New Audi E-Tron Prototype Unveiled, Previews Upcoming Facelift

Audi’s facelifted e-tron is inching closer to production as the company has unveiled a new prototype at the E-Cannonball in Hamburg.

Sporting “specially designed camouflage” and eye-catching orange accents, the prototype features a new and more distinctive mesh grille. It’s flanked by updated headlights, which have “new lighting innovations” despite their familiar appearance.

Further below, there’s a new front bumper that blends together elements from the standard model and the sportier S variant. The most noticeable change is more prominent air curtains, which have a sporty surround.

Also Read: Facelifted Audi E-Tron Seen Testing In The Alps With Bold New Grille

The modest styling changes continue out back as we can see a new rear bumper and diffuser. The model also gains integrated e-tron badging and updated taillights.

Audi didn’t say much about the prototype, “because it is still keeping some of its secrets to itself.” However, previous reports have suggested the crossover could be renamed the Q8 e-tron to make its position in Audi’s lineup clearer.

Reports have also suggested the crossover could be equipped with more efficient motors, an improved energy recovery system, and an upgraded battery pack. This could boost the crossover’s range to approximately 373 miles (600 km) in the WLTP cycle, which would be a substantial increase over its current range of up to 273 miles (440 km).

Regardless of the final numbers, the current Audi e-tron starts at $70,800 in the United States and features a 95 kWh battery pack. The latter powers a dual-motor all-wheel drive system which enables the crossover to produce up to 402 hp (300 kW / 408 PS) in boost mode. This enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 5.5 seconds, before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h).