Under the name ‘e-tron’, Audi created its own family of electric models with high-density batteries and the most advanced recharging technology, because it is not for nothing that Audi is one of the leading players in the ‘premium’ segment. , And it always goes to the top of the technical charts. In terms of power, their first foray was the Audi e-tron, an SUV with an electric motor that went on sale in 2019 after being introduced to the public a year earlier.
Although our readers are familiar with a wide range of different brand launches and know several models, it should be remembered that this model exists in three versions that differ in their electric range and wheelbase.
high end car
The Audi e-tron is a high-end car, a very expensive model and far from the cars of the most common users. It ensures smooth operation and instant power delivery. Electrics, as it is known, are a constant rotation engine, they give all the force that develops from the moment of ignition and do not need to change the development (cabin) to circulate freely. This is why electric cars are automatic, or rather do not have a gearbox. However, this is not a problem, as their high level of torque when the gas pedal is fully depressed makes them very impressive engines.
According to official figures, the Audi e-tron range is available in three versions, with power from 313 hp to 503 hp, while the autonomy varies between 336 and 436 km.
The Audi e-tron 55 quattro we tested has two electric motors that deliver 360 hp and 561 Nm of torque, although thanks to the ‘boost’ function they can reach 408 hp in just 8 seconds. At that point, the torque reaches 664 Nm and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. The batteries are larger, with 95 kWh and support a more powerful charge of up to 150 kW, with which they reach an 80% charge in 30 minutes. The problem is that there are still not many fast chargers, and a normal charge can take about an hour and a quarter.
His body has strange designs closer to Asian comic or manga cartoons. The E-tron is quite an attractive SUV and is a cross between the Q8 and the Q5. In terms of dimensions, it can be between Audi Q5 and Audi Q7. It is 4.90 meters long, 1.94 meters wide and 1.63 meters high. That is, it is about 25 cm longer than the Audi Q5, but at the same time it is 15 cm shorter than the Audi Q7. Its dimensions are also reminiscent of the Audi Q8, especially thanks to the very long tailgate. It is available with a good 600 liter boot and another 60 liter boot.
A beautiful and practical design
Keep in mind that the biggest difference between electric cars and normal cars is that the cooling requirements are much lower. All the air intakes and louvers in a conventional car are there to ‘move’ air to cool the combustion engine and burn the fuel. In an electric car you can do without so many openings, which are detrimental to aerodynamics.
Audi e-tron is focused on reducing unnecessary elements for an electric car to improve handling and reduce energy consumption. Among the most surprising solutions is the absence of mirrors as we know them. These have been replaced by two cameras that project images onto separate screens located inside, on the door panels at a height where the driver checks what is happening behind. It takes a while to get used to it at first, but with some training you get the hang of it quickly.
Apart from the digital rearview mirrors, the Audi e-tron has a very distinctive interior. The tool is clear, easy to control and provides a lot of useful information. You can incorporate a practical head-up display and your multimedia devices are easy to use, with very clear menus, excellent resolution and many functions that stand out at first glance. The conditioner is also notable for its simplicity, which includes a digital display, but is free and exclusive to it. If desired, the rear area can also be controlled (this can include four-zone climate control).
The console between the seats is clearly influenced by the controls used to select the speed. It’s a little strange at first, but you get used to how it works in no time. Also in this area is a handy drop-in hole, controls for the electric parking brake and a push button start.
Without being too futuristic, the interior of the Audi e-tron consists of excellently designed seats and can also include some adjustments to make you feel very comfortable.
At the technical level, at the top is the Audi e-tron, which includes headlights with OLED technology and laser illumination, digital instruments, a touch screen for the multimedia system and another for air conditioning control, the ADAS system… Of course, with the range of full of options on offer, anyone can scale and ‘build’ their own e-tron with the elements they want.
The ‘problem’ of this car is its price, which is very high and does not reach all budgets. And another detail to keep in mind is the energy charging system which makes it difficult to travel in the electric model given the few existing recharging points. Of course it is a matter of time, but the investment is strong and things should be clear. This model starts from 85,800 euros, and from Madrid to Donostia we fill up twice.