German luxury carmaker Audi recently released a set of official photos that showcases a prototype being tested in icy conditions. The prototype in question is an electric SUV that greatly resembles the existing e-Tron, which also participated in the testing. This suggests that Audi may introduce an update for the e-Tron as the prototype features a camouflage on the front/rear. Audi conducted the testing of its e-Tron SUV and the prototype in the cold northern regions of Sweden.
Audi electric SUV prototype: Design Details
The camouflage wrap on the front and rear ends of the prototype electric SUV reveal certain refreshed elements and details. These include the LED Matrix headlamps with LED DRLs, LED taillights, and a refreshed bumper with a lowered intake. Sources reveal that Audi will implement noticeable changes on the new camouflaged Singleframe grille, faux inlets, rear bumper trim elements.
Other expected changes include the all-new alloy wheel designs and a new set of refreshed colours for the exterior/interior. Audi first introduced the e-Tron SUV back in 2018, with the e-Tron launching in 2020 in India and other markets. 2022 marks a good time for Audi to introduce a midlife-cycle update for the electric SUVs within the coming months.
Testing Location Details & Expected Powertrain Changes
Previously, multiple reports suggested that Audi may introduce an all-new battery pack for the supposed facelifted e-Tron and e-Tron Sportback models. This will allow the electric SUVs to showcase an increased range of 600 Km instead of the current 400 Km. However, the expected refreshed models of the electric SUV will continue to utilise the old MLB platform, unlike newer SUVs. Audi has ensured to test the prototypes of the SUV on dry and wet roads before shipping them to Sweden.
The winter testing of the electric prototype involved calibrating the chassis setup to conform with ice and snow. Audi’s testing also involved the observation of all the prototype’s electronic systems under extreme conditions at the secret testing grounds. Located in Lapland, Sweden, and named the ‘KALT 1’, the testing ground contains ice and snow-covered tracks, enclosed by fences. With an area covering 8,896 acres, the grounds measure 83 Km and sports office workplaces, and a 440-bed hotel.
Also Read: CHARGE+ZONE aims to electrify 10,000 kms of National & state highways in India by 2025
