e-tron, itself based around the company’s E-tron Quattro Concept.

If correct, that means that the Audi A9 e-tron will utilize three electric motors, one of which will power the front wheels and two which will send drive to the rear. In concept form, this electric setup resulted in a total of 429 hp but it is reported that figure could rise closer to 500 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque when in a sporty driving mode.

Alongside the three electric motors will be a large 95 kWh battery pack situated below the passenger compartment and allowing the model to reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in the mid-4 seconds. Of more importance will be the vehicle’s range which will extend up to 311 miles (500 km) on a single charge.

Discussing the vehicle’s powertrain, Audi research and development boss Stefan Knirsch said “Some rivals have gone for a synchronous motor with a high power density but at relatively low revs. There are also asynchronous motors that typically achieve similar power outputs but at much higher revs. From 2018, our electric cars will be equipped with asynchronous motors. We are convinced they offer higher efficiency levels than synchronous motors.”

The Audi A9 e-tron will also hit the market with level four autonomous driving technology, enabling it to drive itself in most situations.

Note: Audi Prologue Concept pictured