Generous high quality.The interior of the Audi A3 e-tron concept.
The interior of the showcar is generously proportioned. The long wheelbase measuring 2.63 metres (8.63 ft) – a best-in-class figure in the premium compact segment – gives rear passengers on the two individual seats a pleasing amount of knee room. The front sport seats with prominent side bolsters are slim and elegant.
The cockpit, too, gives an impression of lightness and airiness. The horizontal lines emphasise its design. The instrument panel draws the driver in – typical of Audi. Defined in three dimensions, the large trim strip is made of solid aluminum and includes control functions. The high-quality sound system in the doors and on the rear shelf has aluminum trim panels. When the audio system is turned on, they extend a few millimetres, thus orchestrating a visual accompaniment to the system’s excellent sound.
On the centre console, four large, round air vents echoing a jet’s design catch the eye. The air flow is adjusted by pulling and pushing on the centre axis of the vents. The control knobs for the automatic air conditioningAutomatic air conditioningClimate control, optimum air quality and a pleasant temperature in the interior.Automatic air conditioning system are located in the lower section of the centre console on a boldly protruding, dedicated control panel. Visually, they are reminiscent of airplane turbines.
Behind the compact, flat-bottomed, three-spoke multifunction steering wheelMultifunction steering wheelFull control at your fingertips. The multifunction steering wheel helps the driver concentrate on the traffic.Multifunction steering wheel is an innovative display concept that renders the individual driving states of the hybrid drive clear-cut and tangible. The tachometre on the instrument cluster has been replaced by a “power metre,” with a needle that indicates the total system output on a scale of 0 to 100 percent. A second scale is divided into colored segments. At a glance, the green and orange segments clearly indicate where the A3 e-tron concept is drawing its power – from the electric motor, the combustion engine, or a combination of both. An additional instrument displays the charge level of the battery.
In between the two large round dials is the large, eight-inch display for the driver information systemDriver information system with efficiency programThe display of the driver information system (DIS) brings together a wide range of different information items in the centre of the cockpit and permanently indicates the vehicle’s current operating status.Driver information system with efficiency program . This display and the large monitor of the MMI system show the operating states and power flows in the hybrid system in elegant graphics with a three-dimensional effect. The MMI monitor also displays differentiated consumption and recuperation statistics in easily understandable bar graphs.
A classic notchback sedan, the Audi A3 e-tron concept boasts a large luggage compartment with a volume of 410 litres (14.48 cubic ft) and a low loading lip.
