Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron tries portal axles on

Audi is working on a rather impressive-looking off-roader with the electric underpinnings of the Q6 Sportback e-tron. The camo-free photos are courtesy of CarBuzz.

The biggest design change comes in the form of portal beam axles installed at both ends. According to CarBuzz, Audi has already denied plans to mass-produce such a car, so it’s more of a design study at this point. Just what it is being built for, specifically, is still a mystery.

Combined with larger-than-usual wheels, the new axles lift the Q6 Sportback e-tron quite a bit above ground compared to stock. The exact wheel size is unknown, but the tires can be identified as the Venom Tires Terra Hunters. Note also the shortened bumpers and generously flared fenders – we are dealing with a serious off-roader here.

New LED headlights can be seen in the front bumper, accompanied by more lights on the roof. Recovery hooks round off the build so far.

The original Q6 coupe-SUV went on sale last fall (see video). It is available with powertrains ranging from 252 to 489 PS (249–482 hp; 185–360 kW, respectively). The off-road project car seen here is most likely based on the “S” top spec.