Audi reveals futuristic e-tron interior

UPDATED: 2.00PM 05/07/2018

AUDI has revealed the futuristic interior of its incoming battery-electric e-tron large SUV that features up to five displays, including two for the live feed from the optional aerodynamic rearview cameras on the A-pillars.

Two 7.0-inch OLED rear-view displays are located just to the side of the internal front doorhandles and can be controlled via the MMI Touch infotainment system.

The driver can select from three different views, including highway driving, turning and parking, while also moving or zooming in and out of the live feed for greater detail.

However, current Australian Design Rules (ADRs) might block the technology from sale when the e-tron is launched locally next year, likely in the second half.

Speaking to GoAuto, Audi Australia corporate communications manager Shaun Clearly explained that the company is yet to decide if the virtual side mirrors will be available locally, “so it’s a possibility for now”.

The e-tron’s wraparound cockpit design is punctuated by its flowing horizontal lines that link the doors to the centre stack and dashboard.

Dual touchscreens display the four-zone climate and infotainment controls, while a digital instrument cluster is present, too.

The centre console incorporates open side walls for a floating effect and the gear selector also appears to levitate while doing double-duty as a palm rest.

A Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system combines 16 speakers and a 705-watt amplifier.

Upholstery, trim and colour options include Valcona leather, dark brushed aluminium, circuit-board-style seat stitching, high-voltage-inspired orange contrast stitching and piping, and a backlit e-tron badge integrated into the dashboard.

The e-tron has a 2928mm wheelbase, providing room five occupants across two rows. Headroom and rear legroom are claimed to be segment-leading, while the lack of a transmission tunnel increases space in the second row.

Typically a challenge for BEVs like the e-tron, noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels are kept to a minimum, thanks to additional sealing and soundproofing in all areas of the vehicle that could transmit interference, according to Audi.

The e-tron is expected to officially break cover in production form soon, but rumours have persisted that its international debut has been delayed after Audi AG CEO Rupert Stadler was arrested last month for his alleged role in the dieselgate saga.

As previously reported, the Tesla Model X rival offers more than 400km of driving range under the stricter WLTP efficiency standard being introduced in Europe from September this year.

The e-tron will also become the first mass-production model capable of being charged with up to 150kW of power, allowing its 95kWh lithium-ion battery pack to be charged in less than 30 minutes.

Further details on the BEV powertrain, plus Australian pricing and full specification, will be released closer to the e-tron’s launch in 2019.