The German manufacturer aims to have 20 all-electric vehicles in its worldwide portfolio by 2025, with the Audi e-tron, a midsize two-row premium electric SUV that debuted in 2019 and was the company’s first all-electric production vehicle, leading the way. It is a superb representation of the automaker’s aesthetic, with a sleek, contemporary SUV form and practical technology nestled within a sophisticated cabin. It is also there in the Sportback version; however, like the gas-powered Q5 Sportback, the coupe-like roofline sacrifices part of the standard e-tron’s usefulness in favour of a more sporty appearance.
Since its launch, Audi hasn’t made any significant changes to the e-tron (yep, that is how Audi spells it). However, until 2023, it will remain the same while other automakers struggle with supply chain congestion and shortages of chips. It comes in two body types, a sporty Sportback and a traditionally upright SUV, each with three trim levels. The e-tron peaks out with the Chronos trim ($88,090) and the Sportback with the Prestige trim ($90,395). Both styles offer Premium ($71,895 and $75,095 for Sportback) and Premium Plus ($78,895 and $82,095). When we test an e-tron S, we’ll write a separate review. A performance-focused model made its debut last year.
The more costly BMW iX, the smaller Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model Y crossovers, and the Cadillac Lyriq with all-wheel drive (AWD), which will be on sale around the end of 2022, are the e-tron’s electric competitors. The Genesis GV60, while categorized as tiny, has about the same amount of passenger room, travels longer, charges more quickly, and has comparably opulent features at a far lower cost.
By the standards of the Tesla Model Y and GV, Audi’s e-tron, with its single all-wheel drive electric motor, is a touch sluggish; even a few years ago, it would have been called rocketship fast for an SUV. It can reach 60 mph from a standstill in 5.4 seconds. With the iX and Model Y delivering more than 300 miles on a single charge and most other rivals offering more than 250, the e-tron’s range of 222 miles (218 for the Sportback) was strong in 2019 but less competitive today. The EV industry is developing rapidly.
With its 193 inches long and a little over 76 inches broad, the e-tron is somewhat smaller than the iX and Lyriq, but its leg and headroom placement align it with its more compact rivals. Cargo room is a similar tale. When the back seats are folded down, it boasts the third-largest cargo bay in its class, although it ranks midway in terms of overall cargo capacity. Positively, its 4,000-pound towing capability puts it at the top of its class.
The e-tron is not qualified for the new federal EV tax credit scheme as it is not made in North America. Even in the unlikely event that Audi moved its production, the $80,000 crossover limit would exclude it from the competition. As new competitors join the market, the e-tron is beginning to show its age. Although it is still arguably one of the most well-equipped and elegant-looking luxury electric crossovers, with a sound infotainment system and screen arrangement, others have greater power and range at lower prices.
What’s New
- A $900 price increase for the base Premium trim
- All Sportback versions now come standard with a black headliner.
- The Sportback Prestige trim now comes standard with the Black Optic exterior package, an option on previous top grades.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Typical four-wheel drive
- Outstanding ride quality
- 2-ton towing capability
Cons:
- Not as expansive as rivals
- Upper trim levels are too costly to be eligible for the federal clean car tax credit
- excessive reliance on touchscreen interfaces
Performance: Audi e-tron
With a single-speed electric vehicle gearbox, the e-tron and the more angular e-tron Sportback are outfitted with electronic all-wheel drive front and rear motors that produce 355 horsepower and 414 pound-feet of torque. A Boost mode releases more electrons for an 8-second burst of 402 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque if more power is required.
This translates into a 5.4-second zero-to-60 mph sprint time quicker than the AWD Tesla Model Y and the front-drive Cadillac Lyriq. It is comparable to the Genesis GV60 AWD and a few tenths of a second slower than the I-Pace. If reaching your destination quicker than you’ll ever need is crucial, the industry-best Model Y Performance and GV60 Performance can accelerate from a halt to 60 miles per hour in 3.5 and 3.7 seconds, respectively.
Although the Audi e-tron was designed comfortably, its standard air suspension system stiffens up for a tight, snappy driving experience when in aggressive drive mode. Along with efficiency mode for maximum range, auto mode for when you can’t be bothered (unlike individual method for people who want to personalize things), off-road mode to boost ground clearance for light dirt and gravel toad excursions, and all-road mode to better grip on snow and ice are all available.
Power Consumption, Charging, and Range:
According to EPA estimates, the 95 kWh battery pack used in all e-trons has an estimated range of 222 miles for the SUV and 218 miles for the larger Sportback. All rivals provide more, from 234 miles for the I-Pace to 318 miles for the Model Y and 324 for the iX.
According to EPA estimates, the e-tron can get 78 mpg in the city, 77 mpg on the highway, and a combined 78 mpg. In every category, the bulkier Sportback loses 1 MPGe. While efficiency is superior to any conventionally powered midsize crossover, it still lags below its electric rivals, with the I-Pace’s combined 76 MPGe being the best. Compared to its rival set, which uses an average of 37.4 kWh per 100 miles, the e-tron consumes 43 kW for every 100 miles of travel (44 kWh/100 miles for the Sportback).
On the Electrify America network, free charging up to 250 kWh over two years is offered to E-tron purchasers. With fast chargers, the e-tron can charge from 10% to 80% in around 40 minutes. The GV60’s high-speed system requires just 18 minutes, compared to 30 minutes for the Lyriq and Model Y. The e-tron has an 11 kW onboard charger that can recharge a low battery in around 10 hours when used for home charging on a Level 2 infrastructure.
Driver assistance and safety:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded the e-tron—in all body styles—a five-star crash test rating, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has given it a Top Safety Pick+ certification.
The e-tron received top grades in all crash tests and a “Superior” rating from the nonprofit insurance association for its safety features. The NHTSA gave Four stars for front collision safety and five stars for side-impact and rollover safety.
Front and rear collision prevention with automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, dreaded cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitor, and automated high lights are some of the cutting-edge safety and driver assistance technologies that come standard. Top variants include a 360-degree camera with a full view, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance. The basic trims will get the same if they choose a $3,500 Convenience Plus package.
Coziness & Space:Audi e-tron
The e-tron has a luxurious cabin with gorgeous contemporary accents, staying true to its Audi heritage. The multi-level climate control system ensures that each passenger is comfortable at their temperature, and the supportive and cosy seats support them well. The massaging seats on the Chronos and Prestige trims transform a lengthy trip into a mini-spa day.
Even with the Sportback’s rearward-sloping roofline, the e-tron’s large door apertures and ample headroom make it simple to get in and out of. Although there is generous legroom for front passengers (40.8 inches) and rear passengers 39.1 inches, the class-leading Model Y and the Lyriq have more. Although the front measurement of 38.1 inches is roughly 3 inches less than in the Model Y and lags all rivals, headroom is still sufficient.
Infotainment: Audi e-tron
A 12.3-inch driver information panel, among the biggest in the business, is standard on all e-trons. It is enhanced by two touchscreens that slide along the centre stack: an 8.8-inch touchscreen for the temperature and comfort settings and a 10.1-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system.
Lyriq’s enormous 33-inch mono screen (which combines driver information and entertainment) dwarfs the touchscreens, but overall, it’s a very regular Audi arrangement that functions well. The Model Y’s 15-inch screen surpasses it, but the Audi’s more traditional configuration enhances the user experience. Using the one screen that Tesla uses for all images and functionality might be perplexing and irritating.
The music from the 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound systems in the pricier trims and the 10-speaker audio configuration in the primary edge have excellent touchscreen picture quality. The highest decorations have a straightforward wireless smartphone connection, and several USB ports—two in the back—allow data to be sent to the infotainment system. The highest models have standard wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Audio. Audi Connect subscribers may access a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Regrettably, like the Tesla Y, the infotainment system relies excessively on touchscreen controls, necessitating frequent attention shifts from the driver from the road to the screen. Although there is a high learning curve to grasp the system, it is pretty straightforward.
Storage & Cargo Space:
With a luggage area that can accommodate up to eight carry-on bags and measures 28.5 cubic feet behind the second seat, the e-tron boasts the second-largest in its sector. It trails the two-row Model Y by a little 1.5 cubes.
When the rear seats are folded, the total cargo space increases to 56.5 cubic feet, less than the 60.8 cubic feet in the Lyriq and the 72.1 cubic feet in the Model Y. Its sloping roof reduces the Sportback’s overall load capacity to 54.5 cubic feet. Measuring only two inches longer externally than the e-tron, the iX offers 35.5 cubic feet of space behind the back seats and 77.9 when the seats are folded.
The e-tron has ample in-cabin storage and a roomy trunk, including centre console compartments, door bins with bottle holders, and a glove box.
The e-tron’s front trunk, or frunk, is around 1.2 cubic feet. Although it may store other items, charging cables are its usual application. With 4.1 cubic feet in the Model Y’s frunk, Tesla is first in the group. The Lyriq lacks a cubic foot, whereas the I-Pace has one that is a little less than one.
With a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds, the e-tron is the best. A $750 option is a tow package. With a towing capability of 3,700 pounds, the Model Y comes in second, followed by the Lyriq at 3,500 pounds. The I-Pace and the BMW iX variant sold in the United States are not approved for towing.
Design: Audi e-tron
The e-tron isn’t for you if all you want to do is “look at me.” Sitting in a busy parking lot, there’s nothing about the traditionally designed crossover that screams “electric” or draws attention. However, that is not a negative thing. The e-tron does an excellent job of conveying a sense of calm competence with a little understatement, particularly in the premium classes.
The e-tron Sportback’s coupe-like top lines may help you stand out, but its distinctive profile and massive grille identify it as an Audi. With its glossy black exterior trim pieces and orange brake callipers, the optional Black Optic trim package—standard on the e-tron Chronos and Sportback Prestige trims—adds a little bling.
Standard Audi interior features include a large, easily readable digital instrument panel and a row of stacked touchscreens that run the length of the dash.
Is the Audi e-tron from 2023 Worth It?
The e-tron offers power, comfort, usefulness, and good driving characteristics in a Premium EV at a price that isn’t eye-watering—unless one of the $7,900 “Audi exclusive” paint colours speaks to you. It’s not as sporty as the Jaguar I-Pace, as elegant as the Cadillac Lyriq, or as spacious as the Tesla Model Y.
Many trim levels are available for the e-tron, except the performance e-tron S. Even with desired extras like the $750 Tow package or the $3,500 Convenience Plus kit (which includes a bird’s eye view camera, adaptive cruise, and lane-keeping assist), the standard Premium ($71,895 with destination and $75,095 for the Sportback) remains the most outstanding value in terms of features, usability, and pricing.
In addition to the Convenience Plus driver assistance functions, the $78,895 Premium Plus level ($82,095 for the Sportback) offers a $2,400 Black Optic option that adds 21-inch wheels and a few external trim items.
The $88,090 e-tron Chronos level for the SUV-styled e-tron has all of the features found in Premium Plus, including Black Optic, but it also includes dual-pane acoustic glass, a head-up display, and interior enhancements. The ultimate trim level of the Sportback is the $90,395 Prestige. It boasts 22-inch alloys in addition to all the Chronos improvements. Narrow sidewall performance tires are necessary for large wheels, which lowers efficiency and degrades ride quality.
How Much Does the 2023 Audi e-tron Insurance Cost?
Insurance-wise, the e-tron is priced similarly to the majority of its competitors. The average yearly Premium for a 30-year-old female driver with a spotless record is a little over $3,000, although this figure applies to all 50 states. Owners of a Jaguar I-Pace may spend $3,100 annually, compared to $3,144 for a Tesla Model Y and $2,500 for a new Cadillac Lyriq.
Audi e-tron Generations
First Generation
2019 to Present
The German automaker’s first all-electric production vehicle is the Audi e-tron SUV. With a range of up to 222 miles on a single charge, the e-tron (deliberately spelt that way) is shaped and sized like the gas-powered Q5 crossover. It has a 95 kWh battery, two electric motors for 355 horsepower, and 414 pound-feet of torque.
The e-Tron received a “crossover coupe” Sportback variant in 2021, and a more potent S version with up to 469 horsepower appeared in the later part of the 2022 model year. The only notable modifications for 2023 were the addition of a black headliner as standard on all Sportback trim levels.
Verdict
The elegant 2023 Audi e-tron is a must-have vehicle for anybody looking for a luxury electric SUV. However, despite its luxurious interior and many features, the car is entering its fifth year with minor cosmetic modifications and a $900 introductory price hike. The e-tron’s 2019 release marked a significant shift in the electric vehicle market, and by 2023, its sub-250-mile range was not up to par with that of its more recent rivals. Current models also provide incredible speed, capacity, and occasionally cheaper costs.
