Audi’s first fully electric vehicle is now available for sale in the United States and it’s a sweet ride with some pain points. The e-tron was unveiled a few years back in Germany at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show and first delivered here in the states last May.
The all-electric Audi SUV is priced at $74,800 – a bit above the Jaguar I-Pace ($69,850) and a bit below the Model X ($81,000).
The e-tron can be leased for around $1,074/month.
Battery:
The e-tron comes with a 95 kWh battery and has an underwhelming EPA rating of 204 miles. In comparison, Tesla’s 100 kWh battery included with the Model S and Model X achieves a commendable EPA rating of 325 miles.
On the flip side, the e-tron’s battery outshines Tesla on charge time. 80% of the 95 kWh battery can be charged in 30 minutes on a 150 kilowatts fast charger. So 10 minutes at a 150 kW charging station gets you 54 miles of driving range.
The e-tron’s battery is covered by an 8 year or 100,000 mile limited warranty.
Performance:
The e-tron tops out at 124 mph and will do 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds. It’s no slug but also no Speedy Gonzales. In comparison, Jaguar I-Pace will do 0–62mph in 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 124mph and the Model X 100D will do 0–62mph in 4.9 seconds and max out at 155mph.
The e-tron is all-wheel drive and runs on two electric motors that provide up to 402 hp. The car’s air-suspension system automatically lowers the vehicle at higher speeds and comes with five driving modes including off-road.
This is one of the few EVs to come with a tow rating. The e-tron has a towing capacity of 4,000 pounds.
Exterior:
The e-tron has Audi’s conventional styling and does not look like an electric car from the outside at all. At first glance, it looks like a regular SUV. So if you’re looking to show off your new electric ride to the world, the e-tron may not be a good fit for you.
But if you’re looking to drive an unassuming electric car, this is definitely your ride. The e-tron is designed for mass appeal.
Interior:
The five-seat e-tron’s interior is a familiar sight with Audi’s hard to beat precision to detail and luxury. The seats are comfortable and the cabin is spacious. If one word comes to mind, it’s relaxed. The e-tron’s interior is easily the most relaxed of its competitors.
Technology:
Amazon Alexa comes standard and the e-tron’s infotainment system supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The e-tron also includes Audi’s fully digital Virtual Cockpit Plus instrument cluster.
Final Thoughts / Pros and Cons:
The pros of this vehicle are that it’s beautiful and cutting-edge. And that it’s a futuristic electric vehicle disguised as a practical family SUV.
The only con here is its 204 mile range.
Audi promised to launch 30 EVs by 2025. And for being first in the company’s EV lineup, the e-tron radiates Audi’s confidence in their future.
Here are some Audi E-Tron accessories to check out:
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