Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback launch in Australia
Audi’s new electric SUV twins have arrived in Australia with plenty of luxury features and some groundbreaking tech.
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Audi’s electric future is now a reality in Australia.
After multiple production delays the German maker has launched its first electric vehicles, the e-tron SUV and Sportback twins.
Both are mechanically the same but the Sportback has a sportier, coupe-look profile.
There is seating for five, but the e-tron is sized closer to the seven-seat Q7 than the five-seat Q5 SUV, making it bigger and roomier inside than the Mercedes-Benz EQC and closer to the Tesla Model X.
Loaded with cutting-edge tech and luxury features, the electric duo is to go on sale in select dealerships and online from June 19, with the first deliveries starting in September.
Both models will be available in two grades; 50 and 55.
Prices start at $137,700 (before on-road costs) for the 50 and $146,700 for the 55. Sportback versions add $11,000.
A well-equipped First Edition will be available from launch, priced from $159,600 (e-tron) and $169,950 (Sportback). There are only 70 examples of each available.
The 50 is powered by a pair of electric motors — one on each axle providing four-wheel drive — fed by a 71kWh battery. Outputs are 230kW and 540Nm and range is claimed to be more than 300km.
The 55 gets a bigger 95kWh battery and outputs of 300kW/664Nm with a range of more than 400km.
The battery in the 55 is more than two metres long and contributes about 700kg to vehicle’s circa-2500kg weight. It is covered by an eight-year/160,000km warranty.
Despite the hefty kerb weight, the 50 can hit 100km/h in 6.8 seconds and the 55 in 5.7 seconds on the way to a top speed limited to 200km/h.
The maker claims advanced brake regeneration adds as much as 30 per cent to the car’s range, while heath management tech adds another 15 per cent.
Audi is trumpeting some big tech advancements in the e-tron, including the first production car to feature cameras instead of side mirrors.
The cameras feed to high-definition screens located on the top corner of the door and reduce drag, increasing the car’s range by as much as 5 per cent compared to conventional side mirrors.
Unfortunately the camera mirrors aren’t standard and buyers will need to option a pack that costs $9700 on the e-tron and $6700 on the Sportback.
But the pack does include other luxuries such as big 21-inch alloy wheels, a thumping 16-speaker Bang and Olufsen stereo and four-zone airconditioning among others perks. The pack is standard on the First Edition.
Audi’s interior is a highlight. A digital cockpit sits in front of the driver and there are two stacked centre screens — a 10.1-inch infotainment screen and a 8.6-inch display for vehicle functions.
When hooked-up to a fast charger the battery can be replenished to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes or to 100 per cent in 45 minutes.
At home, the 11kW charger included with the e-tron will fill up the 50 in six hours and the 55 in 8.5 hours.
All models come with six years, unlimited free charging via the ChargeFox network.
Audi says there has been strong interest from Aussie buyers, with about 100 pre-orders already.
Most buyers are expected to opt for the more expensive and powerful 55 version in the Sportback body shape.
Audi will reveal its next electric cars — the Q4 e-tron and e-tron GT later this year.
Originally published as Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback launch in Australia