Audi Unveils Sporty EV

Volkswagen AG’s Audi unit took the wraps off the e-tron Sportback concept vehicle this week at the Shanghai auto show.

The concept previews a production model due in 2019, the carmaker says. The sportback will be the second of three e-tron EVs Audi plans to launch by 2020, starting next year with an all-electric crossover/SUV.

The sportback and crossover e-trons will ride on VW’s MEB architecture for compact electric vehicles. Targeted at Jaguar’s upcoming I-Pace EV, the Audi sportback features a coupe-like profile with sloping roof and liftback rear.

The all-wheel-drive system uses one electric motor to power the front axle and two motors to drive the rear. The aft motors provide assist as needed during high-load and low-grip conditions.

Audi says the combination generates 430 hp (briefly boosted to 496 hp) and 590 lb-ft of torque, and can propel the concept from zero to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds. A 95-kWh lithium-ion battery enables a 310-mile driving range on the European cycle.