Audi AI:TRAIL Quattro, the all-electric off-road concept that steals the show in Frankfurt

Concept cars are one of the highlights of the major motor shows, and one of the interesting cars the brand presents so we can see where its technology stands is the Audi AI:TRAIL Quattro. It is a all-electric off-road model with a rather unusual design and a distinctly futuristic look. A model that brings the brand’s technology to visitors at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show and that is not only curious but also quite practical.

The off-road spirit of the Audi AI:TRAIL Quattro is defined by its 34 centimetres of ground clearance. The 22-inch wheels allow it to even wade through a river 50 centimetres deep without any trouble. On the outside, the design is aimed at giving occupants an almost complete view of the terrain they are driving over, thanks to windows that go further than what we are used to.

The enhanced outward visibility extends from the front to the sides and is complemented by a panoramic roof, so the view of the outside is almost total, creating a unique experience. The structure of this concept is built from a combination of high-tech steel, aluminium and carbon fibre, which keeps the weight down to 1,750 kg, something surprising given its robust, futuristic appearance.

The Audi AI:TRIAL Quattro uses four electric motors, one per wheel, delivering a combined output of 435 CV and a peak torque of 1,000 Nm, reaching a top speed of 130 km/h. That may sound modest, but it is not bad for a vehicle offering a range of 500 kilometres with the most powerful battery pack. However, if it is driven over difficult terrain, that range drops to almost half, something the driver would need to keep in mind.

In theory, the model has a Level 4 autonomous driving capability, so it is equipped with driver-assistance systems able to operate on their own when conditions are right. But what stands out in this show car is the use of several drones that can be used to provide lighting in front of the car, dispensing with the traditional headlights, or perch on the roof to shed light around the car when it is stationary or when the occupants want to enjoy their surroundings.