Audi has announced its plans to join efforts with Porsche to develop a new premium-spec automobile platform and launch a production vehicle based on it.
The German marque already has three EVs on the lineup. One of these is the SUV called e-tron, which comes based on a modification of the MLB Evo platform. Another one is the sports car e-tron GT, which is featured in the video here and uses the Porsche Taycan chassis. Finally, the upcoming Q4 e-tron is a crossover based on MEB tech.
However, the fourth entry will benefit from a brand-new architecture called the Premium Platform Electric (PPE). Designed specifically for mid-sized premium and luxury cars, it normally places the engine and the transmission at the rear end, but supports adding a front-axle-mounted electric motor in top-performance versions.
It is reported that Audi’s new EV will be comparable to the A5 Sportback in terms of body style and dimensions. It should be somewhat roomier inside than the traditional MLB-based cars, and have an optimized interior layout.
Sales will not begin until the 2020s.