The Most Powerful Engine in the Prologue Family

At the Shanghai Auto Show, which began on April 20th, Audi unveiled the "Prologue allroad." Following the "Prologue" unveiled at the LA Auto Show last November, and the "Prologue Avant" presented at the Geneva Motor Show this March, the third model in the "Prologue" series appears as a crossover type.

The Prologue allroad's powertrain combines a 4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine with an 8-speed Tiptronic (AT) incorporating an electric motor, achieving a system output of 540 kW (734 ps) and a maximum torque of 900 Nm. Drive, naturally, is Audi's renowned quattro all-wheel drive.

Thanks to the Prologue family's most potent engine, the 0-100 km/h sprint is a sports-car-like 3.5 seconds, yet fuel consumption in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) is a mere 2.4 l/100 km (approximately 41.67 km/l), with CO2 emissions of just 56 g/km. It is equipped with a 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, enabling an all-electric range of approximately 54 km, and is compatible with the "Audi Wireless Charging (AWC)" contactless charging system currently under development.

Behind the large-diameter wheels, 20-inch brake discs made of carbon-fiber ceramic contribute to weight reduction. The suspension utilizes adaptive air suspension sport, described as balancing comfort with responsive handling. The steering system features a variable ratio mechanism and a four-wheel steering system.

Equipped with a "Butler"

The exterior, while inheriting the long front hood and gently sloping rear silhouette from the Prologue Avant, features a 77mm raised ride height, flared bumpers and wheel arches, and large 22-inch wheels, creating a sharp, crossover-model appearance. The front headlights employMatrix Laser Technology, and the rear end is designed with a slender LED strip connecting the left and right combination lamps.

The interior is characterized by a long, touch-sensitive display stretching across the entire width of the dashboard. The dashboard display, intended for the front passenger's infotainment, allows for information to be swiped like on a smartphone, transferring its content to the screen on the driver's right or within the instrument panel.

The center console, used for operating the air conditioning and infotainment systems, utilizes an ultra-thin flexible organic EL display film. It features a gimmick where it lies horizontally when parked and tilts to an easily viewable angle when the power is turned on.

Additionally, the Prologue allroad incorporates an intelligent program called "Butler," which identifies the person entering the vehicle via their smartphone and automatically sets the seat position and air conditioning temperature to their preferences. It also suggests music and route plans tailored to their tastes. The center console also features an "Easy Slot System" that allows smartphones to be connected to the car's computer simply by inserting them, with charging capabilities if needed.

The rear seats are individual for two occupants. Through the organic EL display on the center console, passengers can adjust air conditioning and seat settings, as well as share infotainment information with the driver. The two "Audi tablets" on the back of the front seats also feature organic EL displays, are thin, and slightly curved for optimal viewing.

With the addition of the allroad, the "Prologue" series now encompasses the basic variations of Audi models: sedan, Avant, and allroad. The design icons and advanced technologies incorporated into these concepts are expected to be reflected in future production models.