Image: Audi
Image: Audi
Image: Audi
Image: Audi
Image: Audi
Image: Audi
In the April issue of CAR Magazine, our team dived head first into the future with the Audi E-Tron SUV; ushering in a new chapter in the brand’s history with pleasant satisfaction in its silent operation and zero-emissions.
As car manufacturers continue to invest billions to swap out ICE production for electric, the Audi E-Tron SUV forges forward on the bandwagon and represents a whole new chapter of the brand’s history. The E-Tron name describes Audi vehicles fully driven by electric power featuring plug-in and fast-charging convenience, advanced energy recuperation whilst driving and zero emissions.
Image: Audi
The first all-electric vehicle from Audi, the Audi E-Tron is a full-size luxury SUV that sports a state-of-the-art electric drivetrain. After the luxury SUV rolled into the CAR garage for evaluation, we were impressed with the efficiency, performance and quiet tranquillity it had to offer. The Audi E-Tron exemplifies the driving experience of a new technological era, featuring all of the performance and luxury you would expect from an Audi but in a quiet, zero-emissions EV with a system output of up to 300 kW of pure electric power and 664 N.m of torque. The maximum drive torque is available within fractions of a second and provides enormous pulling power. The Audi E-Tron SUV completes the standard 0-100 km/h sprint in 5,65 seconds with the top speed electronically limited to 200 km/h.
With a maximum range of up to 441 km, the Audi E-Tron SUV is definitely suitable for driving long distances, the large high-voltage battery and a smart recuperation system also play their part exceptionally well. The E-Tron recovers and stores energy during normal driving, The large high-voltage battery can store up to 95 kW of energy allowing convenience and no compromises for drivers.
Image: Audi
The all-wheel drive provides the highest quality of traction and handling on any terrain and in any weather conditions, ensuring an ideal distribution of drive torque between the two axles. The battery system is optimally matched to the dimensions of the Audi and is located between the axles, The centre of gravity of the Audi E-Tron SUV is thus on a level similar to a sedan. Axle load distribution is perfectly balanced at almost 50:50.
The Audi E-Tron reflects the classic character of Audi’s design, translated into the electric age by new modern details. Bearing an octagonal design single-frame grille with vertical struts, the large enclosed presented in a platinum grey grille identifies it as a fully electric model from the get-go. From the specific daytime running light signature, and the lack of exhaust pipes to the optional virtual exterior mirrors which are a worldwide first-in-a-series production model, add a sense of visual highlight.
Image: Audi
The Audi E-Tron is available in 9 different colours, Glacier white Metallic, Galaxy-Blue-Metallic, Typhoon Gray Metallic, Catalunya Red Metallic, Siam Beige Metallic, Brilliant Black, Floret Silver Metallic, Myth Black Metallic and Navarra Blue Metallic.
The silent model also comes standard with fully digital control and display concepts, representing the next step in a systematic evolutionary process. The Audi features the MMI touch response operating system with two large, high-resolution displays. The upper screen has a diagonal of 10.1-inches and the lower one 8.6-inches. Offering numerous assistance systems that support the driver and enhance comfort. Engage adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist come as standard in the Audi E-Tron. The Audi includes E-Tron-specific services such as the E-Tron route planner, which shows you the best possible route with the required charging points.
Image: Audi
The virtual side mirrors take digitalization in the car to a new level but they do take a while to get used to. The cameras feed two digital screens on the inside of the doors, members of the CAR team commented that the screens are positioned a few millimetres below where your eye instinctively goes to check the mirrors.
Quick facts:
Model: Audi E-tron
Price: R1 990 000
Motor: dual asynchronous electric motors
Power: 300 kW
Torque: 664 N.m
0-100 km/h: 5,65 seconds
Top Speed: 200 km/h
Find the full story in the April 2022 issue of CAR Magazine.
Keyword: ARCHIVE: Up close and personal with the full-sized Audi E-Tron SUV