[Audi Q3 News]

Tesla has set the benchmark worldwide for electric vehicles and a lot of manufacturers are playing catch up, including Audi.

Audi announced last year that they were planning to produce their first all-electric vehicle based on the e-tron concept. A luxury SUV that is expected to sit between the Q5 and the Q7 and it is set go into production in 2018. Now, Automotive News Europe is saying that Audi also plans to come out with an electric version of the Q5 which will be produced in Mexico. Both of these upcoming EVs would satisfy the midsized electric SUV market but, what about those who want a small crossover electric SUV?

Smaller than an Audi Q5 and more affordable, an electric Q3 could prove to be more popular and it’s built on the same modular platform that the Audi A3 uses and that model has a Sportback e-tron variant coming out in the near future. The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is a plug in hybrid electric vehicle fitted with a 1.4 TFSI engine and a 75kW electric motor. The specs aren’t out yet but if Audi can come out with an electric variant based on the A3 then maybe the Q3 platform could potentially be added to the e-tron lineup too.

Do you think an electric Q3 is in the cards?

 

[rnlabas]

Definitely - and sooner than you think ...

 

[Klassic]

A Q3 electric is more than definitely going to be coming very soon. Especially because the A3 comes with that variation option. All they'll do is swap the powertrain over to the Q3 and call it a day. It'll definitely be a hit as well

 

[grumpycamel]

Yes I agree with Klassic. Definitely coming as there is market demand. Especially after the VWgate scandal, Audi has to be seen to provide more efficient engines. I also agree that they will just implement the A3 electric powertrain as its quick and easy to bring to market. They need to act quick though and how good that powertrain is, we will just have to wait and see.

 

[john]

Definitely - and sooner than you think ...

We are 1 year since this post Roger. When is sooner?
Thanks, John

 

[rnlabas]

I think that Audi will co-introduce the Q3etron along with the new MQB version of the car as a 19 model. While I have no indicated cadence of this, it could be both possible and practical. As we are about to see the newest D series cars (A8) there will be at least one hybrid or more amongst the lineup.

With Audi out of WEC and fully committed to Formula e, I think it's only natural to think that more etrons are coming.

A year may sound short when I last posted about it, but in the scheme of most models taking 3-5 years from concept to road, one year later is anything but slow... and if it does come in 19, even that is pretty quick by today's shorter times. Look how long it's taking Tesla for a car they've all but sold out more than a year ago.

Perhaps only Rimac Concept One can claim a fast development to delivery record ...

 

[john]

Well I am just impatient!!

 

[rnlabas]

Hah !! Not as much as I ...

 

[Q3User]

Sorry to thread crap but after driving last week to Tampa from VA in my brother's Teslas S - I will have to say I am more geeked about e-cars.

Besides the obvious lack of emission, gas/oil usage & massive reduction in maintenance; the autopilot is amazing & a critical safety enhancement & really reduces the fatigue risk factors.

Yes it effectively added ~4 hours to the trip but it's just a new paradigm in long distance road travel: hopping from charger to charger vs. the final destination in the shortest route/time.

In 17 hours (~900 miles) - we stopped 6 times - great to get out & stretch. Hate straight line driving.

I actually don't mind since it wasn't tiring at all being on the road the extra 4 hours & the Tesla Supercharger network is nicely laid out right next to my primary route & with plenty of amenities (@ shopping plazas usually).

So bring on the E-Tron- Tesla Y or the Jag i-Pace!