Audi e-tron's first impression: Powerful electric SUV packed with technology
Audi India is all set to jump on the electric car bandwagon with its e-tron SUV due for launch in the first-half of this year. It was supposed to debut earlier but the plans got delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The e-tron will be the first fully-electric offering from Audi in India. But how good is it? Here's our first impression.
Dimensions-wise, the e-tron fits in between the Q5 and Q7
With a length of 4,901mm, the e-tron fits in between the Q5 and the Q7. It has a futuristic design, featuring a single-frame grille finished in platinum gray, sharp-looking Matrix LED lights with an e-tron signature embedded in them, and 21-inch alloy wheels. On the rear, the styling gets an aggressive diffuser design along with a sporty, full-width LED taillight.
It has a luxurious and tech-savvy cabin
The e-tron is luxurious and quite spacious for a 5-seater SUV. However, the focus is on the technology part as you get two large MMI touchscreen devices being angled toward the driver and the Audi virtual cockpit. One of the striking features is the absence of conventional ORVMs which are replaced by two cameras on each side, relaying the image on the screens inside.
It has a range of more than 400km
The e-tron packs a 95kWh battery pack which powers two electric motors. The combined output is an impressive 408hp of power and 664Nm of torque. Performance claims include a brisk 0-100km/h time of just 5.7 seconds while the top-speed is limited to 200km/h. More importantly, the e-tron has a range of more than 400km, which in the real world, should be around 300km.
How much will it cost?
Audi will provide each e-tron buyer with home charging equipment while fast chargers would be installed at select Audi dealerships. It will be imported to India in limited numbers with prices expected to start over Rs. 1 crore (ex-showroom). Overall, the e-tron seems like a capable electric car with enough potential to lure luxury car buyers in India who want an eco-friendly vehicle.
