Audi Prologue Avant concept to preview next-generation A7 at Geneva auto show

Audi will show a new concept at the 2015 Geneva auto show, the Prologue Avant. Based on the Prologue Coupe revealed at last fall’s Los Angeles show, this latest concept likely suggests styling cues we can expect to see in the next-generation A7.

Audi says the Prologue Avant will feature a nearly production-ready TDI plug-in hybrid drivetrain (based on that previously seen in the Q7 e-tron concept) rated at 455 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, and capable of moving the car from zero to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, with an electric-only range of 54 km. Also highlighted is Audi’s wireless charging tech.

Buried at the bottom of the press release on this car are details about the car’s four-wheel steering system. Like other such setups that have come before, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the fronts to aid maneuverability, while at high speeds, they turn in the same direction to increase stability in highway lane changes.

Inside, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology is built into a dash that could preview what the next generation of Audi interior design will bring. It moves some touchscreen controls to the right side of the dash, where it’s easily accessible to the front passenger. Rear seat riders get similar interfaces; front or back, passengers can “exchange data with the drive.”

The Prologue Avant’s technology sounds intriguing, but given the potential for driver distraction we’ll wait and see how much of the interactive dash makes it into a production model; for now, imagine how this concept’s huge grille (which looks more than a little like what’s going on the front of Ford’s newest designs) and Mr. Squinty headlights will look on the next A7.