Audi has officially launched its all-electric e-tron range in South Africa, after the cars went on pre-order in late 2021.
Six electric Audi vehicles are now available, which marks the biggest electric vehicle (EV) launch in one country that any manufacturer has ever done, said Audi.
The range starts at R1,990,000 for the e-tron 55 Quattro Advanced, and goes all the way up to R3,300,000 for the supercar-rivaling RS e-tron GT Quattro.
Electric coupes
The new Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT coupes feature high-end cabins filled with premium materials and equipment.
Every model offers three-zone climate control, electric front seats with heating, a comfort key with sensor-controlled luggage compartment release, a panoramic sunroof, matrix LED headlights, a Bang and Olufsen sound system, a configurable digital instrument cluster, as well as the MMI navigation plus infotainment system.
The GT models also sport a 360-degree camera system, lane departure warning, side airbags in the front and rear, adaptive air suspension, and a 400-volt boost converter.
Providing power in the electric coupes is a 93.4kWh battery driving electric motors on both axles.
The “entry-level” model produces an impressive 350kW and 630Nm, while the top-of-the-line RS delivers 440kW and 830Nm.
This assures 0-100km/h times of 4.5 and 3.3 seconds, respectively, and a limited top speed of 245km/h and 250km/h.
Maximum driving range for the e-tron GT is rated at 488km, while the sportier RS e-tron GT gets 472km.
With a fast-charger, these Audis can go from 5% to 80% charge in just over 22 minutes, while approximately five minutes of charge will add 100km to the range, said Audi.
Electric SUVs
The e-tron SUV range features an equally premium cabin, with a notable addition for the local market being the new camera-based wing mirrors.
Additionally, the SUV and Sportback models receive four-zone climate control, electric front seats with heating, a comfort key with sensor-controlled luggage compartment release, matrix LED lights, a Bang and Olufsen sound system, a configurable digital instrument cluster, and the MMI navigation plus infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Each model is also equipped with adaptive air suspension, lane change and rear traffic assist, a rear-view camera, and the parking aid plus programme that includes all-round parking sensors.
Driving these EVs is a 95kWh battery and two electric motors, which generate 300kW and 664Nm in the e-tron 55 and 55 Sportback, and 370kW and 973Nm in the e-tron S Sportback.
The 100km/h mark is reached n 5.7 seconds for the 55 SUVs, and 4.5 seconds for the S Sportback. Top speed for the EVs is rated at 200km/h and 210km/h, respectively.
Maximum driving range is 440km for the standard e-tron 55, 453km for the e-tron 55 Sportback, and 378km for the e-tron S Sportback.
“Depending on individual house infrastructure and connection capacity, one could expect up to 256km more range following an eight-hour charge,” said Audi.
Pricing
The South African pricing for the Audi e-tron line-up is:
- Audi e-tron 55 Quattro Advanced – R1,990,000
- Audi e-tron 55 Quattro S Line – R2,045,000
- Audi e-tron Sportback 55 Quattro S Line – R2,115,000
- Audi e-tron S Sportback Quattro – R2,425,000
- Audi e-tron GT Quattro – R2,715,000
- Audi RS e-tron GT Quattro – R3,300,000
An e-tron 55 First Edition specification will also be made available in the second half of the year at R1,745,000.
Each purchase includes a 5-year/100,000km Audi Freeway Plan and an 8-year/160,000km battery warranty.
The e-tron models will only be available through 10 national Audi dealerships, with three in Johannesburg, three in Pretoria, two in Cape Town, and two in Durban.
“The ten Audi e-tron dealerships will also be equipped to allow for fast electric vehicle charging and will be accessible to the public,” said Audi South Africa.
Keyword: Audi e-tron electric cars officially launched in South Africa – Pricing and details