IN AN ACCELERATING TREND, motor companies are increasingly offering hybrid and pure electric-powered vehicles in their ranges.
Latest to embrace all-electric vehicles is Audi with the e-tron and e-tron Sportback.
The new e-tron models are available in two battery variants, as well as a raft of innovative new technology: all-electric quattro, clever energy recuperation, superb aerodynamics and intelligent connectivity.
“Sophisticated refinement has always been a truly Audi expression of driving progress and innovation, and this has never been more evident than in the form of our first-ever electric vehicles: the Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback,” said Paul Sansom, Managing Director of Audi Australia.
“This is Audi engineering at its finest: bringing future mobility to life in a way that is impressive, yet familiar enough for customers to be thrilled by their very first experience. Around the world, those who have never driven an electric vehicle before have been captivated by the way the Audi e-tron brings refined silence, effortless performance and zero-emission driving together in such a seamless fashion.”
The Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback utilise an electric motor on the front and rear axles, and one of the fastest-charging automotive batteries on the market. At the heart of the Audi e-tron is its powertrain and a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery, consisting of pouch cells that store the electrical energy.
The Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback 55 quattro variants store up to 95kWh of energy (divided up into 36 battery modules), for a range of over 400km. The 50 quattro variants store up to 71 kWh of energy (27 modules) for a WLTP range in excess of 300km.
Both can be charged via a supplied 11kW AC home-charging kit (requires electrical infrastructure to support), or up to 150kW DC fast-charging (120kW for e-tron 50). This fast-charging option is suitable for stopovers on long journeys, restoring 80 percent of charge in just 30 minutes, or a full charge in only 45 minutes. The 11kW AC home-charging solution can charge the e tron 55 variants from empty to full in 8.5 hours, and the e-tron 50 variants in 6 hours.
For charging at home, the Audi e-tron is offered with a complimentary standard installation for the launch period, in partnership with JETCharge. While plugged in, the e-tron can be pre-conditioned for an upcoming journey by heating or cooling, controlled by the myAudi smartphone app.
Audi Australia is also offering all e-tron vehicles with a comprehensive customer offer that includes a 6-year subscription to the Chargefox charging network, which means e-tron owners are provided unlimited charging on all ultra-rapid, and selected fast and standard, chargers within the Chargefox network. Audi is a founding partner of the Chargefox network. All ultra-rapid chargers are powered by 100percent renewable energy. Further information about Chargefox can be found here.
Additionally, Audi Australia is offering all e-tron vehicles with servicing and roadside assistance for the first six years of ownership. Owners can take further peace-of-mind from an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty, with the three-year/unlimited km warranty applying to all other items. Any Audi dealer can carry out scheduled servicing on an e-tron vehicle.
The e-tron 55 quattro variants provide exhilarating performance, with 265kW of power and 561Nm of torque. The 0-100km/h sprint is despatched in 6.6 seconds, with a governed top speed of 200 km/h. The ‘Boost’ function provides more power in S (Sport) mode for a period of up to 8 seconds, up to 300kW of power and 664Nm of torque – reaching 100km/h from rest in just 5.7 seconds.
The e-tron 50 quattro variants, with 230kW/540Nm, still offer strong performance, reaching 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds.
Intelligent energy recuperation is key to the long-range capability of the Audi e-tron. Recovery of up to 220kW/300Nm while braking contributes up to 30 percent of its range, while clever thermal management of the battery contributes up to 15percent.
While many electric vehicles are not suitable for towing, all e-tron variants can tow up to 1.8 tonnes effortlessly, thanks to the torque delivery of the electric motors.
The e-tron and e-tron Sportback demonstrate a new era for Audi’s legendary quattro-all-wheel-drive technology. Three different modes allow drivers to tailor the dynamics to the driving situation. The adaptive air suspension allows ride height adjustment in a range of up to 76mm. In any mode, the battery’s integration into the floor of the e-tron brings dynamic advantages from such a low centre of gravity.
The interior of the Audi e-tron embraces the very latest in connectivity. The MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch response incorporates the full suite of Audi connect plus functions, with extended features for the e-tron. Route planning can begin either via the MMI interface, or via the myAudi smartphone app, which then sends it to the vehicles MMI system. On long journeys, the MMI system calculates if charging is required (taking into account live traffic), and where along the journey that charging should take place. It draws on live information about charger speeds and space availability to do so. With the journey planned, the system then informs the driver of the estimated arrival time, inclusive of any required charging time.
Infotainment is a real strength of the e-tron models, with the dual MMI touch response touchscreens (10.1-inch for infotainment, 8.6-inch for vehicle functions) the feature of the minimalist console layout. The high-resolution Audi virtual cockpit presents all important information in front of the driver. Audi smartphone interface includes Android Auto and Wireless Apple CarPlay integration, as well as wireless charging. In total, there are four USB charging outlets in the front and rear of the e-tron models.
The Audi e-tron is the first passenger vehicle in Australia to offer the option of virtual exterior mirrors for superior visibility and safety. Their compact shape slips through the air more easily at speed, reducing aerodynamic drag and extending range. The virtual mirrors integrate a small camera to digitally project information through a high-resolution 7-inch OLED display at the base of the A-pillars.
For comfort and convenience, standard equipment highlights include an electric tailgate (with gesture control), convenience key and (conventional) exterior mirrors with electric folding/heating/memory. Plush Milano leather seat upholstery provides luxurious comfort, with dual zone climate control and front-seat heating ensuring the temperature is always comfortable.
The e-tron and e-tron Sportback are versatile, accommodating 660 litres and 615 litres of luggage respectively, both including 40:20:40 split-fold rear seats. A front boot can also stow up to 60 litres of luggage, or is the perfect place to store the mobile charging kit. Up to five passengers can be seated in comfort, with those in rear treated to more legroom than usual, thanks to the lack of a transmission bulkhead beneath the floor.
The Audi e-tron SUV echoes the latest eye-catching Audi design language, with a distinctive twist of anodised aluminium throughout. The wide Singleframe grille sits between arresting Matrix LED headlights, while dynamic LED lights create a striking road presence from the rear. The e-tron features 20-inch Audi sport alloy wheels with body coloured wheel arches and side trims.
In comparison to its SUV sibling, the Audi e-tron Sportback brings its own distinctive presence with a sharper, more sporty exterior design. The sweeping roofline and contoured rear accentuate its muscular and athletic character. The e-tron Sportback benefits from some additional equipment, including aesthetic features like S line exterior package, alongside 21-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels as standard. Inside, the Head-Up display is the perfect complement to the Audi virtual cockpit, while sports seats and luxurious Valcona leather upholstery provide an even more premium feel.
Like every Audi, safety is of utmost importance in the e-tron, which has been awarded a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. The e-tron is equipped with eight airbags, and features an extensive array of driver assistance systems, including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection. Some other highlights include 360-degree cameras, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic assist, intersection assist, collision avoidance assist, turn assist, exit warning and tyre pressure monitor.
All e-tron vehicles are produced at a new carbon-neutral Audi production facility in Brussels, in Belgium.
As part of the launch offer for the e-tron 55 quattro vehicles, a special First Edition is being offered in both body styles. Some highlights of the additional equipment these vehicles offer include the innovative virtual exterior mirrors, unique 21-inch alloy wheels, e-tron orange brake calipers, Matrix LED headlights, black exterior styling elements. Other items include the Head-up display, 705W Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, S sport front seats and interior highlights, 4-zone climate control, privacy glass, among other inclusions.
The first-ever Audi e-tron and Audi e-tron Sportback are available from an initial network of seven e-tron dealers, and also available to order through the Audi online purchase platform.
Pricing (all plus on road costs)
| e-tron 50 quattro | 230kW | $137,100 |
| e-tron 55 quattro | 265kW | $146,100 |
| e-tron Sportback 50 quattro | 230kW | $148,100 |
| e-tron Sportback 55 quattro | 265kW | $157,100 |
| e-tron 55 quattro First Edition | 265kW | $159,000 |
| e-tron Sportback 55 quattro First Edition | 265kW | $169,350 |
Once we have tested and assessed the new Audi e-tron electric vehicles, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.