Audi e-tron available to order 11 | 02 | 2019
AUDI’S FIRST ALL-ELECTRIC car, the e-tron SUV, which slots in between the Q5 and Q7 in terms of size and interior space, is now available to order from Scottish dealerships. Initially it’s available in two forms; the £71,490 e-tron and e-tron Launch Edition, which is priced at £82,240, excluding £3500 plug-in-car grant applicable to both models. First deliveries are scheduled for April. (Related: Audi unleashes updated 395bhp TT RS)
A 95kWh battery mounted beneath the passenger compartment is the lifeblood of the new e-tron. It feeds two electric motors — one per axle — which jointly deliver an output of up to 300kW,. That means 0-62mph in 5.7-seconds, a top speed of 124mph and a driving range of up to 241 miles.
The new five-seat SUV, which gets adaptive air suspension and quattro all-wheel drive as standard, will be followed by at least 11 more fully electric Audi models between now and 2025. (Related: Kia e-Niro to start at £32,995)
Charging the e-tron via the ports positioned conveniently on each of its front wings is a simple process. At the touch of a button the covers for each port are propelled smoothly downwards to reveal sockets that can connect the car to a home AC electricity supply via conventional means or using a home wallbox, and to fast DC charging stations at up to 150kW, the latter enabling recharging to 80% of capacity in as little as 30 minutes.
Technology, not surprisingly, takes centre stage throughout the e-tron. The MMI touch response concept that first introduced intuitive touch-screen functionality into the latest A8, and is gradually progressing through the range, is the advanced operating system at the heart of this car.
Haptic feedback and voice control enhance its functionality, and it works with the fully digital instruments in the binnacle that form part of the standard Audi Virtual Cockpit. In the Launch Edition this incorporates two supplementary ‘e-tron’ and ‘Sport’ layouts offering additional functionality.
The Audi Smartphone Interface, Audi Phonebox wireless handset charging, MMI navigation plus and internet-based Audi connect infotainment services are included for both versions, as are assistance systems including the Audi Parking System Plus with 360-degree display and rear-view camera and Lane Departure Warning.
In the e-tron, 20-inch 5-arm dynamic alloy wheels and LED headlights deliver appropriate visual impact, while the Launch Edition upgrades to platinum-look 21in Audi Sport alloys, while intelligent Matrix LED headlamps enable diversion of the light beam around surrounding traffic.
The e-tron’s conventional door mirrors also make way in the Launch Edition for distinctive camera-based units transmitting images of the driving environment to two OLED interior displays.
Visual hallmarks specific to the Launch Edition also include a black styling pack taking in the Singleframe grille surround and window cappings and privacy glass extending from the B-pillar rearwards.
Inside, the e-tron’s Twin Leather upholstery is replaced by premium grade Valcona hide, and features such as a panoramic glass sunroof, electric steering wheel adjustment and a comfort remote preconditioning system further enhance life on board.
The latter enables the driver to remotely activate the cabin air conditioning to pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin via the MMI or the free myAudi smartphone app. Seat heating and ventilation, steering wheel heating (if fitted) and window heating can also be switched on in this way well before a journey begins.
The Launch Edition also includes adaptive cruise assist, camera-based traffic sign recognition and a 360-degree camera offering panoramic views of the exterior of the car, plus a bird’s eye view, to help with parking manoeuvres.
Related: Audi ditches diesel from TT range
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Jim McGill