EV Review: 2021 Audi e-tron SUV

Photo Credits: Audi and Cars.com

ELECTRIC HAS GONE AUDI

Overview

Performance: Two electric motors, 355 horsepower

Mileage estimate: 78 mpge

Price estimate: $65,900 to $80,195

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Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles

Drivetrain Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles

Roadside Assistance: 4 years / unlimited

Corrosion Warranty: 12 years / unlimited

2021 Audi e-tron SUV Review

Intro

Recognizing the need to upgrade, Audi is an example of an automaker getting more innovative so it can keep pace with its rivals. Even though global sales of its lone electric vehicle – the e-tron – increased by nearly 80 percent in 2020 (47,324) from the previous year, Audi seeks improvement. U.S. sales were modest in 2020 at 6,232, however, car sales overall were down in 2020.

The 2021 Audi e-tron added 18 miles to its total, increasing its maximum range from 204 to 222 miles on a full charge. It also introduced a new entry-level (Premium trim) that costs approximately $9,000 less than the 2020 base model. Also new are the other two trim models (Premium Plus, Prestige) now feature charging ports on both sides of the vehicle.

Introduced in 2019, the Audi e-tron is an all-electric compact crossover SUV that is also offered in a Sportback body style, characterized by a coupe-like slopping roofline. Its competition is no longer just the Tesla Y. It now includes the Mercedes-Benz EQC, Jaguar I-Pace and Polestar 2.

Audi isn’t backing off its commitment to EVs that it made several years ago. By 2025, Audi wants to have 30 electrified models on sale, including 20 of those being fully electric. Audi is part of the Volkswagen group that is incorporating a company strategy that wants to be more innovative, efficient, and sustainable. Its future is clearly focused on EVs.

Exterior Style

We like the e-tron’s appearance; it looks like a “normal” five-passenger luxury SUV, a fact we applaud. Too many auto groups go for a quirky exterior because they believe that’s what people expect from an EV. The exterior of the e-tron is both stylish and refined, while the interior isn’t trying to push the limit on technology.

Interior Space

The 12-way power adjustments create comfortable seating up front and are enhanced by a massage function that can be a blessing on a long trip. The rear seats don’t have the same comfort level, but are fine overall for an average adult. Cargo space is solid at 28.5 cubic feet and extends to 57 cubes with the back seat down. There’s also a small cargo space under the hood (frunk).

The interior has an infotainment system that utilizes dual touchscreens, a 10.1-inch display on top, and an 8.8-inch one below it. As one expects from a luxury vehicle, the cabin was done with quality materials and there’s an overall refinement. The e-tron employs a quad-zone climate control system that can keep all five passengers comfortable. It comes with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

Charging

Despite the above-mentioned attributes, the bottom line for many EV buyers is the vehicle’s range. The Audi e-tron is no slouch in the range department yet its 222-mile range falls woefully short of Teslas such as the Model Y with a 326-mile range. The Mercedes-Benz EQC (estimated 265), Jaguar I-Pace (234) and Polestar 2 (233) also have slightly better range than the e-tron.

The range may come up lacking, but charging the e-tron is a strong point. Installed under the back seat floor, the 95-kilowatt (kWH) battery can go from zero to 80-percent charged in approximately 30 minutes with a 150-kW DC fast-charger. Home charging takes about nine hours with a Level 2 charging station.

Performance and Speed

Performance is another strong point of the all-electric Audi e-tron. There are a pair of electric motors (front and rear) that generate 355 horsepower and 414 pound-feet of torque. Those figures increase to 402 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque when Boost mode is selected, allowing the e-tron to go 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds with a top speed is 124 mph. All this despite being a rather heavy SUV, weighing 5,699 pounds. Maximum towing is approximately 4,000 pounds.

The e-tron is quick in a quiet, unassuming way. It’s pleasurable to drive, providing sporty handling, ride quality, and smooth braking. The regenerative braking helps the e-tron decelerate and can be manually controlled by the flaps behind the steering wheel. Standard safety features include crash avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic monitoring and intervention, automated emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist.

Conclusion

There are lots to applaud with the 2021 Audi e-tron, starting with the exterior, overall performance, comfort, and interior makeup. The range has improved and the addition of a more affordable base model and the optional Sportback body style gives EV shoppers even more reason to buy the e-tron.

-J.W.