Audi Australia welcomes a new era of mobility with the impending arrival of its first-ever all-electric vehicles, the Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback, with the new models available with two battery variants and a raft of innovative new technologies.
The Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback utilise an electric motor on the front and rear axles, and one of the fastest-charging automotive batteries on the market. At the heart of the Audi e-tron is its power train and a liquid-cooled pouch cell lithium-ion battery.
The Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback 55 quattro variants store up to 95KWh of energy (divided up into 36 battery modules), for a range of over 400km. The 50 quattro variants store up to 71kWh of energy (27 modules) for a range in excess of 300km.
The e-tron 55 quattro variants provide exhilarating performance, with 300kW of power and 664Nm of torque. The 0-100km/h sprint is despatched in 5.7 seconds, with a governed top speed of 200 km/h.
The e-tron 50 quattro variants, with 230kW/540Nm, still offer strong performance, reaching 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds.
While many electric vehicles are not suitable for towing, all e-tron variants can tow up to 1.8 tonnes effortlessly, thanks to the torque delivery of the electric motors.
The interior of the Audi e-tron embraces the very latest in connectivity too. The MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch response incorporates the full suite of Audi connect plus functions, with extended features for the e-tron.
Route planning can begin either via the MMI interface, or via the myAudi smartphone app, which then sends it to the vehicles MMI system. On long journeys, the MMI system calculates if charging is required (taking into account live traffic), as well.
Infotainment is a real strength of the e-tron models, with the dual MMI touch response touchscreens (10.1-inch for infotainment, 8.6-inch for vehicle functions) the feature of the minimalist console layout.
The high-resolution Audi virtual cockpit presents all important information in front of the driver. Audi smartphone interface includes Android Auto and Wireless Apple CarPlay integration, as well as wireless charging.
In total, there are 4x USB charging outlets in the front and rear of the e-tron models. It’s also the first passenger vehicle in Australia to offer the option of virtual exterior mirrors for superior visibility and safety.
The controversial virtual mirrors integrate a small camera to digitally project information through a high-resolution 7-inch OLED display at the base of the A-pillars.
For comfort and convenience, standard equipment highlights include an electric tailgate (with gesture control), convenience key and (conventional) exterior mirrors with electric folding/heating/memory.
Plush Milano leather seat upholstery provides luxurious comfort, with dual zone climate control and front-seat heating ensuring the temperature is always comfortable. The e-tron and e-tron Sportback accommodate 660 litres and 615 litres of luggage respectively.
Up to five passengers can be seated in comfort, with those in rear treated to more legroom that usual, thanks to the lack of a transmission bulkhead beneath the floor.
Both variants can be charged via a supplied 11kW AC home-charging kit (requires electrical infrastructure to support), or up to 150kW DC fast-charging (120kW for e-tron 50). This fast-charging option is suitable for stopovers on long journeys.
It restores 80 per cent of charge in just 30 minutes, or a full charge in only 45 minutes. The 11kW AC home-charging solution can charge the e tron 55 variants from empty to full in 8.5 hours, and the e-tron 50 variants in 6 hours.
For charging at home, Audi offers a comprehensive ‘home check’ consultation and installation process in partnership with JETCharge. While plugged in, the e-tron can be pre-conditioned for by heating or cooling, controlled by the myAudi smartphone app.
Audi Australia is also offering all e-tron vehicles with a comprehensive customer offer that includes a 6-year subscription to the Chargefox charging network, of which Audi is a founding partner.
Additionally, servicing and roadside assistance for the first 6 years of ownership has been included. Owners can take further peace-of-mind from an 8-year/160,000km drive train warranty. Both have a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
It’s equipped with eight airbags, and features an extensive array of driver assistance systems, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
Some other highlights include 360-degree cameras, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic assist, intersection assist, collision avoidance assist, turn assist, exit warning and tyre pressure monitor.
The first-ever Audi e-tron and Audi e-tron Sportback will arrive in September, and early vehicles will be available to order through the new Audi online purchase platform, at audi.com.au, from June 19th.
As part of the launch, a special First Edition is being offered in both body styles. Features include virtual exterior mirrors, unique 21-inch alloy wheels, e-tron orange brake calipers, and 705W Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system.
Pricing starts at $137,700 plus on-roads for the Audi e-tron 50 quattro 230kW, with the range topping e-tron Sportback 55 quattro 265kW priced $157,700 plus on-roads.
The first edition variants are priced at $159,600 plus on-roads for the e-tron 55 quattro and $169,950 plus on-roads for the e-tron Sportback 55 quattro.
