ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ค. 2019
- Audi's first full electric car is a technological 'tour de force'. This battery-powered large SUV takes the best bits from the brand's conventional Crossovers and blends them with next-level electrification technology. There's a beautiful cabin and we're even promised engaging driving dynamics. What's not to like? The price? Well you can't have everything...
Background
Wisely perhaps, Audi has taken its time in creating its first fully electric car. Ingolstadt has sat and watched others battle with inferior battery technology. Only now has it acted to try and redefine the standard when it comes to this kind of BEV and the result is the Audi E-tron.
Unsurprisingly, it's an SUV, an obvious genre choice, first because that's what the world's most lucrative markets now most want these days - and second because a Crossover's high-set practical body shape provides plenty pf space to squirrel away all the electrified engineering without it intruding into passenger room in the cabin. The liquid-cooled 95kWh lithium-ion battery delivers a WLTP-rated 249 miles of range and the E-tron drives, Audi says, like a car, not some kind of automotive appliance. Which is nice.
Engines and Tech Spec
Electric cars may have come on quite a lot since you last looked. With this one, there's an electric driveline with two asynchronous motors, one up-front with 181bhp and the other at the rear with 221bhp. They're electronically linked and together deliver 4WD and a prodigious power output of 402bhp. Mind you, that's only on offer in the performance-orientated 'Boost' mode that would decimate the WLTP-rated 249 mile driving range if you frequently replicated the 0-62mph time of 5.7s or approached the claimed top speed of 124mph. The development team just about managed to get this car to lap the infamous 20.8km Nurburgring Nordschleife race track twice at full tilt.
It's much more realistic to think of driving in 'Normal' mode, which sees overall power drop to 350bhp - still enough to get you to 62mph in 6.4s. Not bad for a car that tips the scales at nearly 2.5-tonnes. Air suspension's standard and the ride height can be adjusted, with the 'Efficiency' mode lowering it by 27mm and 'Off-road' mode (yes, there is one) raising the car by 52mm. The steering's Q5-derived, while much of the suspension uses Q7 bits. As with other electric cars, the low centre of gravity should help in reducing body roll.
Design and Build
The E-tron rides on an electrified version of the Volkswagen Group's MLB Evo platform, the same underpinnings already used by the Audi Q5 - that shares similar exterior dimensions to this car. And the brand's Q7 model - that shares similar levels of interior space to an E-tron. You'd certainly know this was an Audi if you removed the badgework; design elements like the octagon chrome-framed front grille and the elongated rear lamps connected by a light bar fit perfectly in with Ingolstadt's current styling language.
Inside, at the wheel, there's the brand's usual digital 'Virtual Cockpit' virtual instrument binnacle screen as you would expect, plus the centre-stack twin-screen infotainment set-up familiar from the A6, the A7 and the A8. As a result, this electric design shares the button-free uncluttered cabin feel that characterises the interior of those models. What else? Well like the Q5 and the Q7, the back seat is comfortable for two but not really for three. There's a decently-sized 660-litre boot. And you get an extra little carriage compartment at the front where the engine would normally be, though it's mostly taken up by the charging leads. You could put a laptop or a small bag there though.
Market and Model
Prices start at £71,500 for the standard '55 quattro' version. From that, you'll be able to subtract the £3,500 grant that the government provides for full-electric vehicles. The brand is also offering better-equipped 'Launch Edition' and 'Edition 1' versions priced at over £82,000 and nearly £90,000 respectively. To give you some competitor perspective, a Jaguar I-PACE sits in the £65,000-£80,000 bracket. And a Tesla Model S costs from around £75,000.
This car's party piece is its 'Virtual Mirrors' - an option you'll probably want on the entry-level model - they're standard otherwise. Here, 'L'-shaped pods replace ordinary door mirrors and transfer footage of what's happening behind to screens integrated into the doors where door handles would normally be. It'll be a real talking point for your passengers. On the desirable 'Launch Edition', Platinum-look 21-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels provide even more impact than the already striking 20-inch examples fitted to the standard e-tron, plus the headlamp units take a step up from LED to even more intelligent Matrix LED technology enabling diversion of the light beam around surrounding traffic.
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Virtuoso! I have seen no other car reviewer on TH-cam who can provide such a comprehensive, or such a beautifully explained, comfortably paced review, so refreshingly free of ego, pointless attempts to be 'different' or unfunny 'humour'. I know when I watch one of your reviews that I will simply be thoroughly educated at the end of it, on absolutely everything that really matters when it comes to deciding whether to make what is a huge decision to buy or not. Thank you for all the hard work you put into these excellent presentations.
Thank you for watching, Ed. We're glad that you find our reviews informative 👍
Best review of e-tron I have seen on TH-cam!! You took your time and gave a detailed review can't say the same to all the other reviews of e-tron. Thank you!
That's great to hear, Bineet. Glad you found the review helpful 👍
A thorough and exhaustive review. I was thinking of buying this car but having sat through this review it feels like I have driven it for 3 years and discovered everything to know about it so I don't need to buy it now!
Were happy to have saved you £70,000 👌
@cahill7140 says Audi salesman
I just bought this car (2019 55 exclusive second hand), same color at a good price, without seeing this review first... after seeing it I am at peace.... knowing I did the right choice. What an amazing review.... btw mine was with normal old fashioned side mirrors. I am getting it in two days.
Thanks for watching 👍 Fantastic to hear about your Audi e-tron! Subscribe for the latest in-depth reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT
I like these o-dark-hundred (Central Time) uploads. What a great way to wind down before leaving work. Thanks!👊😎
Oh my God! You sound like you're eating cars for breakfast and breathing them out before dinner. You are a real expert.
0.3 grams
If you are going to watch an E-Tron review, watch this one first! Not once did I hear the phrase "scratchy plastics" or 0-60 time... I'm getting one after watching this.
Thanks for the great comment, Nigel! Our team will be happy to help make the E-tron your next car 👍📞 www.osv.ltd.uk/hello-youtube/
Excellent review. Full of valuable information. Thank you. 👍
Subscribed 🌞
Brilliant! Clear and well detailed review.
Fantastic review.
Brilliant. Best car review I ever watched. Thank you!
Thanks for the great feedback 😄
Outstanding presentation! Explains all I needed to know. Now what about the EQC? I haven’t yet seen you do a video on that car. Did I miss it or is it coming? I will probably buy one or the other and would value your input. I have test driven the e- tron and loved it!
Thanks Steve, we are yet to make a EQC review but feel free to get in touch with our vehicle expert team who can answer any questions and give you a competitive quote 👍 www.osv.ltd.uk/contact-us/
I did subscribed for your hard work. I do learn a lot in your video. Thank you.
Audi design and engineering are exceptional. From inside to outside (RS7 is my dream car). Too bad that I couldn't afford its price range. I may end up getting the boring Tesla model Y.
Fantastic real world review - in depth detailed information not a 15 minute pastiche of a car we all need proper information about
Thank you Terry, glad you enjoyed the review!
Just a great review, thanks for that!
Thank you Piotr for watching!
Excellent review. Thank you.
Hi Nick, thank you for the great feedback 😀
Excellent review! Well done and thank you! I’ve just placed an order for one so looking forward to it even more now!
Thanks GMTRB5, did you order though us? let us know how you get on with it 👍
OSV Unfortunately not - it’s a company car .. due at the end of November 😁
@@GMTRB5 how you getting on with the etron? Ours is due in a couple of weeks
@@casiodan love it!! It’s such a good car to drive, it’s fast and relatively economical… really happy - you won’t regret it!
@@GMTRB5 it just arrived yesterday. Loving it
No doubt the best review of the Audi 55 e-tron to date, and I’ve lookt at more than a few.
Excellent presentation and in-depth information that has been very helpful in my choice of EV.
Audi e=tron 55 it will be.
Thank you.
Glad you found our review helpful Peder, thank you 👍
For battery cars, you seriously need to install a high speed charger at home. It is a must if you want to use the car without the stress of going to a charge station and waiting.
i bought a Tesla model S p85d in 2016. It is a very nice car for daily commutes. The fit and finish is not great however. The doors feel cheap when you close them. There is wind buffering that cannot be fixed - i brought the car back into the dealer 3 times and they can't seem to get rid of it. Door handles failed to open once and some other small functions failing. The back seats are not very comfortable for my taste. The car is fast but compare to an audi, it feels floaty during very aggressive driving.
The E-Tron is a luxury short daily commuter. You need a hybrid or a traditional car for your longer trips. This car is for people with other cars in their possession. I just ordered one and will be taking delivery sometime today. The fit and finish of the audi is miles ahead of Tesla. I regularly get an Audi q7 and q5 for loaners when i take my Cayenne in for service. After having so many time driving Audis they are indeed very nice cars to drive and the interior feels really good, just right for a luxury vehicle. I don't know how reliable they are so time will tell from this new ownership.
Brilliant review as always.
So out of date it's unbelievable.
Model S RAVEN(!) Long range.
£77500.
*375* miles WLTP! (Confirmed as real world in US tests, compared to 200 real world for the Audi)
ZERO range anxiety.
MUCH better suspension.
HUGELY better performance (plus "chill mode" if you want relaxed but still fast driving)
Also (I believe) more interior space.
Maybe a test is required?
Did you mention the dedicated supercharging network that Tesla have set up exclusively for their vehicles/customers? & that their onboard computers will guide you to the nearest Tesla charging centre when needed? & that Teslas will automatically start to set the batteries in the vehicle to the best temperature for the most efficient charging in the half/hour you arrive at the charging centre ?
Is loong gorgeous.
Very through and informative
Why is there condence on the windows? Does the airco not work as it should be?
People with EVs don't like to have extraneous gimmicks on as they reduce battery range. Can always tell an EV driver as they're invariably in the inside lane doing 50mph and wearing heavy warm clothing.
great job
Cheers Paul, glad you enjoyed the review. Be sure to subscribe for comprehensive reviews of the latest models - bit.ly/319ZKoT
Fancy doing a eqc review ? ;)
Why is there a v90 at 6:35
I liked it how he pointed out the range on the e-tron drops when you do fast exelleration & high speed driving, as fossil fuel cars are not affected by this style of driving!! As my fossil fuel car does drop from 500 miles down to 200 miles range!!
good
What is the code of this blue color?
Hi there, it's Galaxy Blue. Hope this helps!
No software updates?
Hi Andrew, as far as we're aware this model does not receive software upgrades. However, it would be worth contacting your local Audi dealer to see if they can advise on this 👍
@1:50 aquardly shaped electric motors...? In comparison to what? Wankel, V6 or any other ICE?
Interesting but range still inadequate for me. Mirrors a dangerous gimmick.
The 65% of its original value after 60k miles and 3 years, at 1:12:20 has definitely not aged well. You can get them now for £22k or so. So at about 30% of their original value. Great if you leased, not so great if you were a cash buyer or the lessor. And of course this should affect newer leases with premiums reflecting that.
Did the host get a kickback for every time he said Ingolstadt?
best review but too lengthy
Then the shorter version of this review will be perfect! th-cam.com/video/iH8JbSw957w/w-d-xo.html
I mean why even bother with all these wltp and nedc etc when everyone knows that they are nothing but bull**** you always need to take away 20 to 30% off the advertised range.
@6:33 using b roll images of a Volvo is not very professional
Excellent review! Of all the EV’s on the market this vehicle is among the top of the list for all categories but “ONE”. That one is range, 95 kWh battery and only goes 204 miles EPA. So many EV’s at the top go farther. You’re paying all this money for a heavy 95 kWh battery that affects everything in handling, accelerating, braking etc. I believe Audi is not allowing the owner full access to the battery, so the vehicle is the fastest charging to 80%. Could care less! I would rather it take more time if that’s what it takes and give me 250-275 EPA as I along with the majority EV owners charge at home using a Phrase II charger. When I leave home every day, I like the extended range capability, and this would make extended trips more comfortable. As much as I like this vehicle, the range is disappointing and at this moment a no sale. In a couple of years or sooner, like vehicles or even this one will get 300-400 miles in range or more as battery technology advances.
The EPA is garbage. The WLTP is much better for comparing vehicles. You should also look into how Tesla games the EPA and is cherry picking its numbers to deceive consumers.
Alan Partridges little brother?
🙌✅👍
Scratched wheel arch @ 10 46
Reflection of another car.
My choice
Hi there! We can definitely help you with that. Give our vehicle
specialists team a call on 01903 538835
Not keen on the styling and the limited range. Just don't feel we are there yet with many models just not really a decent all round package. I don't think it will be that long before we are seeing cheaper EV's with greater range. Surprised the depreciation is so low when after 3 years a significant part of the battery life has gone. The Audi is very traditional and could be easily mistaken for a petrol or diesel car. I sort of like EV's that look a bit futuristic. I know the build quality and reliability can be poor but I like the Tesla's. Saying that Audi are the least reliable of the German luxury brands with some of the highest maintenance and repair costs. Maybe the Audi wouldn't be much better than a Tesla.
This guy is a good reviewer, but he waffles on a bit, and takes a long long long time to get to the point. That review could have been at least half the length. Not my favourite review.
Hi there, we have a shorter seven-minute review of the Audi e-tron on our channel, if you'd prefer to watch that: th-cam.com/video/iH8JbSw957w/w-d-xo.html
"exhilarator" should be "accelerator"
I don't think I will go electric if everyone just throws the plug on the floor when the car is charged. Just going to make finding a charging point a little tougher if they are damaged. Good advert for electric cars………….. not
Styling - very generic SUV . . . meh . . . boring - excellent quality nonetheless and finished so well but seriously let down with unimaginative looks. Very disappointing. Doesn't hold a CANDLE to the stunning Jaguar I-Pace
Stop comparing it to the iPace. It is a completely different type of car... apart from the battery.
Also, it's an Audi not an Ingolstadt!!!
Hi Adrian, Audi has been building cars at their HQ in Ingolstadt site for 70 years. This is what we are referring to 👍
@@OsvUkVehicleSupply I know, but do you refer to toyota as a Derby or a Nissan Leaf as a Sunderland?