Audi A9 e-tron Reportedly Coming in 2024 as Brand’s Electric Flagship
A new flagship luxury electric sedan dubbed Audi A9 e-tron will reportedly lead the way in VW’s future strategy.
Mere months ago, Audi announced what it calls the Artemis project, a team of talented folks with one specific purpose – to push the envelope on electric and autonomous design. Their first project would be a truly breakthrough vehicle, one that would serve as the brand’s new flagship offering by the year 2024. What, exactly, that might look like has been a mystery thus far. But now, Autocar is reporting that this new technological showcase will the a model dubbed the Audi A9 e-tron.
The plan for the Audi A9 e-tron is to take over the existing luxury all-electric vehicle market and raise the bar in terms of technology. As such, the automaker is reportedly using the 2017 Audi Aicon concept (pictured) as inspiration for the ambitious project. And when it arrives in four or so years, it’ll be packing the latest in drivetrain, battery cell, and autonomous driving technology, including 5G connectivity, Car-to-X communications, and augmented reality.
The A9 e-tron would reportedly share external dimensions with the A7. But it would also offer up the same amount of cabin space as the A8 thanks to some clever design. It will represent a technology showcase and rival to the Mercedes-Benz EQS and Jaguar XJ EV, serving as the test bed for new and exciting features that would eventually trickle down to the rest of the lineup. Just like we’d expect from a proper luxury flagship.
However, that task is a bit more daunting when you consider that Volkswagen Group plans on rolling out 75 new electric vehicles by the year 2029. A full 20 of those models are expected wear an Audi nameplate. In order to accomplish this lofty goal, Audi set up the Artemis group as somewhat of a skunkworks operation. One that’s free from the binds of bureaucracy.
That’s particularly important given the rapid speed at which electric and autonomous technology is advancing. Not to mention the growing threat of new, upstart companies in the segment. These new age rivals are much leaner than traditional automakers. That means they’re able to push new ideas into production at a much faster rate. Most importantly, without having to navigate the minefield of bean counters.
To their credit, Audi seems determined to dominate this brave new world. And if all goes to plan, the A9 e-tron will be the vehicle that leads the way.
Photos: Audi
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