Name: Audi E-tron Review
Item: Audi E-tron
Author: Gumtree.com

Electric vehicles come in all shapes and sizes, from city run-arounds to performance specialists. The Audi e-tron is an electric SUV that’s big on luxury, as well as being just plain big. It goes up against the likes of the BMW iX3, the Jaguar I-PACE and the Mercedes EQC as an EV for people who like to ride in spacious comfort. At first glance, you wouldn’t know it was electric. The grille at the front looks much like any other Audi and there’s none of the deliberately futuristic styling you’d find on a Tesla. This is a car that’s unflustered about the new normal that’s beginning to descend on the motoring scene, and seems determined to prove a lack of engines doesn’t need to disrupt the business of being a grown-up luxury SUV.

Visit the Audi e-tron model page to browse available cars and specs.

What we think about the Audi e-tron

The Audi e-tron is one of the most comfortable electric vehicles on the market, allowing you to waft around in a dignified hush.

Pros

Luxurious, roomy interior

Plush ride

Very quiet

Cons

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Acceleration not the punchiest

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Rivals offer greater range between charges

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Infotainment system can be fiddly

As Audi’s first electric vehicle, the e-tron made its debut in 2019. It’s available in six different trim levels, ranging from Technik up to Vorsprung. In addition to the classic SUV body style, there’s also a Sportback version with a sloping roof.

Driving performance of the Audi E Tron

Our Driving Rating7 / 10

It’s all about context in this class of vehicle. The entry-level e-tron, the 50 quattro, will take you from 0 to 60 in 6.8 seconds, which is hardly sluggish. Until you compare it to its rivals, that it. The entry-level Jaguar I-PACE, for example, will get you up to 60 a full two seconds faster. Handling in the e-tron is fine, but doesn’t offer the fun of some others. The ride, on the other hand, is very much competitive, with the standard air suspension ensuring Comfort Mode lives up to its name. There’s hardly any noise, and an expertly handled combination of traditional friction and regenerative braking allows you to recharge the battery while slowing down smoothly.

Safety and reliability of the Audi E Tron

Our Safety Rating9 / 10

The Audi e-tron was awarded the full five stars from Euro NCAP in 2019. All e-trons come with an array of tech to help you drive safely in the city, such as rear cross-traffic alert, cross-traffic assist and AEB. Cyclists will thank you for the exit warning system on the door. There’s also collision avoidance assist with evasive steering, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. If all this isn’t enough, Audi’s pre-sense system will tighten the seatbelts and close the windows if it anticipates a collision.

Under the bonnet of the Audi E Tron

Our Engine Rating7 / 10

The e-tron is fitted with an electric motor on each axle, giving it all-wheel drive. The entry-level 50 quattro delivers 309 brake horsepower, the 55 quattro offers 402 and the high-end e-tron S takes it up to 496. The seamless and instantaneous acceleration provides a real thrill. It’s only when you compare the e-tron to others in the electric SUV class that these none-too-shabby motors start to seem slightly underwhelming.

What you'll find in the Audi E Tron

Our Design Rating8 / 10

While it looks much like a regular Audi from the outside, if you look closely there are a few details that give away the fact that this is an EV. That grille isn’t just for show – while there’s no radiator, there are electrical components that need to be cooled, so the centre slats will open when needed and close when they’re not, for the sake of aerodynamics. Both front wheel guards feature charge flaps which can be popped open, meaning you don’t have to worry about the length of your charge cable.

Comfort and interiors in the Audi E Tron

Our Comfort Rating9 / 10

Comfort is a big deal for the e-tron. There are the electrically adjustable front seats with four-way lumbar support and memory function for the driver, along with a highly adjustable steering wheel. Then there’s the famous Audi quality to the interior construction, which certainly hasn’t been skimped on here, with leather, soft-touch plastics, chrome and the option of oak veneer. As a high-tech vehicle, the cockpit features no less than three super-high-res screens. These replace traditional buttons for many of the car’s functions, but those that remain have that satisfying click.

What features you'll find in the Audi E Tron

Our Features Rating7 / 10

The lavish interior is kitted out with dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and part-leather upholstery as standard. Those touchscreens feature haptic feedback, and the rearview mirror is auto-dimming. There’s also an electric tailgate, keyless start and smartphone mirroring. Optional extras include a panoramic glass roof and air conditioning. There are none of the fun gimmicks you’ll find in a Tesla, but this isn’t that kind of car – the features here are all about enhancing grown-up comfort rather than showing off.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Audi E Tron

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

It might seem remiss to give a car that uses zero petrol or diesel only seven out of ten for fuel economy. But this is another area where those engines come up short when compared to their rivals. Audi claims a range of 198 miles on a single charge, which is well short of the Jaguar I-PACE’s claimed 298 miles. In the real world, you’ll probably get more like 150 miles. Whether this is an issue for you depends entirely on how you’ll be using and charging the car.

Running costs of the Audi E Tron

Our Cost Rating8 / 10

Electric cars are much cheaper to power than their petrol or diesel alternatives, and when you’re looking at big cars it follows that the savings are greater. There’s also the London Congestion Charge waiver, cheaper road tax and parking benefits to take into account. As a luxury SUV, it will cost you a fair bit to insure, as it sits in the top insurance groups of 48 to 50.

Our verdict of the Audi E Tron

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

The Audi e-Tron is a smooth and refined SUV that lets you join the electric revolution in luxurious comfort.

Audi e-tron Review