Audi showcases styling direction with electric E-tron Quattro concept (pictures)

FRANKFURT -- Audi is developing a fully electric car for 2018, and the E-tron Quattro concept indicates the direction the company is going.

The E-tron Quattro concept shows Audi's current design direction as well, with sharp lines and geometric shapes.

LED headlights save the E-tron Quattro concept's energy at night.

The large grille has become something of an Audi icon, but here it is used to help cool the battery pack rather than an engine.

A 95 kilowatt-hour battery pack rests under the cabin, centering weight low in the chassis.

Audi uses three electric motors for the E-tron Quattro concept: one up front and two at the rear, with torque distributed to improve handling and traction.

To improve aerodynamics, Audi uses cameras instead of side mirrors.

Audi notes that the E-tron Quattro concept takes 50 minutes to charge from a Level 3 DC station.

Audi calls the E-tron Quattro concept an SUV, but the low roofline gives it a more wagon-like look.

A solar roof provides a trickle of electricity into the battery pack.

The styling lines remain crisp even across the rounded rear of the concept.

The choice of this body type allows a large battery pack, giving the concept a range of 310 miles and plenty of room for cargo and passengers.

An upscale interior reflects Audi's premium brand status.

Audi uses a concept version of its Virtual Cockpit infotainment interface currently found in its Q7 SUV.

A large display in front of the driver shows virtual gauges, navigation and other information.

With an electric drive, there are no gears to shift, so the console holds a drive selector.

Similar to the Prologue concept shown last year, the E-tron Quattro concept has a small touchscreen at the base of the console.

This rear touchscreen gives passengers control over climate and entertainment.

Be sure to check out all of CNET's coverage of the 2015 Frankfurt auto show.