As Audi pushes towards its electrified future, the new e-tron SUV is the model that heads up this EV model offensive.
Designed as a rival to the Tesla Model X and Jaguar I-Pace, the e-tron joins the surprisingly popular electric SUV market, with this segment providing the perfect base to launch a new EV.
The e-tron, in terms of size, sits somewhere between the Q5 and Q7, and is an ideal SUV for those looking for something that will be cheaper to run and more environmentally-friendly.
Here’s what you need to know about the e-tron.
What powertrains are available?
For the time being, the e-tron is available with just one powertrain, which is badged as the ‘55’. It’s powered by two electric motors – one on each axle, which allows for quattro all-wheel-drive.
It can’t deliver the same performance you’ll find with the Tesla, but a 0-60mph time of 5.5 seconds is possible, while Audi says it can reach a top speed of 124mph.
A huge 95kWh battery pack also enables a claimed range of 237 miles, though this is dependent on how and where it’s driven. It’s also one of few models on sale today that are equipped with the capability of charging at 150kW – meaning that its battery pack can be charged from flat to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes.
At the start of 2020, Audi will introduce a new ‘50’ model, which will be fitted with a smaller 71kWh battery, allowing for 186 miles of electric range. Further details of this will be announced over the coming months.
What trim levels are offered?
The e-tron is available with two trim levels, with equipment highlights and prices as follows.
E-tron – from £71,560
Standard equipment is very generous, and includes LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, full leather upholstery, wireless phone charging and a fantastic twin touchscreen setup. It also features remote climate control, a 360-degree parking camera and front and rear parking sensors, to name but a few features.
E-tron Launch Edition – from £82,310
Upgrading to the Launch Edition brings Matrix LED headlights with dynamic front and rear indicators, along with 21-inch alloy wheels, sports seats in Valcona leather upholstery. It also features one of the things that the e-tron is best known for – the ‘virtual’ wing mirrors, which see cameras replacing traditional mirrors.
It also features a black styling pack, along with an upgraded safety pack that incorporates sensors that can detect a crash from the rear and side, along with cross traffic assist.
What about personalisation?
As you might expect from one of Audi’s most expensive models, the e-tron comes with plenty of options for personalisation. Starting with colours, the free colour is Brilliant Black, but more interesting shades are available – including Catalunya Red, Galaxy Blue and Siam Beige. A range of alloy wheels are also offered, while you can also choose to have your leather interior in a two-tone finish at no extra cost.
If you decide to choose the regular e-tron trim level, you can also pay for several features found on the Launch Edition individually. These include Matrix LED lights (£1,350) and sports seats (£650).