Automobiles powered solely by electricity, hybrid powertrains, and hydrogen fuel cells have emerged as frontrunners to become the world’s most environmentally friendly four-wheeled transportation option.
Each of these categories has both advantages and disadvantages, but collectively they represent an unstoppable shift in how people think about mobility.
As a prestigious brand, Audi is called to be one of the references that set the pace in this regard.
As proof of this, Motorbli will conduct an in-depth analysis of the very first electric model that has been released, which is the Audi e-Tron.
To accomplish this, we will concentrate on its characteristics and the cost at which it can be acquired.
Following this brief introduction, we will discuss the model with which Audi ushers in a new era in the market.
This will be the perfect time to get into the subject matter and get down to business.
In the following paragraphs, I will focus on its exterior design, the technical characteristics of its mechanical structure, the interior equipment offered, the price it has, and one of the businesses it competes with.
But before we get into that, it is essential to note a few specifics.
The German automaker announced in 2015 that it was deep in developing an electric SUV, which refers to the main character of this entry.
The fruits of that labor were displayed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the form of the Quattro Concept.
This was merely a sneak peek at what was still to come in its final form, which did not see the light of day until the Paris Motor Show in 2018, three years after the initial preview.
In it, OLED lights are observed by the rear area (which is the technology that will mark the coming years), which runs from side to side and illuminate large surfaces, while up front bet on Matrix Laser headlights that combine the luminous technology of its rear with LED.
In other words, the technology that will mark the coming years. With dimensions of 4.9 meters in length, 1.93 meters in width, and 1.63 meters in height, it exudes an air of great notoriety and presence due to its proportions.
About the first of these, its dimensions are in the same size range as the Audi Q5 and the Audi Q7. In addition to this, its wheelbase of 2.93 meters allows for the stay of up to five passengers in the passenger compartment.
Its front end has a grille equipped with several large occluded louvers, which are an asset in the vehicle’s aerodynamic performance.
Because it can be purchased in three distinct variants, each of which features a unique mechanical architecture, it is necessary to focus on each of these variants individually.
However, what they do have in common are an all-wheel-drive system and an automatic transmission.
Their consumptions fall between 21.8 to 27 kWh for every one hundred kilometers traveled.
After considering all of this, the entry-level model is the 50 Quattro. It has a battery capacity of 71 kWh (64.7 net), which provides it with a range of 336 kilometers.
In addition, it has a power output of 313 horsepower and a maximum torque figure of 540 Nm, making it an absolute hoot to drive.
It can accelerate from zero to one hundred kilometers per hour in seven seconds, and its maximum speed is capped at 190 kilometers per hour (190 mph).
All of this while having a total body mass of 595 kilograms
The 55 Quattro is the next model up, and it comes equipped with a battery with a capacity of 95 kWh (86.5 net), allowing it to travel a distance of 400 kilometers when measured using the WLTP cycle.
It is equipped with two electric motors arranged in the same configuration, and both engines are connected to the battery to provide a combined output of 360 horsepower.
Because of this, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 6.6 seconds, and its maximum torque can reach 561 Newton meters (Nm).
Due to electronic restrictions, its top speed can only reach 200 kilometers per hour.
On the other hand, it has a mode called boost that enables it to generate 408 horsepower for eight seconds, 664 newton-meters of maximum torque, and to accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 5.7 seconds.
The top of the line is represented by the S Quattro, which has the same battery as the 55 (with a net capacity of 86.5 kWh), but not the same range.
The range of the S Quattro is reduced to 360 kilometers when using the WLTP cycle.
In total, it has three electric motors, two of which are mounted on the rear axle and one of which is mounted on the front axle.
The combined output of these components is 435 horsepower and 808-newton meters of torque at their absolute maximum.
The maximum speed can only reach 210 kilometers per hour due to an electronic restriction.
Its wheels have a diameter of 22 inches, and the wheel arches have been widened by approximately 46 millimeters to differentiate it from other vehicles.
It has a boost mode that, similar to the intermediate version, raises the power to 503 horsepower for eight seconds, 973 Nm of maximum torque, and acceleration from zero to one hundred kilometers per hour in just 4.5 seconds.
Regarding charging, it is essential to note that the Audi e-Tron is compatible with ultra-fast charging points of up to 150 kWh.
As a result, it can reach 80% of its capacity in a little more than half an hour.
Inside, it is evident that it adheres to its philosophy of providing great technological features and quality in its materials. It has a look that is very similar to that of the A6 and the Q8 display.
A screen measuring 12.3 inches serves as the primary display for its digital instrument panel.
The center console houses a screen for the infotainment system and a lower monitor for the climate control system.
It is important to note that the Audi Virtual Cockpit, which is included as standard equipment, is mainly responsible for the limited number of actual buttons on the dashboard.
Alexa is included in the package for voice control, and the music streaming application Amazon Music can be accessed.
Consequently, you do not need to use your smartphone if you want to have a good time in the car while listening to some of your favorite songs.
On the other hand, there are four distinct levels of functionality: Base, Advanced, S Line Edition, and Black Line Edition.
In any event, there is a four-zone climate control, advanced safety equipment, and a variety of driving aids that are always welcome, such as the vehicle’s route planner that directs the driver to the location of his final destination.
It is essential to point out that it does not have any exterior mirrors at any point in its life. Instead, it has virtual mirrors with OLED screens measuring seven inches each installed in their sinuses.
This results in less resistance to the aerodynamic level and a better practical result.
No question that having this component is helpful on cloudy or rainy days.
The price that must be paid to have it in the garage from the beginning is approximately 72,430 $ for the access version of the 50 Quattro and rises to 84,960 $ for the 55 Quattro.
At the other end of the spectrum is the S Quattro version, which comes in at a price close to the threshold of 100,000 $ and currently stands at 95,460 $.
As a result, Audi continues to adhere to its pricing strategy of charging high prices in exchange for the exceptional performance that distinguishes him.
After conducting an in-depth examination of everything that the Audi e-Tron has to offer the customer, it is now time to broaden our perspective and examine a model of an automobile that is analogous to the main character to contextualize our findings.
It is the first electric production model from the Jaguar brand and is a crossover vehicle.
A lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 90 kWh, one of the largest in its segment and located in the double bottom, which lowers its center of gravity, is incorporated into the mechanical structure of this product.
It supplies its two electric motors, producing a maximum power output of 400 horsepower and a torque of 696 Newton meters.
Because it has all-wheel drive, it can reach 100 kilometers per hour in 4.8 seconds from a standstill.
This requirement is imposed on the entry-level and intermediate versions of the German car but not on the most expensive model.
That is correct; the intermediate lags just a bit behind with Boost mode.
According to the WLTP type-approval cycle, its maximum range of distance is 480 kilometers, which does allow it to impose itself on the three versions that have been seen.
Its price range begins at approximately 79,100 $ for its access S version and goes up to over 100,000 $ for its First Edition thanks to its 103,500 $, which comes with a significant amount of equipment.
Therefore, it is a car that offers an advantage in terms of autonomy and some cases, performance, but the price difference between one and another remains to be seen if it compensates, given that this is contingent upon the driver’s capacity for purchasing and their particular requirements.
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