Car Review: Audi joins the EV race with all-new e-tron

If you fancy an electric vehicle, you have more choices hitting the market these days. But if you wanted an electric luxury crossover, the pickings were slim.

Enter Audi with its first electric ride: the e-tron.

It is a smart choice for Audi’s first electric vehicle, as crossovers are king right now and this vehicle gives them the best chance of success.

With a 200-mile range, the Audi e-tron provides a decent range, but I wanted more. An upgrade in charging power would be helpful too.

Amazon and Audi have teamed up with installation available at home to speed up charging.

One thing that stands out about the e-tron is that it looks like a normal Audi and it’s easily identifiable.

Instant power from the electric motors means you will have no problem keeping up on the road. The Audi e-tron has the quattro AWD system, so this Ute is sure-footed, but it feels heavy when pushed in the corners.

The size of the e-tron is a bit bigger than the Audi Q5 and smaller than the seven seat Q7. It easily fits five and has a good amount of cargo space. Luxury is evident when you open the door, but you will have to pay for it.

It’s nearly $87,000 when fully loaded like the vehicle featured in this test.

Cost: $74,800; as tested $86,840

Range: 204 mile range, 74 mpge; I managed 74.8mpge in 239 miles of mixed driving.

Safety: Audi adaptive cruise control, Audi pre-sense front & rear, Audi pre-sense basic (occupant protection) Audi side assist, driver assistance plus package, head-up display, traffic sign recognition

Options: $595 Glacier White metallic paint; $7,000 Prestige package; $1,500 21” 15 spoke-turbine design wheels; $900 Cold weather package; $650 Towing package; $400 rear-side thorax air bags/ illuminated seat belt buckles.

Things to know: This new Luxury mid-size all-electric crossover from Audi has a 204 mile range. Packed with technology and safety gear the Audi e-tron looks and drives like a normal vehicle that just happens to an EV.

Pros:

  • Instant power from electric motors moves the e-tron with authority
  • Very quiet on the road even for EV vehicles
  • Prestige package adds full leather interior and luxury to the interior

Cons:

  • Cost can be high when fully loaded
  • Slow charging when using regular 110v power
  • Range is lower with the use of climate control, cold weather can also effect range
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