Audi to build Tesla Model X competitor?

Audi has been dropping hints about its plans for a mainstream, all-electric vehicle for a while. Now, it seems the final product may be a crossover, rather than the previously-rumored sedan.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Audi AG CEO Rupert Stadler confirmed that development is underway, but added, “[i]t’s probably going to be a crossover, but development work is still ongoing.”

Given Audi’s flexible platform architecture (something Tesla has also touted as key to their product development strategy), it’s entirely feasible that both a sedan and a CUV could ultimately be delivered to consumers.

At the heart of any forthcoming product will be the powertrain confirmed for the Audi R8 e-tron, which Audi expects to launch with a 280-mile range. A larger sedan or CUV would likely have a correspondingly larger battery pack, allowing for similar (or perhaps longer) range.

Tesla’s Model X crossover is not expected until sometime in late 2015. However, the all-electric brand has promised that it will deliver all of the benefits of luxury CUV ownership (including towing) along with Tesla’s expected consumer experience, setting the bar high for any segment newcomers.