Hi there! In this guide, we‘re taking an in-depth look at 7 convincing reasons why Audi‘s revolutionary e-tron SUV represents the pinnacle of electric luxury vehicles available today. Beyond bureaucracy like tax credits and incentive programs, there exist some genuinely excellent qualities making the e-tron a superb proposition for tech-focused drivers needing both range and performance.
Overviewing briefly, the e-tron blends potent electric motors, Quattro all-wheel drive, customizable air suspension and an abundance of luxury finishes into a technologically advanced package able to compete head-on with icons like the Tesla Model X. Yet thanks to Audi‘s meticulous attention to aerodynamics, range anxiety becomes an afterthought with the latest 95 kWh battery modules.
Add the e-tron‘s futuristic styling both inside and out, and you have an electric SUV capable of converting even the most stoic petrol-head. Intrigued to analyze further? Let‘s explore seven compelling reasons supporting an e-tron purchase decision.
Reason 1: Sensuous Sportback Styling
Beauty resides along far more than skin deep with Audi‘s first dedicated battery electric vehicle. The e-tron Sportback in particular projects an athletic, sweeping profile with its sloping roofline and pronounced shoulder section. Yet the slippery shape also commands respect from wind resistance – its 0.25 drag coefficient outflanks even the 2019 Model X (0.25 vs 0.24).
Dimensions and Design Details
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 193.0 in |
| Overall Width | 86.3 in |
| Overall Height | 63.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 115.1 in |
| Ground Clearance | 6.0 in |
| Curb Weight | 5,754 lb |
| Drag Coefficient | 0.28 Cd |
In deconstructing the e-tron‘s seductive form, Audi‘s designers sought inspiration from models like the A7 rather than more upright traditional SUVs. One principal aim was continuing Audi‘s lineage of introducing technology in visually captivating forms stretching back to legends like the R8 and TT.
"We pictured the Audi e-tron as a luxurious Gran Turismo that just happens to be electric" explained Audi exterior designer Andrew Sukiennik. "The low, flowing roofline speaks to that ethos while still providing ample interior space".
Additional touches like retractable door handles and side camera mirrors reinforce the e-tron‘s technical, tuned athleticism. Yet smooth surfacing and balanced proportions exude refinement from every perspective unlike more challenging contemporaries.
"The e-tron‘s shape communicates athletic luxery validated through advanced aerodynamic optimization" – Andrew Sukiennik, Exterior Designer, Audi AG
Add the e-tron‘s meticulously crafted cabin detailed later, and you have an electric vehicle that seduces thrilled drivers even while stationary.
Reason 2: Lavish Standard Features
Diving inside reveals an e-tron trim featuring more standard equipment than certain rivals‘ top-end offerings. Four-zone automatic climate control enables personalized comfort for all occupants, complemented by heated/ventilated front seats. Interior ambient lighting in 30 colors heightens the senses while Matrix-design LED headlamps incorporate dynamic turn signals to maximum visibility.
Occupants enjoy power front seats with driver memory, leather upholstery, 40/20/40 split folding rear seats, power tailgate and keyless access as standard. Safety technologies include blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist and more. See the configuration chart below highlighting how many features cost extra on comparative luxury electric SUVs:
Standard Features Comparison Audi e-tron vs Rivals
| Feature | e-tron | Jaguar I-Pace | Mercedes EQC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heated Front Seats | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Heated Rear Seats | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Ventilated Front Seats | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Massaging Front Seats | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Ambient Interior Lighting | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Surround View Cameras | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Head-Up Display | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Wireless Charging | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
In total, the e-tron‘s standard features tally exceeds $12,000 in additional packages when comparing like-for-like with established rivals. Proof that essential comfort, visibility and infotainment functionality need not demand endless additional outlay with Audi‘s dedication towards premium value luxury.
Reason 3: Potent, Refined Performance
As Audi‘s first mass-production electric vehicle, expectations for the e-tron transcended hypermiling commuter roles. Two powerful electric motors – a 172 HP unit upfront plus 204 HP rear motor – deliver an impressive net 402 horsepower and 490 lb-ft torque output. Such prodigious reserves catapult this 2.5-ton SUV from 0-60 mph in just 5.5 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 124 mph.
Power flows through a hydraulic clutch actuator enabling fully variable front to rear torque distribution, building on lessons from Audi‘s legendary Quattro all-wheel drive performance. Sophisticated five-link suspension design and adaptive air springs integrate with dynamic all-wheel steering for agile, surefooted handling belying dimensions. Multiple drive select modes alter steering weight, powertrain response and air suspension heights to transform driving dynamics at the touch of a button.
Audi e-tron Power & Performance Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 95 kWh |
| Dual Motor Power | 402 hp (300 kW) |
| Torque Output | 490 lb-ft (664 Nm) |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration | 5.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 124 mph |
Augmenting sheer pace, the e-tron‘s low center of gravity and even weight distribution from its skateboard-style battery enable surprisingly sharp cornering reflexes for an SUV. Michelin all-season tires provide ample grip, further enhanced by torque vectoring juggling power between all four wheels to sharpen turn-in. Despite potent performance, expect a compliant ride and negligible noise intrusion thanks to meticulous acoustic isolation.
All considered, the e-tron‘s blend of real-world range, blistering acceleration, customizable dynamics and refinement should impress even ardent SUV performance fans. Tesla may rule outright power metrics, but Audi wins on overall daily-driver competence.
Reason 4: Charge Anxiety Alleviated
Sustained enjoyment of the e-tron experience relies on adequate range and charging capability restoring electrons between jaunts. Thankfully, a high capacity 95 kWh Lithium Ion battery pack assists over 200 miles range while rapid charging support enables flexibility for longer trips. Let‘s analyze key metrics:
Audi e-tron Battery & Charging Specifications
| Specification | Rating |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 95 kWh |
| EPA Range Estimate | 204 Miles |
| Electrek Real-World Range | 248 Miles |
| Charge Port ACRating | 11 kW (9.6 hour full charge) |
| Charge Port DCRating | 150 kW (54 miles in 10 minutes) |
Testing by publications like Electrek suggests the EPA ratings prove somewhat conservative, with over 248 miles range achieved at highway speeds. When eventually depleted, high voltage 400-volt architecture accepts up to 150 kW DC fast charging when utilizing public 270kW charging stations. Under ideal conditions, expect regaining 54 miles range with just 10 minutes connected. More commonly today, 50 kW chargers still add 37 miles range in the same period.
Home and office charging utilizes AC connections up to 11 kW, fully replenishing the battery overnight in around 9.5 hours. With 2022‘s continually improving public infrastructure, maximal utilization of the e-tron‘s battery and charging capability become reality for more owners.
Reason 5: Aviation Cockpit Reimagined
Transitioning inside, the e-tron’s otherworldly cabin design sets new benchmarks through integrating touch controls, tactile buttons and Audi’s showstopping Virtual Cockpit displays. The 12.3 inch Audi Virtual Cockpit TFT screen behind the steering wheel places turn-by-turn navigation guidance and vehicle telemetry directly within the driver‘s sightline. Skipping between configurable ‘Classic’, ‘Infotainment’ or ‘e-tron’ specific layouts provides desired data prioritization.
Virtual Cockpit Modes
The lower central touchscreen controls climate functions, seat adjustments and suspension presets, while the upper 10.1 inch display provides intuitive access to navigation, media libraries and vehicle efficiency data. Rounding out the digital capabilities, an optional full-color head-up display projects key speed, navigation and driver assistance alerts onto the windshield to enlighten without distracting.
While rivals rely overwhelmingly on touchscreens, Audi strikes an ergonomic balance with nicely weighted physical controls for fundamentals like volume and cabin temperature. Supremely intuitive architecture built atop rapid processors helps maintain focus on enjoying the ride ahead rather than burrowing through menus, especially beneficial when moving at speed.
Reason 6: Seamless Smartphone Integration
Unlike traditional gasoline-powered vehicles reliant mostly on onboard capability, Expect the e-tron’s infotainment breadth and smartphone integration capabilities to expand substantially over its lifespan. Central to the experience, users can wirelessly mirror iOS or Android devices via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeping favored maps, media, messaging and calls instantly accessible.
Integrated LTE connectivity with Wi-Fi hotspot allows connecting multiple passenger devices at once, while six months of complimentary data helps owners experience the full system potential. Note the e-tron will receive software updates over-the-air to upgrade capability over time without visiting workshops. Updates span infotainment enhancement, battery management improvements and handling tweaks.
You‘ll also appreciate Alexa voice assistant integration, vehicles status via your phone, predictive navigation by analyzing calendars, and wireless device charging. Altogether the e-tron stacks up sensationally for managing devices on the move.
Reason 7: Award-Winning Safety Systems
Alongside rugged construction utilizing aluminum and high strength steel, the e-tron utilizes a suite of intelligent driver assistance systems to help avoid or mitigate accidents. As part of this process, Bosch provided key sensors powering innovations like Collision Avoidance Assist and Turn Assist that represent building blocks towards autonomous functionality.
Radars, cameras and ultrasonic sensors provide comprehensive visibility surrounding the vehicle. Central driver assistance controller rapidly analyzes inputs, warning drivers or taking appropriate action faster than human reactions. Systems like blind spot monitoring and cross traffic alert remain vigilant of hard-to-see zones, while emergency braking mitigates or avoids rear collisions.
Key e-tron Driver Assistance Systems
- Collision Avoidance Assist
- Turn Assist
- Adaptive Cruise with Traffic Jam Assistant
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Lane Departure Warning
- Blind Spot Monitoring w/ Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Emergency Braking
- Vehicle Exit Warning
This comprehensive 360 degree sensor and software suite earned the Audi e-tron the prestigious Top Safety Pick + award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Evaluation includes crashworthiness, accident avoidance, headlights effectiveness and more. Outperforming all combustion-powered rivals proves that luxury need not compromise safety.
As semi-autonomous driving functionality matures awaiting full self driving approval, few vehicles appear better prepared than Audi‘s halo EV.
I hope this guide brought greater insight into the technology and capabilities making the Audi e-tron such a departure from conventional SUVs. Beyond the specifications, Audi continue demonstrating passions for imaginative design, driver-focused interiors, range confidence and passenger protection.
While rivals like Tesla, Mercedes and Jaguar push certain boundaries higher, none currently delivers such a complete luxury electric SUV package. From my perspective as an EV enthusiast, the e-tron deserves serious consideration alongside internal combustion stalwarts like Audi‘s own Q7 and Q8.
If my arguments prove insightful, I welcome any additional questions in the comments below!
