What's your verdict on the Audi E-tron?

[Domenick]

Officially revealed tonight, the Audi e-tron looks pretty much as expected: like an Audi SUV crossover.

Here are the highlights:
Arrives in the U.S. in the second quarter of 2019.
3 trim levels, with First Edition limited to 999 examples.

• Premium Plus $74,800
• Prestige $81,800
• First Edition $86,700

WLTP range of 249 miles
DC fast charging capability of up to 150 kW

Performance Specs:

• 0-60 mph – 5.5 seconds
• Top speed – 124 mph
• Maximum tow rating – 4,000 pounds when properly equipped

Looks like this:

So, what do you think?
For me, it's not a spaceship like the Model X, looking like a very on-brand Audi. It strikes me as more conservative than the Jaguar I-Pace, though the interior takes a similar approach, wrapping itself around the driver, bedazzling them with assorted screens and switchgear. I can see the appeal, though I tend to prefer the clean uncluttered approach from Tesla or in the BMW i3.

I think it should find plenty of homes.

 

[gooki]

Pros:
Great to see Audi didn’t release a weirdmobile.
Big battery at 95kw.
Charge ports on either side I believe.
Height adjustable suspension.
I thought I saw a frunk big enough for a charge cable under a plastic cover.

Cons:
No confirmation on what regions will get virtual mirrors.
No range. I expect they saw the mess Mercedes-Benz got into and pulled all range figures from the launch.
Interior is not my style.
The factory alloy wheels are not my style.
Disappointed the didn’t offer the camo wrap as an option for first edition.
No offical pictures of boot capacity.
No test drives.

 

[Frank K]

They got a lot right with this car, but there are also things that are not so great.
Here a few added thoughts to what others have said:
- The base price is surprising and probably targeted against the Model X - nice
- I thing the interior looks overloaded
- It is too heavy with is reflected in the low range for 95 kW
- A car presented in the US without EPA range??? This is the only mostly credible range information - all other numbers are wishful thinking

 

[Sandroad]

I like it a lot. For my current needs, I prefer a plug-in hybrid. But if my needs change, or the charging infrastructure develops into something useful in my area..........

 

[FLHEM]

Love it. The biggest reason is the 150kw DC charging capability while also supporting AC charging up to 22kw. Price is an issue, but for what it is, not bad. While the virtual mirrors is a very interesting concept, I didn't expect them to extend out like that. That is quite ugly IMO. Would rather have the cameras only sticking out like 2cm. Overall, I like it.

 

[bwilson4web]

Arrives in the U.S. in the second quarter of 2019.

Ask me then. Elon isn't the only one to offer PowerPoint products.

Bob Wilson

 

[interestedinEV]

Ask me then. Elon isn't the only one to offer PowerPoint products.

Bob Wilson

Touche

 

[Pushmi-Pullyu]

Dealerships (at least in the U.S.) will not stock the e-Tron. Special order only.

In other words, nice though it may be, it will be offered only in compliance car numbers, at least in the U.S. Perhaps more available in Europe?

​

 

[Sandroad]

Dealerships (at least in the U.S.) will not stock the e-Tron. Special order only.

In other words, nice though it may be, it will be offered only in compliance car numbers, at least in the U.S. Perhaps more available in Europe?

​

Well, that ends my interest. I would never buy a car (at any price) I couldn't test drive. What were they thinking, spending all that money on R&D and P.R. and then not stocking it at some U.S. dealerships?

 

[gooki]

I understood not stocking to mean not have the vehicle in stock. Test drive vehicles will still be available at dealerships, but all sales will be built to order.

 

[Pushmi-Pullyu]

Test drive vehicles will still be available at dealerships...

Do you have actual evidence of that, or are you just guessing?

I could be wrong, I'm far from an expert on auto dealerships; but I equate "not in stock" with not having a demo unit for either showroom displays or test drives.

​

 

[gooki]

No evidence, but this is how dealerships typically work in Europe.

 

[Robby2018]

 

[Marty V]

We took our E-Tron in for a rear exit fault and were given a Q5 for a loaner. Similar size, color to the E-tron, but the noise level was shocking after driving the E-Tron. After going PEV, it would be hard to go back to even a hybrid.

 

[Domenick]

We took our E-Tron in for a rear exit fault and were given a Q5 for a loaner. Similar size, color to the E-tron, but the noise level was shocking after driving the E-Tron. After going PEV, it would be hard to go back to even a hybrid.

Right?! I've been driving electric for only about 5 months now and everyone else's car sounds so archaic.

 

[Marty V]

Right?! I've been driving electric for only about 5 months now and everyone else's car sounds so archaic.

I’m an instant EV snob, complaining about noise and smell. And that is after 2 months in the Tron. Do you have info on the range software? How long in the past is used to estimate range?

 

[Domenick]

I’m an instant EV snob, complaining about noise and smell. And that is after 2 months in the Tron. Do you have info on the range software? How long in the past is used to estimate range?

I do not. We have a paucity of owners here at the moment (thank you very much for posting here!) I can throw the question out on social media and see if we can get an answer.