As an experienced data analyst and electric vehicle (EV) enthusiast, I get asked constantly by friends which battery-powered models they should consider when shopping for their first electric car. For those seeking a combination of luxury, performance, and environmental sustainability, I always recommend test driving Audi‘s premier EV offering: the elegant e-tron SUV.
After crunching specs and taking one for a personal spin recently, I became thoroughly convinced the e-tron deserves strong consideration from eco-minded premium SUV buyers. Let‘s take an in-depth tour of 7 compelling reasons why I believe Audi‘s first all-electric SUV makes for an exceptional choice today.
1. Instantly Recognizable Design Signaling Sustainable Luxury has Arrived
As the first fully-electric entrant in Audi‘s luxury SUV lineup, the e-tron radiates a refined and aggressive persona instantly familiar to the brand while signaling a sustainable mobility future has arrived.
Signature elements like Audi‘s large prominent grille (now a sleekly closed-off surface since no radiator sits behind it) paired with futuristic Matrix LED headlamps strongly resemble the styling of the automaker‘s popular gas-powered Q5 and Q7 models.
This maintains that highly-desirable Audi visual identity consumers expect with the added novelty of never needing another fill up at the gas pump! Flared wheel arches and strong accent lines give the e-tron an athletic stance. From all angles, it projects environmentally-friendly prestige.
Inside the e-tron, passengers surround themselves in first-class luxury while enjoying up to 222 miles EPA-estimated driving range devoid of engine noise or emissions. Available inlays in natural oak silver matte wood and aluminum/Beaufort black perf techniques echo Audi interior design traditions. Ambient lighting offering 30 color combinations enhance the exclusivity factor.
Simply stated, no other electric SUV signals you have arrived today quite like the dramatic style and silent swagger of the Audi e-tron.
2. Luxury as Standard – No Compromise Convenience and Safety Tech Keeping You Comfortable and Confident
Rather than relegating the latest tech features as extra cost add-ons, Audi sets a new benchmark by making nearly all electronic driver assistance systems and interior upgrades standard in the e-tron.
Just take a look at the generous list of standard equipment and functionality keeping premium buyers delighted in the base-model:
Comfort and Convenience
- Heated Front/Rear Seats
- 4-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Power Tailgate
- LED Interior Ambient Lighting Plus Package
- Hands-Free Access
Technology
- Audi Virtual Cockpit (12.3” Digital Instrument Cluster)
- Navigation with Traffic Updates
- Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 16 Speakers & 705 Watts
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio w/ 3-Month Trial
- Wireless Phone Charging Pad
- Wifi Hotspot Connectivity
Safety
- Blindspot Monitoring w/ Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Rearview Camera
- Front/Rear Parking Sensors
- Lane Departure Warning
- Collision Avoidance Assist
- Turn Assist
- Exit Warning System
With practically every feature today‘s discerning premium buyer expects included from the get-go, occupants inside Audi‘s e-tron surroundings themselves more like they entered a high-end lounge rather than an automobile.
You shouldn‘t pay extra to access the latest creature comforts and protection when selecting your luxury electric SUV. The e-tron sets a new reference level of what now qualifies as EV standard equipment.
3. Instant Torque Surge Off the Line – Dual Electric Motors Unleash Sports Car-like Acceleration
Many electric vehicles promise strong acceleration from their instant all-electric torque. But with a 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 5.5 seconds, the e-tron feels faster than its SUV proportions suggest.
Credit the near-instant output of its dual asynchronous 140 kW electric motors—each powering either the front or rear axles—for giving this spacious luxury SUV sports sedan-like agility. Together they generate 429 HP and 414 lb-ft of torque the moment you touch the accelerator. No revving internal combustion engine necessary!
Engaging the transmission‘s Dynamic or Sport mode alters the standard front-rear 40:60 torque distribution to a rear-biased focus of 15:85 temporarily for even quicker acceleration by shifting more power to the back wheels. This allows properly equipped e-trons to reach 60 mph nearly half a second quicker according to leading automotive stopwatch firm Car and Driver.
| Spec | e-tron 55 SUV | e-tron Sportback 55 | Q7 45 Premium Gas Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 429 | 429 | 335 |
| 0-60 mph Time | 5.5 secs | 5.6 secs | 6.3 secs |
Reviewers praise the e-tron‘s quiet yet forceful acceleration compared to gas-powered rivals. The near instant uptick in speed when the accelerator is pressed firmly rewards drivers with that roller-coaster launch feeling electric vehicles deliver so well. And without gear changes or engine noise as speed builds, occupants simply perceive themselves gathering velocity rapidly based on the passing scenery.
While the e-tron weighs over 5,300 pounds given its 95 kWh battery pack mounted below the cabin, smart traction control and standard adaptive air suspension aid agility considerably while ensuring composed handling. The low center of gravity inherent in EVs enhances high speed stability as well.
Make no mistake – this prestigious people hauler shocks unsuspecting sports coupes when the lights turn green!
4. Range Anxiety Alleviated – Rapid Charging Has You Back on the Road in No Time
I occasionally hear worries from those less familiar with EVs on how they will manage longer trips given dreams of charging stations remain more fantasy than reality today.
Thankfully, Audi largely eliminates such "range anxiety" in the e-tron by enabling some of the fastest charging capabilities in the industry using advanced Combined Charging System (CCS) DC fast charging outlets increasingly found nationwide.
The e-tron‘s 95 kWh battery stores enough energy to travel over 200 miles between charges based on EPA estimates. While less than some competitors, Audi alleviates any concerns by enabling industry-leading fast charging.
The e-tron’s 150 kW system can replenish its battery from near empty to 80% charge in barely over 30 minutes. This allows convenient long distance road trip driving with only minimal downtime to repower along the way.
Few vehicles in the luxury class restore range or accelerate charging speed as swiftly as Audi‘s vanguard EV entry. Even 30 minutes plugged in adds close to 200 more miles of guilt-free cruising. The e-tron essentially eliminates any advantage Tesla‘s Supercharger network confered since 150 kW CCS outlets continue spreading across the country.
Let‘s compare some charging and range metrics of the e-tron versus rivals:
| Specifications | Audi e-tron 55 SUV | BMW iX xDrive50 | Mercedes EQS SUV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Size | 95 kWh | 111.5 kWh | 107.8 kWh |
| Max Charging Rate | 150 kW | 195 kW | 200 kW |
| EPA Range | 222 miles | 324 miles | 350 miles |
| Miles Recovered in 30 Mins Charging | ~180 miles | 140 miles | ~180 miles |
Clearly Audi made rapid charging a priority. While range may trail some competitors slightly, being able to restore 180+ miles in only half an hour is an advantage when impatience or urgency sets in.
Range anxiety disappears knowingAUDi designed the e-tron to get you where you want to go efficiently…and get you back on the road quickly when recharging along the way.
5. Digital Cockpit Duality – Two Touchscreens Offer Intuitive Control of Infotainment, Comfort and EV Data
The e-tron’s futuristic digital cockpit looks like it came straight from a concept vehicle debut rather than a production model. Twin touch displays provide access to navigation, entertainment, climate, seating adjustments, EV powertrain metrics, and virtually every interior setting imaginable.
A bright 10.1 inch upper screen built into the dashboard integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality by mirroring your connected smartphone’s apps and features. Paired with Audi’s latest MIB 3 infotainment software (with over-the-air update capability), the system offers intuitive control of multimedia, phone calls, and optional Audi Connect telematics services like live traffic reports, weather forecasts, even news headline delivery.
Meanwhile, a lower 8.6 inch touch display lets occupants govern climate control temperature settings for individual seats along with heat/ventilation and massage functionality if so equipped. EV powertrain data like remaining battery range, charging status, energy consumption, and drive system activity also display here rather than inside the Instrument cluster where such information typically shows on internal combustion vehicles.
This dual screen layout makes so much sense as it separates infotainment from comfort management, allowing both front seat passengers easier control of their desired settings without overload or confusion. It exemplifies Audi‘s brilliance for simplifying technology access.
For audiophiles who insist on audio perfection, an available premium Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System transforms the e-tron cabin into a rolling concert venue. A mind-bending 16 speakers plus a subwoofer powered by 705 watts of dedicated amplification deliver exceptional acoustic fidelity perfect for drowning out the world on long drives.
And built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity keeps all passengers linked to online services by securely sharing the vehicle‘s antenna signal up to eight devices simultaneously. No need to drain your phone‘s data plan while in transit thanks to the e-tron essentially serving as a rolling WiFi hotspot.
Audi clearly invested heavily in designing an EV cockpit environment placing a myriad of information and enjoyment at the driver‘s fingertips while simplifying access considerably. The dual touchscreen layout represents a user experience showpiece for the segment.
6. Spacious, Private and Peaceful Sanctuary Awaits Inside
As expected from a brand centered around luxury, Audi went beyond the norm to optimize both ergonomic comfort and acoustic serenity inside the e-tron. Available Valcona leather seating surfaces deliver exceptional softness and breathability. Contour front seats even feature massage, ventilation and heating functions through multiple zones—perfect for reducing stress on long journeys.
But Audi also smartly utilized advantages inherent in an electric vehicle design to grant occupants a more hushed and privatemotoring experience. The absence of any engine noise already eliminates a primary source of sound. Yet Audi dampened the cabin further with superior sound-deadening materials in all interior trim panels along with aerodynamically designed exterior mirrors that minimize air turbulence. Dual-pane acoustic glass provides added noise reduction usually seen only in flagship sedans.
This results in luxury SUV surroundings nearly as silent as a tomb…which might seem disconcerting were it not for the vehicle remaining fully aware of your needs. Simply speak naturally to engage the cloud-connected natural voice control system, and the e-tron fulfills requests for directions or music selection audibly.
Occupants gain a personalized sanctuary for unwinding thanks selecting Audi‘s e-tron over rivals. With less noise permeating the perimeter, the calming extra roominess inherent in SUV design suddenly enhances mental freedom as well—especially when personalized comfort settings align optimally.
In fact, even while seated third row passengers can still access impressive 28.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity since Audi positioned the battery below rather than infringing on interior volume. Roominess and quietness combine to set new standards for privacy and peace inside a luxury electric SUV.
7 Safety First – Comprehensive Detection Technology and Rigid Steel Structure Provide Maxium Protection
As an engineer by education and EV technology specialist by trade, I scrutinize crash safety metrics more severely than typical consumers may realize. And I can definitively report Audi engineers made occupant protection a top priority when designing and testing the e-tron SUV against collision impacts.
In fact, the e-tron became the very first battery-electric vehicle to earn the maximum crash test ratings as "Top Safety Pick +" status from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). During these independent evaluations by the non-profit research group, Audi‘s EV SUV scored the best possible Good rating in all six IIHS evaluation categories including the driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side roof strength and head restraint tests.
Such across the board perfect marks show Audi went far beyond what the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration legally mandates for occupant protection. Rigidity clearly stands paramount here.
The e-tron battery itself resides within an ultra-high strength steel enclosure that proved virtually indestructible even in extreme research crash simulations. Surrounding this armored power core sits an impact force-diffusing buffer frame primarily constructed from aluminum yet reinforced with extra boron steel components bolstering rigidity around the footwell and sills. Robotic welding helps precisely assemble the structure for precision unmatched in the auto industry.
This exceptionally rigid shell then integrates with eight standard airbags supplemented by available safety options rare even in luxury models. For example, Audi pre sense side airbags inflate within milliseconds should collision sensors determine an imminent side impact threat exists.
But protection involves more than just optimizing crashworthiness…avoidance matters greatly too. That‘s why Audi bundles the latest high-tech driver assistance systems as standard equipment to enhance accident prevention through greater awareness and visibility.
Driver Awareness Shields
- Blindspot Monitoring
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alerts
- Surround View Cameras
- Night Vision Assistant
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Lane Departure Warnings
Collision Auto-Braking
- Pre Sense Front
- Turn Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Assist
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Intersection Assist
Both inside and out, Audi clearly designed the e-tron not just to impress but also to protect. Extensive use of advanced sensor technology and rigid underlying structure aim to make collisions avoidable. And robust restraint systems mitigate injury impact if the worst still occurs.
I hope my deep-dive overview from an electric vehicle expert perspective offered ample evidence why Audi‘s stellar e-tron SUV makes sense for premium buyers seeking to embrace battery-powered mobility today. No other model seems to blend luxury, performance, technology and safety as harmoniously while minimizing environmental impact.
Whether you prioritize design, infotainment, comfort, thrilling acceleration or the latest driver assistance shields, Audi delivers substance beyond expectations. Hopefully I‘ve convinced you the e-tron deserves serious consideration for your next electric luxury SUV.
Now with automakers focused on electrifying lineups moving forward, no time seems better than the present to adopt this future-forward technology for yourself as Audi makes the transition wonderfully enjoyable.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m happy to offer my insight as an EV analyst to help steer you wisely.
