Do it’s a must to stability the brand new expertise with a design that might be acquainted to prospects?
“We have a clear strategy for our E-tron models, which we respect – but you also have to do the next step. Looking inside, I see it really as ‘step, step, step’. You can’t jump too far into the future because you have to respect what you have already. Right now, we have two columns for our ICE and EV cars, and we’re building up each one. So you have to do the right step at the right time.”
So are you utilizing electrical fashions to construct new design traditions?
“There will be a time when Audi just has E-trons. We’re in a time of transformation and you have to find a balance. In 15 years, when we just have E-trons, there could be a different design language, but until then we have to respect where we are.”
How a lot of the Q6 E-tron might be seen on future PPE-platform vehicles such because the A6 E-tron?
“We’re building up the E-tron line. We have the Q4, Q8 and GT, and the Q6 E-tron is the next half-step. We’re waiting for the next half-step, which will come with the A6 E-tron later this year with another improvement. Then we’ll keep on going and going.”
Opinion: Welcome to EV 2.0
Yes, the Audi Q6 E-tron is yet one more premium electrical SUV. The third one from Audi, in reality. So you won’t suppose it’s all that important – however don’t be fooled. Because this, together with the Porsche Macan Electric with which it shares a platform, actually marks the beginning of a brand new technology of EVs from the VW Group’s upmarket manufacturers.
The Q8 E-tron used a modified model of an ICE platform and the This autumn sits on VW’s mass-market MEB structure. But PPE has been developed by Audi and Porsche particularly for a brand new wave of EVs, with an overt design give attention to electrical expertise and software program. In some ways, the Q6 is our first sight of an Audi electrical automotive developed fully from a really clear sheet of paper.
The key to this platform is flexibility: the give attention to software program and computing permits for each over-the-air updates (and, in a much less welcome transfer, probably extra pay-to-access options) and quicker normal growth. It’s additionally a time to pivot. Firms like Audi now have loads of data of electrical expertise – and it’s time to actually present what they’ll do.