Audi planning 20 new electric models and 12 new SUVs by 2025

Audi has used the launch of the e-tron, it’s first all-electric SUV, to announce plans for a host of new models over the next seven years.

In total there will be 20 new, electrified cars – expected to comprise 12 fully electric e-tron models, plus plug-in hybrids – plus a big boost to the brand’s range of Q SUVs.

As well as the Tesla Model X-rivalling e-tron, a coupe/crossover version, badged e-tron Sportback, will be unveiled in 2019. Both models use a heavily adapted, electrified version of the Volkswagen Group’s MLB Evo platform, which, in unmodified form, is used for the Audi A8 and Q8 and also the Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus. 

• Audi e-Tron Vision GT review

Before that, though, another member of the e-tron family will be revealed in concept form at the Los Angeles Motor Show at the end of November. The Audi e-tron GT concept will use much of the technology from the stunning PB18 e-tron concept revealed at this year’s Pebble Beach show, although the look of the e-tron GT concept was previewed at Audi’s annual press conference last March. 

Audi has confirmed that the e-tron GT will use the same platform as the upcoming Porsche Taycan four-door coupe, making use of the same J1 platform, and is expected to go on sale in 2021.  

The only other Audi e-tron model to be confirmed so far is a compact A3-sized model, based on the VW Group’s new MEB all-electric platform. However, more SUVs, crossovers and saloons are expected to join the e-tron line-up by 2025, although some models will only be available in the lucrative and still rapidly-growing Chinese market.

Audi has also confirmed that it’s working with sister brand Porsche on another all-electric platform known as Premium Platform Electric (PPE), which will support a range of larger high-floor (SUV and crossover) and flat-floor (saloon and estate) all-wheel-drive electric cars.

Alongside the rollout of all-electric vehicles, Audi also promises that its range of plug-in hybrids will be expanding. Auto Express understands that eight nameplates in the current Audi line-up will be available with plug-in technology by 2025. In total, the firm expects 30-35 per cent of its sales to be electrified by then, while many of its internal combustion-engined cars will also benefit from 48-volt mild hybrid systems.

New Audi Q SUVs on the way

Audi’s Q range of SUVs will also be growing rapidly with 12 new models due by 2025. Seven of those will be electrified e-tron models including the e-tron and e-tron Sportback, but that still leaves five other Qs to join the existing line-up. Expect the range to be boosted by Q4 and Q6 Sportback models, while the often-rumoured Q1 small SUV and range-topping Q9 Range Rover rival could also be back on the cards.

Audi Sport is also likely to be breathing on many of these cars with an RS version of the e-tron a possibility. Audi’s vice president of product marketing, Fermin Soneira Santos, told us, “We plan to produce a special version of the e-tron – something that you can have even more fun in.”

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