Family road test review of the 2021 model Audi e-Tron
After success on the e-race track, Audi is charging into a new era with the first iteration that will lead to a swag of new models.
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Strap yourselves in, the future has arrived. A world-first “flying car” grand prix series is forecast to begin this year.
Some of the biggest names in the automotive and aviation businesses have reportedly been involved, including Rolls-Royce, McLaren and Boeing.
“Nothing drives innovation like racing,’’ said Matt Pearson, one of the tech gurus behind the project.
The thought of flying cars may be beyond imagination for many, but so were electric cars not so long ago. While Tesla has been at the forefront of development and marketing, the car-making big guns are now beginning to fire.
Audi has enjoyed outstanding success in Formula E, the single-seater electric car series. The luxury marque’s first mainstream offering, the e-Tron, has finally arrived.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
KEL: Gigantic wheels, amazing street presence and a coupe-like rear end with a prestige badge.
GRANT: Glitzy and glamorous, we’re in the e-Tron Sportback model. There is an SUV version as well which is $11k less.
KEL: Dare I ask the price given the luxurious looks inside and out?
GRANT: Take the smaller battery option and you can be in the traffic from just below $160,000. We’re in the greater capacity 55 variant which is about $169,330 drive-away.
KEL: That would have been close to my estimate. It’s dripping with expense.
GRANT: Our experience is the First Edition model, which adds even more equipment but also increases the price by another $12k.
KEL: When it comes to electric cars the number one question remains range.
GRANT: The smaller ‘50’ battery returns more than 250km from one charge, while the ‘55’ can achieve about 350-400km. Both can achieve 80% of battery capacity in about 30 minutes using a fast charger, or a full charge in 45 minutes.
THE LIVING SPACE
KEL: There’s ample wow factor once you open the door. It’s a big cabin, but apart from the small sliding shifter to put the e-Tron into gear it’s not too dissimilar to the latest Audis we have driven.
GRANT: Boasting the S line interior package, Valcona leather, special sports steering wheel with paddle shifters, brushed aluminium inlays and stainless steel pedals, it’ a familiar feel with one massive difference.
KEL: Yes, no side mirrors. During my first drive it was a completely different experience.
GRANT: Both door-mounted mirrors are replaced with slimline cameras and the view is projected to a seven-inch screen near the air vents on each side of the car.
KEL: It’s certainly an interesting concept, and I feel like it eliminates the blind spot due to the camera positioning even though they say it just improves aerodynamics.
GRANT: After a few times behind the wheel I became accustomed to the change, although I felt my head dropped level with the digital instruments rather than staying upright – it might be better projected onto the side window similar to a head-up display.
KEL: The two screens for various operations like infotainment and the aircon are fine, but I feel like I need to press the virtual buttons hard to receive the haptic feedback.
GRANT: I like the ability to slide the temperature controls to rapidly cool or heat the cabin. All the traditional common sense elements are there, too, like dual cupholders and bottle accommodation in the doors.
THE COMMUTE
KEL: Like all electric vehicles, it’s quick off the mark. Although, I was expecting faster.
GRANT: With 300kW and 664Nm at its disposal, when using dynamic mode the 0-100km/h dash can be done in 5.7 seconds. That’s quick, although not insane like a Tesla Model 3 AWD. Those wanting a quicker version need to wait for the e-Tron S.
KEL: Around town there is the typically silent electric car operation.
GRANT: Like most Europeans it can get jittery on poor surfaces but the air suspension irons out most issues, especially at higher speeds.
THE SHOPPING
KEL: Internally it feels like a large vehicle, although I didn’t find parking in a confined car park space too challenging.
GRANT: The e-Tron is slightly smaller than the big Q7 SUV but was built as an EV from the ground up so the front and rear wheels are further apart.
KEL: Our traditional large weekly grocery shop was swallowed by the boot with ease.
GRANT: There is about 45 more litres of space in the SUV version, but the Sportback still has a large boot. There is also a storage space under the bonnet, which is a handy spot for charging cables.
SUNDAY RUN
KEL: When I first cruised through some rural areas the experience was refined, although nothing spectacular. Then I found Dynamic mode.
GRANT: Pull the shifter twice and it engages Sport, and Dynamic achieved the same result, bolstering the power output by 35kW and enabling the e-Tron to use all 300kW.
KEL: That really improves the fun factor with instant acceleration response.
GRANT: With 700kg of battery weight under the floor it assists the centre of gravity, delivering flat cornering with limited body roll. Having gigantic 21-inch rubber and all-wheel drive helps with the grip and most drivers will be challenged to lose traction.
THE FAMILY
KEL: Sensible buyers might be swayed by the squarer SUV shape, but I’d take the Sportback any day of the week. There’s still ample space for a growing family with good head and legroom even with the sloping rear roofline.
GRANT: It’s certainly the most fashionable of the duo. While the get-in price is hefty, family budgets will appreciate the running costs – free servicing and charging over the first six years.
KEL: Although that charging would have to be done at specific locations?
GRANT: This is true. Plugging into Chargefox outlets is free and depending on location they have the fast (50kW) and ultra-rapid (350kW) chargers.
KEL: You would get used to that process, but I’m guessing most people will charge at home and primarily use stations to top-up.
GRANT: That’s what most of the experts predict too, and until there is additional charging infrastructure investment the EV evolution will be slow.
THE VERDICT
KEL: Great looks and interior space, it’s a beautiful EV to drive and it ranks high on the funky factor scale. Although the value isn’t there for me just yet even though the prestige style and kudos boxes are ticked.
GRANT: My expectations were higher. Having stepped out of the Nissan Leaf e+ the week before that has a similar range, it’s difficult to fathom the extra $100k of investment despite the massive step up in size and finishes. More e-Trons are forecast to arrive this year, and be assured they’ll get better with every iteration.
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