Audi has revealed its first standalone electric model, the e-tron quattro SUV.
In typical Audi fashion, the e-tron quattro takes many cues from the 2015 concept of the same name. Up front, there’s a large, grey grille, surrounded by full LED headlights with e-tron-specific daytime-running-lights and Q3-esque lower intakes and styling elements. The side profile resembles a mini Q8 with a muscular shoulder line, while at the rear there’s a full-length LED taillight and a sculptural design. Other visual elements include 19-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels running on low resistance Goodyear Eagle 255/55 tyres.
The e-tron quattro measures in at 4901mm long, 1935mm wide and 1606mm tall with a 2928mm wheelbase – that’s just 238mm longer, 37mm wider and 51mm lower than a midsize Audi Q5.
Powering the e-tron quattro is a 95kWh lithium-ion battery connected to two electric motors (one at each axle). It produces 300kW of power and 660Nm of torque, and can hit 100km/h from a standstill in less than 6.0 seconds. The battery pack and low drag coefficient help to deliver a 400km range on the WLTP test cycle.
Three charging options are available for the new e-tron. Using the standard-fit 11kW charger, it can be charged from 0 to 100 per cent in 8.5 hours – that time can be reduced using the optional 22kW charger that will be available from 2019. For those wanting a quicker charge, 150kW public DC fast-charging stations can boost the e-tron to 80 per cent charge in less than 30 minutes.
Inside, the e-tron quattro looks a lot like the latest Audi flagships such as the A6, A7 and A8. In the centre of the dash are two touchscreens – the 10.1-inch top screen controls infotainment functions like radio and navigation, while the 8.6-inch bottom screen handles air conditioning, heated seats and other climate control functions. In front of the driver there’s Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster, with new e-tron-specific displays.
The e-tron is the first European car to launch with mirror cameras – rear-facing cameras replace traditional glass mirrors, with the output of the camera displayed on two screens on the door cards on each side of the car.
The e-tron is practical too, with the boot measuring in at 660 litres with the rear seats up and the under-floor compartment open – folding down the second row expands that to 1725 litres. Audi claims the e-tron quattro provides class-leading space for passengers and cargo – that’s helped by a flat floor thanks to the lack of a transmission tunnel.
Safety is aplenty in the new e-tron. Available features include autonomous emergency braking, 360-degree camera, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with lane keep assist and traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition and an automated parking assistant.
The Audi e-tron quattro will make its public debut at the Paris motor show next month, with a European market release scheduled for the end of 2018 – no Australian details have been announced yet. It will be produced at the four ring brand’s electric-vehicle factory in Brussels.