Audi‘s future hybrid drivetrain plans became much clearer today when it debuted the A6 L e-tron concept at the Beijing Auto Show.
Based on the A6 platform, but with a longer wheelbase (designated by the “L”), we’re getting a taste of what Audi’s advanced e-tron drivetrain system will look like as it is fitted to cars starting with the 2014 model year.
A 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder capable of 211 hp will be mated with an electric motor that makes 95 hp. As is becoming the standard, both motors may run in tandem, or alone, depending on the driver’s current requirements.
For superior acceleration, gasoline and electricity will power the car forward simultaneously. Aiming for maximum efficiency, the car can also run for up to 50 miles at a consistant 37 mph speed on electricity alone. Regenerative braking also replaces power to the liquid-cooled lithium ion battery which is located in a crash-protected space near the car’s rear.
Instead of a tachometer to show engine rpms, the concept has a power meter that shows output form zero to 100 percent.
The A6 L e-tron concept offers a luxurious interior with improved rear legroom for greater passenger comfort. As a fully-loaded luxury vehicle, it features all the amenities you might expect from an Audi: a Bose premium sound system, ambient lighting, a touch-sensitive pad-based MMI interface and safety features like active lane assist and night vision.
