ID.4

Make
Volkswagen
Segment
SUV

Tesla might lead the automotive world with its all-electric vehicles, battery technology, and software development, but rivals are not far behind. The Volkswagen Group should probably be Tesla's biggest concern. VW is already well underway to narrow the technological and product gap with new models such as the VW ID.4, Porsche Taycan, and Audi e-tron.

But within Audi there's also the highly secretive Project Artemis, a new special-purpose high-tech unit whose main goal is to launch an all-electric "highly automated" vehicle by 2024. According to Germany's Handelsblatt, that new EV flagship has a project name: Landjet that will spawn three models, one for each of VW's main money-making brands, Audi, Bentley, and Porsche.

Unlike a majority of new EVs coming to market, this new mystery vehicle isn't expected to be a crossover but rather a large sedan. VW has already designated its Hanover, Germany factory to build all three models. The report also specifically states the Landjet program is that of a "Tesla hunter" with a goal of diverting attention away from the Tesla Model S.

It's no secret the ID.4 lags behind its Tesla Model Y rival in several categories, mainly software. Landjet aims to change that. Assuming there are no interruptions, the Audi version will arrive in 2024 followed by the Porsche and Bentley in 2025 or 2026.

Audi is keeping the project's most interesting details a closely guarded secret for obvious reasons, but the only piece of information revealed is that the vehicles' battery pack can manage at least a 404-mile range on a single charge. It is worth noting Tesla already has this figure beat; only a month or so ago it unveiled the Model S Plaid capable of delivering more than 500 miles of range.

We expect to learn additional Landjet details in the coming months and years, but this shouldn't divert attention away from what else Audi will soon launch: the e-tron GT and Q4 e-tron. The Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is also just around the corner and the Macan EV isn't far behind.