Audi Q4 e-tron concept to be made in Zwickau

Audi has just officially confirmed that the production model of the Audi Q4 e-tron concept will roll off production lines at Volkswagen’s Zwickau plant. There are also indications that there could be a sportier version of the Q4 and a saloon among Audi’s other planned MEB models.

Firstly, regarding the electric car based on the Audi Q4 e-tron concept: Audi announced the start of series production for its first electric model based on MEB for the end of 2020 when they presented the study in Geneva. At the time, it was not yet clear where it would be built, although industry experts were predicting that this would be the plant in Zwickau. Now the decision for Zwickau has officially been made. With its dimensions of 4.59 m long, 1.90 m wide and 1.61 m high, the vehicle is in the compact class. Just like the VW ID.3 and the Seat el-Born, which are also produced in Zwickau.

“Bundling the platforms in production this way enables the future large-volume electric models to be produced in large quantities and with great efficiency,” says Audi headquarters.

In an Autoblog report, Audi project manager Markus Jeschke indicated that the other two MEB models planned by Audi could be a sportier version of the Q4 and a sedan. Audi did not give further details at this point.

Audi is not only basing its electric vehicles on the MEB platform. The plug-in hybrid SUV e-tron quattro, which is already commercially available, is based on its own platform (MLB evo). Also, preparations are already underway for the production model of the Audi e-tron GT concept, which will roll off the production line in the Böllinger Höfe near Neckarsulm together with the Audi R8 from the end of 2020. The e-tron GT relies on the J1 performance platform, also used for the Porsche Taycan.

In the coming decade, further Audi will also bring out electric models based on the Premium Platform Electric platform it is jointly developing with Porsche. A new teaser from the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer currently provides an initial preview of Audi’s first electric model based on the PPE: a coupé about the size of the A5 Sportback.

The PPE platform will be used for the production of larger electric cars and is designed in such a way that the models can be built at existing locations. “The vehicle concept is based on the standardised plant structures and can be transferred to other factories quickly,” says Audi.

By 2025, the carmaker intends to launch a total of more than 30 electrified models on the market, which should account for 40 per cent of sales. This includes 20 purely electric models. In addition to output, Audi is also striving to make the production process more climate-friendly. The goal is also to make all plants completely CO2-neutral by 2025.

audi-mediacenter.com, autoblog.com (further MEB models), motor1.com (teaser)