Rumors that Audi is planning to launch an A9 model
have been flying around for quite a few years now. Come 2016 and the German
brand has confirmed that a brand-new model to use this nameplate is indeed
underway and will hit the market by 2020. However, while the plans were to
create the A9 as a larger, coupe-styled four-door, Audi decided to go with an
electric sedan that would compete against the popular Tesla Model S.
Set to be introduced "as high up as possible in
the A8 segment," the upcoming A9 was previewed by the E-tron Quattro
concept at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. It is believed that the exterior
design will be similar, while motivation will be provided by an evolution of
the concept car’s drivetrain. The A9 E-tron will also share technology with the
upcoming Q6 E-tron SUV.
Both vehicles are part of Audi’s recent strategy to
increase the number of electric vehicles in its lineup. The company wants to
have three EVs by 2020, which it will achieve with the A3, A9, and Q6 E-trons,
and extend it to 25 percent of its lineup by 2025. Most details as to what the
new A9 E-tron will bring to the market are not yet available, but we have the
E-Tron Quattro concept to look at for certain hints.
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