“The RS 7 Sportback is our interpretation of a five-door high-performance coupé with a grand tourer design,” said Oliver Hoffmann, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. “With refinements to make it even more suitable for everyday use plus its incredible performance, what we have here is an outstanding piece of sports equipment for customers who like their cars to feature stunning design.”

Innovative: the exterior design

The new Audi RS 7 Sportback sits low to the ground. The flared wheel arches emphasize the relentlessly sporty nature of the high-performance model from Audi Sport. The extreme width is no optical illusion – at 1,950 millimeters (76.8 inches) at the front fenders, the tape measure has to stretch an extra 40 millimeters (1.6 inches) or so over the Audi A7 Sportback. The new RS 7 Sportback shares the coupé-like lines of the base model’s body, but only in four areas: the hood, the roof, the front doors and the tailgate. The RS-specific exterior design gives the 
5,009-millimeter (197.2-inch) grand tourer a character all of its own. 

The front of the new RS 7 Sportback features a broad, flat Singleframe with no contrasting border. The radiator protective grille with its RS-specific three-dimensional honeycomb structure has retained its gloss black appearance. Large front air inlets and vertical fins in gloss black add to the aggressive styling. A horizontal blade marks a distinctive downward edge to the front end.

The side view of the new Audi RS 7 Sportback (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 11.6 – 11.4 (20.3 – 20.6 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 265 – 261 (426.5 – 420.0 g/mi))reveals sharply defined lines and curved surfaces like well-toned muscles. A low shoulder line shifts the visual emphasis downward, while the window line rises toward the rear, giving a sense of dynamism even when the vehicle is stationary. The RS-specific door sills with black inlays accentuate the high-performance Sportback’s distinct impression of forward movement.

The rear end’s curved trailing edge and strip of lights linking the main rear lights make it one of the characteristic defining features of the RS 7 Sportback. At a speed of 100 km/h (62.1 mph), a spoiler will extend from the tailgate. The RS exhaust system, with a large, chrome-colored oval tailpipe on each side, sits beneath an RS-specific bumper with a rear diffuser and design elements in gloss black. The new RS 7 Sportback comes with LED headlights fitted as standard. The optional RS matrix LED laser headlights, with their dark bezels, and the LED rear lights are equipped with dynamic turn signal lights and run through RS-specific sequences when the vehicle is locked and unlocked.

V8 power: the drive system

The 4.0 TFSI in the new Audi RS 7 Sportback produces 441 kW (600 metric hp) and delivers 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque within a broad range from 2,050 to 4,500 rpm. The high-performance Sportback will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.1 mph) in only 3.6 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.3 mph); this can be increased to 280 km/h (174 mph) with the Dynamic package and to 305 km/h (189.5 mph) with the Dynamic plus package. 

Thanks to its mild hybrid system (MHEV) with a 48-volt main on-board electrical system, the 4.0 TFSI combines maximum performance with high efficiency. The belt alternator starter can recover up to 12 kW power under gentle acceleration and feed it into a lithium-ion battery as electricity. If the driver releases the accelerator at a speed between 55 and 160 km/h (34.2 to 99.4 mph), the drive management will select one of two options. Depending on the driving situation and the settings in Audi drive select, the new RS 7 Sportback will either recover energy or coast with the engine switched off. When the driver steps on the accelerator, the belt alternator starter will start the engine again. MHEV technology allows for start-stop mode at speeds below 22 km/h (13.7 mph). As soon as the vehicle in front of the new RS 7 Sportback starts moving, the engine will spring back to life—even if the brakes are applied. With the MHEV-technology it is possible to reduce fuel consumption by as much as 0.8 liters per 100 kilometers.

The cylinder on demand (COD) system is another weapon in the vehicle’s armory when it comes to efficiency. In higher gears at low to medium loads and engine speeds, it will deactivate cylinders 2, 3, 5, and 8 by halting injection and ignition and closing the intake and exhaust valves. In four-cylinder mode, the operating points will switch to the active cylinders at higher loads, thereby improving efficiency, while the deactivated cylinders continue to run like gas springs, largely without any losses. When the driver presses the accelerator pedal, they are reactivated immediately. Each switchover takes mere milliseconds and is virtually undetectable by the driver and passengers. 

The four-liter engine produces a full-bodied and sporty V8 sound. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system allows adjustments to the sonorous growl of the power unit. The optional RS sport exhaust system with black tailpipe trim provides an even fuller sound. In the customizable RS1 and RS2 modes, customers can decide for themselves whether they want a sporty or balanced sound.

The power produced by the 4.0 TFSI flows via the standard eight-speed tiptronic transmission with optimized shift times and a new launch control function to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. Drive forces are distributed to the front and rear axles in a 40:60 ratio via the purely mechanical center differential. If one wheel slips, more drive torque automatically goes to the axle with the better traction. Up to 70 percent can flow to the front wheels and up to 85 percent to the back wheels.

The wheel-selective torque control optimizes the agile and confident handling of the new RS 7 Sportback, applying the brakes gently to the wheels on the inside of a bend before they have the chance to slip. The quattro sport differential, available with the optional Dynamic and Dynamic plus packages, shifts the torque between the rear wheels as needed during sporty cornering, thereby improving traction, stability, and dynamics.

Agility as standard: the suspension

Five-link front and rear axles handle the lateral and longitudinal forces independently on the new RS 7 Sportback. The linkages and the subframes are made largely of aluminum. The track is 1,668 millimeters (65.7 in) at the front and 1,650 millimeters (65 in) at the rear.

The standard RS adaptive air suspension with controlled damping has been tuned specifically to suit the RS and now allows the new RS 7 Sportback to reach a top speed of 305 km/h (189.5 mph) thanks to a new air spring module with a spring rate 50% higher. The sport air suspension can be set to three modes and includes automatic level control. In the normal position, the body of the new RS 7 Sportback sits 20 millimeters (0.8 in) lower than an Audi A7 Sportback with standard suspension. At speeds above 120 km/h (74.6 mph), it will drop by a further 10 millimeters (0.4 in) and offer a lift mode enabling the vehicle to be raised by 20 millimeters (0.8 in) if requested. The pronounced kingpin inclination of the RS sport air suspension offers the driver a free choice between long-distance comfort and top performance.

The optional RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) holds the RS 7 Sportback (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 11.6 – 11.4 (20.3 – 20.6 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 265 – 261 (426.5 – 420.0 g/mi))even more tightly to the road and improves handling. Pitching and rolling movements are significantly reduced during spirited driving. A new generation of dampers with integrated valves provides for a distinct spread between the various Audi drive select modes.

Progressive steering with sporty and direct ratios is a standard feature of the new RS 7 Sportback. The sporty grand tourer can optionally be fitted with dynamic all-wheel steering. This combines dynamic steering at the front axle, which uses an infinitely variable strain wave gearing, with a separate rear axle steering system with a spindle drive and track rods. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn as much as five degrees in the opposite direction relative to the front wheels. This reduces the turning circle by as much as one meter (3.3 ft), and the RS 7 Sportback (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 11.6 – 11.4 (20.3 – 20.6 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 265 – 261 (426.5 – 420.0 g/mi)) is thus even more agile in city traffic and tight curves. At intermediate and high speeds, the rear wheels turn by as much as two degrees in the same direction, keeping the car steady in its lane.

A driver can determine the character of an RS 7 Sportback using the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. There are six profiles available: comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency and the customizable RS-specific RS1 and RS2 modes, which can be enabled directly via an RS MODE button on the steering wheel. Audi drive select influences factors including engine and transmission management, steering assistance, the suspension, dynamic all-wheel steering, the quattro sport differential, the exhaust flaps, and the way in which the automatic air conditioning works. In RS2 mode, customers can switch the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) to sport mode at the touch of a button. 

The new RS 7 Sportback is fitted as standard with 21-inch cast aluminum wheels with a 10-spoke star design and 275/35 tires. Audi Sport offers optional RS-specific wheels with a 22-inch 5-V-spoke design with 285/30 tires in silver, matt titanium look, gloss turned finish, and gloss turned anthracite black finish. The calipers of the RS brake system with internally ventilated and perforated discs (420 millimeters (16.5 in) at the front, 370 millimeters (14.6 in) at the rear) are painted black as standard or red upon request. On the optional RS ceramic brakes, the calipers can be gray, red or blue. The discs measure 440 millimeter (17.3 in) at the front and 370 millimeters (14.6 in) at the rear. The new RS ceramic brake system tips the scales at 34 kilograms (75 lb) less than its steel counterpart, which cuts down on unsprung mass.

Sporty and futuristic: the interior 

A stripped-down look with sporty accents are the key stylistic elements in the interior of the new Audi RS 7 Sportback. Much like the exterior design, the design language combines taut, sinewy surfaces with clearly defined contours. There is plenty of space for the driver and passenger, with the architecture of the interior accomplishing a seamless transition to the futuristic user interface. The upper MMI touch response display is embedded in the black-paneled architecture in a way that renders it almost impossible to see where the display ends and the surroundings begin. The driver can use the upper RS monitor display to call up an overview of drive system component temperatures, maximum g-forces and information regarding tire pressures and temperatures.

Special RS displays use the Audi virtual cockpit to provide details of tire pressure, torque, performance, oil temperature, boost pressure, lap times, acceleration, and g-forces. The shift light display prompts the driver to upshift when the rev limit is reached. The optional mild hybrid system (MHEV) also shows some RS-specific information.

The flat-bottomed, fully perforated RS sport leather steering wheel with new large RS aluminum shift paddles features multifunction buttons, which the driver can use to enable the new Audi drive select RS1 and RS2 modes. This automatically opens the RS-specific displays in the Audi virtual cockpit. The RS and RS 7 logos adorn the steering wheel, seats, and illuminated front door sill trims. Logo projectors on the front and rear doors beam the Audi Sport emblem onto the ground when the doors are open.

RS sport seats upholstered with black pearl Nappa leather with a rhombus pattern and RS embossing are fitted as standard. An even sportier option is available in the form of RS sport seats covered with Valcona leather, featuring a honeycomb pattern and RS embossing. The perforation allows a ventilation function for the first time.

The two RS design packages, available in either red or gray, bring a splash of color, with contrasting stitching on the Alcantara steering wheel rim, gear lever gaiter and knee pads. Each package also features seat belt straps with colored edging and RS floor mats. Optional inlays in carbon, natural gray-brown wood or matt aluminum open up a range of possibilities for customizing the interior.

The new RS 7 Sportback (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 11.6 – 11.4 (20.3 – 20.6 US mpg); combined CO2emissions in g/km: 265 – 261 (426.5 – 420.0 g/mi)) offers an array of extra functions not seen in the predecessor model. For the first time, Audi Sport is offering the five-door grand tourer with a three-seater rear bench. The sporty four-seater design with a two-seater rear bench is still available. The luggage compartment offers a base capacity of 535 liters (18.9 cu ft), which can be increased to as much as 1,390 liters (49.1 cu ft) with the split rear seatbacks folded down. The long tailgate opens and closes electrically as standard, with an optional convenience key allowing it to be operated by foot gesture control.

All the best equipment: infotainment, assist systems, colors, and materials 

For the new RS 7 Sportback, Audi Sport offers an extensive range of convenience, connectivity, and driver assistance equipment. The athletic grand tourer couples relentless sportiness with unfettered long-distance capability. The car will help the driver out in a wide range of situations. More than 30 assist systems are available, including adaptive cruise assist, intersection assist, lane change warning, curb warning, and 360-degree cameras.

The range of colors for the new Audi RS 7 Sportback encompasses thirteen standard exterior paint finishes, including the two RS-specific shades of Nardo gray and Sebring black, crystal effect, as well as five available matt effect paint finishes. The exterior mirror housings are gloss black as standard, with aluminum matt or the color of the car available as options. Flaps, blades, sill inlays, window slot trims, and the rear diffuser clip can fall under one of three styling packages in matt aluminum, black, or carbon. Upon request, the Audi rings and RS logos at the front and rear are also available in gloss black for the black and carbon styling packages. The diverse Audi exclusive range offers additional possibilities for personalization.

“W49 – New Start in Ingolstadt” temporary exhibition at Audi museum mobile:

September 3, 1949, marks an important date in the history of AUDI AG. The founding of Auto Union GmbH in Ingolstadt on this day launched a new chapter in the history of the automobile manufacturer, which had previously been based in Germany’s federal state of Saxony. Four years after the end of the war, the company commenced production in old buildings of the former Ingolstadt fortress. This was the start of a success story for both the car manufacturer and Ingolstadt. 

With the “W49” exhibit, Audi takes a very special look back on the connection between the company and the city. “49” stands for the year it all began. The "W" originally meant "West" and distinguished the first motorcycle built in Ingolstadt from those built in the “East.” In the description of the exhibition organizers, however, the “W” symbolizes more – including the many chapters of the mutual relationship between both partners over the years, described with German words that begin with the letter: “Weggang” (departure), “Wiederaufbau” (reconstruction), “Wagemut” (adventurousness), “Wachstum” (growth), “Wirtschaftskraft” (economic strength) and “Wandel der Zeit” (change over time). The small company named Auto Union GmbH has since evolved into a premium manufacturer of automobiles with worldwide operations, and the small provincial town has developed into a dynamic and economically strong city – Audi and Ingolstadt.

The new temporary exhibition shows the company's first ten years in Ingolstadt from 1949 to 1959 – and quite deliberately in a double sense: The images allow the visitor to change perspective, offering a view through “Audi glasses” as well as from the viewpoint of the city. Audi is exhibiting the first products of the newly founded Auto Union GmbH, including the DKW Schnelllaster and the DKW RT 125 W motorcycle, as well as other important models from the early automotive production. The exhibition also examines the underlying conditions in the company's new home, from the political restart with a young democracy and the refugees of the day to daily life and the reconstruction in Ingolstadt.

“One Plant – 1,000 Stories” Special exhibition in the building Market and Customer (Markt und Kunde, A51): 

The plant in the north of Ingolstadt has been the heart of the Audi Group for more than 60 years now. Today a team of about 44,000 people work to maintain the company’s “Vorsprung durch Technik.” The brand with the four rings moved into its new production facilities in the summer of 1959. The exhibition in the building Market and Customer A51 focuses on the milestones and highlights of the Ingolstadt site from the end of the 1950s to today. The plant is not the only thing that has evolved. For example, a series of pictures also shows how the Audi logo has changed over time. It still consisted of the so-called “Audi oval” in 1978. The four rings didn’t take its place until 1985. They symbolize the brands Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer. The journey through time includes important models like the DKW Junior de Luxe, the rebirth of Audi in 1965, and the absolute bestsellers for the site – the Audi 80 and Audi A4. The legendary quattro drive is also given its due in this special exhibition. One commercial from the past sparked a furor at the time: In 1986, rally driver Harald Demuth drove an Audi 100 CS quattro up the Pitkävuori ski jump in Finland. A series of photos shows this historical highlight and remakes of the commercial in 2005 and 2019. 

“Consistently Future” special exhibition in the Audi Piazza: 

Audi is positioning itself for the future. In a pavilion in the Audi Piazza, the company is presenting a preview of future investments in the Ingolstadt location. Among other things, the new “Ingolstadt Audi” train stop and the IN-Campus are being presented. The train stop, which will be Ingolstadt’s third train station, is due to open in December 2019. The new central platform will feature a barrier-free connection to both the Audi plant and the public transport network. The IN-Campus is being built in the east of the city of Ingolstadt. IN-Campus GmbH, a joint venture of AUDI AG and the city of Ingolstadt, is refurbishing the site of a former oil refinery for the project and converting it into a technology park – transforming it from a refinery site to a cutting-edge technology center.

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

* Angaben zu den Kraftstoff-/Stromverbräuchen und CO2-Emissionen bei Spannbreiten in Abhängigkeit vom verwendeten Reifen-/Rädersatz sowie von der gewählten Ausstattung.

The drivetrain of the new plug-in hybrid Audi A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro comprises a turbocharged 2-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine with an output of 185 kW (252 PS) and 370 Nm (272.9 lb-ft) of torque and an electric motor (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 2.1 – 1.9 (112.0 – 123.8 US mpg); combined electrical consumption in kWh/100 km*: 18.1 – 17.5; combined CO2 emissions in g/km*: 48 – 44 (77.2 – 70.8 g/mi)). The permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM) has a peak output of 105 kW and peak torque of 350 Nm (258.1 lb-ft). Together with the separating clutch, it is integrated into the seven-speed S tronic, which uses ultra technology to transfer the drive torque to a quattro ultra drivetrain. Total system output is 270 kW (367 PS); the maximum torque of 500 Nm (368.8 lb-ft) is already available at just 1,250 rpm. The A7 PHEV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 5.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph). As a company car, the plug-in hybrid model is subject to a lower tax rate in Germany because its electric range in the WLTP cycle is more than 40 kilometers (24.9 mi). The A7 Sportback can drive at up to 135 km/h (83.9 mph) in electric-only mode, making emissions-free highway driving easy. 

Comprising 104 pouch cells, the lithium-ion battery stores 14.1 kWh of energy at a rated voltage of 381 volts beneath the luggage compartment floor. For optimal temperature control, its cooling loop is connected to both the coolant loop for the climate control system and the low-temperature cooling loop into which the electric motor and power electronics are also integrated. 

The lithium-ion battery is integrated into the rear of the vehicle below the luggage compartment floor in such as way that there is no step in the luggage compartment. Maximum usable stowage capacity with the rear seat folded down is thus 1,235 liters (43.6 cu ft). 

quattro all-wheel drive in a plug-in hybrid

Typically Audi, the A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e** is also equipped with quattro all-wheel drive with ultra technology. The rear axle is activated lightning fast and predictively as needed. Recuperation of electrical energy is always via the front axle. The quattro all-wheel drive concept and the overall concept of the A7 PHEV thus stand equally for performance and efficiency. With the four-door Gran Turismo, Audi is the only premium manufacturer in the direct competitive environment to offer a plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive. 

Easy operation with three driving modes

The drive concept of the A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro is designed so that customers can do the most of their daily driving electrically. Whether with zero local emissions in the city or with high range on long trips. The combination of electric motor and internal combustion engine provides for a sportily dynamic driving experience. With its three different driving modes, the plug-in hybrid is easy to operate in everyday use. 

The A7 PHEV starts by default in EV mode. This means the car is driven exclusively electrically as long as the driver does not depress the accelerator past a variable, perceptible pressure point. EV mode is the base setting each time the vehicle is started. In the second driving mode, Battery Hold mode, the drive management system holds battery capacity at the current level so that a defined distance can later be covered fully electrically, for instance. 

The Hybrid mode is activated either automatically together with route guidance in the navigation system or by the driver using the operating mode button. In this mode, the A7 PHEV uses the interplay between the electric motor and the internal combustion engine to complete as many driving segments as possible electrically so that overall fuel consumption at the end of the trip is as low as possible. For instance, stop-and-go traffic in cities can be driven electrically for the most part. Depending on the situation, the system chooses between freewheeling with the engine switched off and coasting recuperation. Up to 35 kW of power can be recovered with the latter. The electric motor is responsible for all light braking up to 0.1 g, i.e. the majority of braking in everyday driving. A maximum of 80 kW of electrical energy are generated via braking recuperation at a deceleration of up to 0.2 g.

Predictive operating strategy and predictive efficiency assist

For maximum efficiency the A7 uses predictive drive management – the predictive operating strategy. It uses information from the predictive efficiency assist also found in other Audi mid- and full-size class models to control the electric motor, lithium-ion battery and the internal combustion engine. 

If route guidance is active in the MMI navigation system, the predictive operating strategy controls the drivetrain so that the last urban section of the route can be driven exclusively electrically and the Audi A7 PHEV arrives at the destination with the drive battery nearly empty. If the A7 Sportback TFSI e approaches a town, the drive management charges the battery so that the last urban section can be driven electrically. The driver can thus use all of the electric energy to drive with zero local emissions upon entering a town. 

Drive management is controlled on the basis of a large amount of data. The predictive operating strategy uses two types of data, near field and route information, for rough and precision planning of the route. The rough planning is based on online traffic information, distance to the destination, the route profile of the chosen route, precise information about immediate surroundings from the navigation data, such as speed limits, types of roads, 
uphill and downhill slopes and the latest data from the onboard sensors. The drive controller’s rough planning is therefore based primarily on route information along the driven route, such as traffic flow, topography and road type. Precision planning, with which the A7 manages the drive controller in the current driving situation, is performed by the predictive efficiency assistant (PEA) found in other Audi mid- and large-size class models.

The predictive efficiency assistant adjusts coasting recuperation behavior to the driving situation at hand. It uses the predictable route data from the navigation database and monitors the distance to the vehicle ahead using signals from the camera and radar. Depending on the situation, the system chooses predictively between freewheeling with the engine switched off and coasting recuperation, i.e. the recovery of kinetic energy and its conversion into electrical energy. When the adaptive cruise control (ACC) is active, the PEA supports the driver by automatically braking and accelerating with the aim of enhancing efficiency and comfort. 

A haptic pulse from the active accelerator pedal and an optical signal in the driver information system display as well as the optional head-up display provide additional support for the greatest possible efficiency. The active accelerator pedal has both a haptic pressure point that signals the end of electric-only driving and haptic feedback that signals the driver to take their foot off of the accelerator.

Convenient: fast charging in a short time 

The charging system compact comes standard with the Audi A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro**. A Mode 3 cable with Type 2 plug for use at public charging terminals is available as an option. The charging system compact comprises cables for household and industrial outlets plus a control unit. The system features an LED status display and safety functions such as temperature and residual current monitoring. Audi offers the clip wall mount, a lockable holder for the charging system, as an option. 

A full charge at a three-phase CEE industrial outlet with 400 volts and 16 amperes per phase takes just approximately 2.5 hours. The vehicle charges with a maximum of 7.4 kW. Even a 230 volt household outlet can recharge an empty battery fully and conveniently overnight in approximately seven hours. Convenient recharging is also possible on the road. The proprietary Audi e-tron Charging Service provides access to more than 100,000 charging points in Europe. A single card is sufficient to start charging, regardless of the provider. 

A constant eye on the state of charge: the myAudi app

The myAudi app allows customers to use the services from the Audi connect portfolio on their smartphones, which is particularly practical with electrified models. The app can be used to check the battery and range status, start the charging process, program the charge timer and view the charge and consumption statistics. Furthermore, the route planners in both the app and the MMI navigation in the car show charging stations.

Another function of the myAudi app is pre-entry climate control before setting off. The air conditioning compressor and the auxiliary heater in the car are electrically powered. The customer can determine exactly how the interior should be heated or cooled while the battery is being charged. Depending on the optional equipment chosen, the same applies to the seat and steering wheel heating, heating of the windshield, rear window and mirrors, and the seat cooling. 

Clever thermal management

The air conditioning works together with a highly efficient heat pump, enabling the car to make good use of the waste heat from the electric drive train. This is particularly economical and not only enables the interior to be heated or cooled quickly, but also a high electric range even at particularly high or low outdoor temperatures.

Sporty appearance and comprehensively equipped

The Audi A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e** not only scores points against its direct competitors with sporty performance, but also with a correspondingly dynamic appearance package and comprehensive list of standard equipment. The standard S line exterior package combined with the black styling package and the privacy glazing underscore the sporty overall impression of the four-door Gran Turismo even when standing still. 

HD Matrix LED headlights, sport seats, four-zone automatic air conditioning, convenience key, Audi virtual cockpit, PHEV-specific displays, 19-inch, multi-spoke wheels and red brake calipers front and rear are standard. 

Orders are now being accepted for the Audi A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro** at a base price in Germany of 77.850 euros. Market introduction begins in the third quarter of 2019.

Fuel consumption of the models named above:
Audi A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro: Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 2.1 – 1.9 (112.0 – 123.8 US mpg); Combined electrical consumption in kWh/100 km*: 18.1 – 17.5; Combined CO2 emissions in g/km*: 48 – 44 (77.2 – 70.8 g/mi).

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

Lake Bled lies idyllically on the edge of the Pokljukaplateau in northern Slovenia. Here three Audi e-tron 55 quattro models, each with three journalists onboard, set off on a particular challenge: 10 European countries in 24 hours. The 1,600 kilometer-plus (994.2 mi) tour took them through Austria, Italy, Lichtenstein, Switzerland, France, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. On stages where the topography could have hardly been more different, the Audi e-tron showed just how comfortable, dynamic and suitable for long journeys the first electric car from the brand with the four rings is.

The Audi e-tron is on the cusp of a new era of mobility – and it makes a bold statement. “Our electric SUV is an excellent long-distance car because it perfectly combines a high degree of ride comfort, performance and efficiency,” explains Hans-Joachim Rothenpieler, Audi Board of Management Member for Technical Development. “On the journalists’ tour we’ve also shown that, apart from the range itself, fast-charging capability with 150 kW is crucially important.”

Saves time: fast-charging with 150 kW

Thanks to direct-current charging at high-power charging stations, the lithium-ion battery of the Audi e-tron reaches 80 percent of its capacity in just under 30 minutes – fundamentally saving time on long stages. The basis for the high charging output is the complex thermal management, which also ensures a long battery service life combined with consistently excellent performance, even under high load. All seven charging stops on the tour – in Kärnten, South Tyrol, Vorarlberg, in the Canton of Zurich, in the Breisgau, in the Eifel and near Liège – were completed at this type of fast-charging station. These are also integrated into the e-tron Charging Service, along with the AC charging stations where the Audi e-tron can recharge using up to 11 kW of alternating current. Audi’s proprietary charging service covers around 100,000 charging points altogether in 19 EU countries – with numbers growing all the time. The customer simply needs a single card to start the charging process at these charging points. Customers have to register one time on the myAudi portal and conclude an individual charging contract to use the service. Billing is automatic via the user account. No physical means of payment is used. Standardized, country-specific prices mean that you can travel freely and easily without having to constantly compare prices. 

Stage winner: perfect mix of performance, efficiency and comfort 

Thanks to the different route profiles, the Audi e-tron 55 quattro (combined electrical consumption in kWh/100 km*: 26.4 - 22.9 (WLTP); 24.6 - 23.7 (NEDC), combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 0 (0 g/mi)) also managed to demonstrate its specific dynamic handling strengths. In the Alps it made full use of the maximum power of up to 300 kW and 664 Nm (489.7 lb-ft) of torque on the uphill climbs. Downhill it reaped the benefits of its superior recuperation concept that allows it to recover up to 220 kW and 300 Nm (221.3 lb-ft) when braking and convert it into electricity – a benchmark figure among the competition. The electric all-wheel drive also delivered optimum traction and dynamism on the winding stretches in South Tyrol. This system ensures the continuous and fully variable regulation of the ideal distribution of drive torque between the two axles – within a fraction of a second.

On the flat stages along the Rhine, in Belgium and the Netherlands traveling at constant speeds, the sophisticated aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.27 contributed substantially to the low fuel consumption. And over the entire tour, the electric powered SUV put on a brilliant performance with its outstanding ride and noise comfort, which is also on a par with vehicles in the full-size class. So too is the amount of space, which is increased in the foot area in the rear in particular thanks to the drivetrain configuration. Leather seats with massage function, an ionizer for first-class air quality and the contour/ambient lighting, which transformed the interior on the night stages into a feel-good lounge, add the finishing touches to the outstanding long-distance qualities.

* Information on fuel/electric power consumption and CO2 emission figures given in ranges depend on the equipment selected for the vehicle

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com