Audi Elaine: an electric autonomous SUV coupé with over 500 km of range

Audi has unveiled a prototype electric SUV at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The so-called Audi Elaine introduces an intelligent autonomous driving system, along with a high-capacity battery that gives the vehicle a range of over 500 km.

The electric SUV concept arrives at the Frankfurt Show with several similarities to the prototype presented a few months ago at the Shanghai Motor Show, the Audi e-tron Sportback. The Audi Elaine has inherited from the e-tron its design language, electric drivetrain and exterior lighting technology.

In any case, the Elaine becomes, after the e-tron Sportback, the second 100% electric vehicle from the Bavarian brand. It features an electric motor that produces 435 CV of power (320 kW), although it could also deliver 503 CV (370 kW). According to estimates, the 0-100 km/h acceleration should be around 4.5 seconds.

One of the main strengths of the Audi Elaine will be its long range. Thanks to a 95 kWh battery, the model will be able to cover more than 500 km – according to the NEDC cycle – on a single charge. The battery of this vehicle can be charged with a wired fast-charging system (150 kW) or via a cable-free device called Audi Wireless Charging.

The Audi Elaine also offers one of the most advanced autonomous driving systems on the market. The software in question is the result of an evolution of the traffic jam pilot system that the current Audi A8 incorporates. Thanks to a new generation of processors, the system has been considerably refined to the point of offering Level 4 autonomous driving, allowing it to drive on motorways – at speeds between 60 and 130 km/h – without driver assistance.