With a plan to become a fully electric vehicle manufacturer by 2026, Audi has been fast-tracking the production of its e-tron range. The Ingolstadt-based brand promises that a plethora of electric options is on the way in various body styles but at the moment, the e-tron GT flies its eco-friendly flag up high together with the standard e-tron and Q4 e-tron SUVs and Sportbacks.
The Audi e-tron Sportback and SUV range, which has been in production since 2018, is now due for a mid-cycle facelift, except we already know that the vaguely named range is being redesigned and rebranded, likely becoming the Q8 e-tron and Q8 e-tron Sportback. Now, we have a fresh look at the new model.
The brand fails to divulge any technical details of the upcoming updates set to be made to the EV, but it does state that the vehicle we see here is the e-tron S Sportback finished in Navarra Grey metallic paint. A lot of details are hidden from us because of the camouflage, but looking at the finer details, we can tell that the bumpers and lighting elements are set to be updated mildly, but we should see an overall more premium look and feel.
As you can expect, details regarding the performance of the compact EV crossover are nonexistent. Currently, the S trim employs a dual-motor all-wheel drive system that is capable of delivering up to 496 horsepower and 718 lb-ft of torque. Despite an increase in battery capacity shortly after its launch, an EPA-estimated range of 208 miles from a full charge means that the current version of the vehicle German EV is still at a disadvantage compared to the current Tesla range.
Putting the range aside, perhaps we can expect the updated model to be even more thrilling to drive than the existing one. Audi is best known for its quattro all-wheel drive system, which the development team appears to be perfecting if any of these images are to go by. Audi's Board Member for Technical Development Oliver Hoffmann explains that winter testing for the brand's models is important in creating its distinctive driving characteristics.
Like the previously spotted test unit, these images were taken in an icy location in Sweden where temperatures can reach five degrees Fahrenheit. While testing the reliability and capability of the battery back in these cold conditions, the team is also able to optimize the driver assists including the stability and traction control and ABS.
We'll just have to wait and see what's changing, but since we're getting teaser images, this is certain to be more than just a mild update.