AUDI will take another step down the electric highway next month when it showcases a concept version of its' third battery-powered model at the Geneva Motor Show.

Scheduled to go into production in 2020-21, the production version of the Audi Q4 e-tron is unlikely to look as extreme as these first design sketches would suggest.

It will, however, be a compact SUV with coupe-like styling and will sit on the Volkswagen Group's new modular electric vehicle (MEB) platform which will also eventually host new all-electric models from VW, SEAT, Skoda and Porsche, as well as Audi.

Audi says the Q4 e-tron will be "the next stage of Audi electric mobility". It's the third Audi car bearing the e-tron badge and follows the e-tron SUV, which goes on sale in March and the, sleek Tesla-rivalling e-tron GT which is also expected to go into production towards the end of next year.

Audi plans to have twelve cars with all-electric drive in its portfolio by 2025 with a range of models in all its body layouts including Avant and Sportback styles as well as SUVs. The range will cover every market segment from a compact model to the full-size, luxury class, says the company.