Skip advert
Advertisement

New Audi PPE concept to preview look of brand's future electric cars

Audi has teased its next-generation electric car, and our exclusive image shows how it could look when the covers come off

Audi has given the first hint of how its next generation of electric cars could look, by revealing the front end of a concept that’s designed to work on the PPE platform that the company is creating in conjunction with Porsche.

The unnamed vehicle is positioned at the rear of an official image designed to showcase Audi’s approach to electrification - with the e-tron and forthcoming e-tron GT and Q4 e-tron sitting in front of it. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

• Best electric cars on sale

The front of the concept has been lifted, showing a potential new grille treatment that Audi is considering for its electric cars. It looks like an inverted version of the current set-up, with a very obvious panel replacing the conventional air intake. The dark area around the edge of the frame could potentially be used to provide any cooling required, however. Our exclusive image previews how the new car could look when it's official revealed.

Auto Express understands that the car in question is around the same size as an A7 Sportback, but that it has a slightly higher roofline because of the thicker floor required to accommodate the battery pack. It has been based on the fixed points of the PPE platform, though - a new architecture that Audi and Porsche are developing to maximise range and refinement. 

A high-level Audi source told us that the concept is “early work in progress” - but added that work on the front-end styling is more advanced than the car’s flanks; hence the willingness to reveal just one specific section of the vehicle.

PPE, which stands for Premium Platform Electric, is designed to complement the J1 chassis that underpins the Porsche Taycan and the e-tron GT. J1 is aimed at outright performance and low weight, whereas PPE is capable of supporting a wider range of body styles, including saloons and SUVs.

Click here to read our review of the Audi e-tron GT concept...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Editor-at-large

John started journalism reporting on motorsport – specifically rallying, which he had followed avidly since he was a boy. After a stint as editor of weekly motorsport bible Autosport, he moved across to testing road cars. He’s now been reviewing cars and writing news stories about them for almost 20 years.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

When is an Audi not an Audi? When it's an AUDI!
Opinion - AUDI

When is an Audi not an Audi? When it's an AUDI!

Editor Paul Barker tries to get his head around why Audi’s joint venture with SAIC has been called AUDI
Opinion
13 Nov 2024
Audi E Concept launches new China-only sub brand that’s, confusingly, called AUDI
Audi E Concept - front

Audi E Concept launches new China-only sub brand that’s, confusingly, called AUDI

The joint venture between Audi and SAIC will launch in 2025, and the new E Concept reveals its styling direction
News
8 Nov 2024
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2024, 2025 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2024, 2025 and beyond

These are the biggest and most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
6 Nov 2024
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024: new cars and highlights
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024 - MG sculpture

Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024: new cars and highlights

2024’s Goodwood Festival of Speed was a celebration of over 130 years of engine tech, but it also looked well into the future
News
17 Jul 2024

Most Popular

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success
Opinion - cheap EV

A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success

Mike Rutherford thinks there would be demand for an electric car with a modest 100-mile range if it only cost £10k
Opinion
17 Nov 2024
Best used cars to buy 2024
Best used cars 2024

Best used cars to buy 2024

From city cars to large SUVs, here’s our annual pick of the star performers that’ll save you thousands when you buy them used instead of new
Best cars & vans
20 Nov 2024