With the future of Fossil Fuel powered cars under question and the rapid increment in consciousness of the masses for the environment, Car Manufacturers are taking the Zero emissions route via Electricity/Hydrogen Powered cars. Manufacturers like BMW (i), Volvo (Polestar), Mercedes (EQ) have separate divisions that focus on these type of vehicles. Audi has done the same and has decided to name its division as e-tron. The first car, to come out of this stable is the All New 2019 Audi e-tron SUV.
Built on an All New Platform and from scratch, the 2019 Audi E-Tron shares some of its components from the MLB Evo platform of VW. The E-Tron promises to ferry 5 people happily from one place to another with utmost comfort, luxury and at a quick pace and without having to worry about the range. The E-Tron employs a lot of futuristic technologies in itself that includes virtual exterior RVM on the inside, Audi's Virtual Cockpit and an Ultra-Fast charger that can top up the SUV in under 2 hours flat. Claimed Range by Audi is over 248 miles while the EPA is yet to test out the same.
The 2019 Audi E-Tron is available in 2 trims namely the Premium Plus and the Prestige, with the prices of both being $75,795 and $82,795 respectively. Both come with Audi's Quattro tech and perspective buyers need to register for the E-Tron at Audiusa.com.The E-Tron rivals the Jaguar I-Pace SUV, Tesla's Model X and the Upcoming Mercedes Benz EQC.
2019 Audi e-tron electric Features
The 2019 Audi E-Tron comes in 2 trims-Premium Plus and Prestige with the former being the base and the latter being the Top end variant. Both of these trims come with Quattro as standard and get a whole host of features.
Trim
Premium Plus
Prestige
MSRP
$75,795
$82,795
Features
Audi Pre Sense City and Ride
Adds/Upgrades to Premium Quattro
Matrix design LED Headlights
Driver Assistance Package
B&O 3D Premium Sound System
Heads-up display
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
Individual Contour Seats with Valcona Leather
MMI Navigation with Virtual Cockpit Plus
Massage Function for Front Seats
Top View Camera with Virtual 3D
Air Quality Package-Ionizer and Fragrance
Power Door Closers
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The Prestige Trim packs in a lot of features for the price it asks and hence, is the trim to go for.
2019 Audi e-tron electric Engine
Unlike the BMW i3 or the Jaguar i-Pace, this EV wasn't designed to make a bold statement, and with its smooth power delivery, mainstream design and ultra-quiet cabin, it doesn't need to-Roadandtrack.com
Engine and Transmission
The 2019 Audi e-tron, comes powered by 2 electric motors (One for each axle) which themselves are powered by a 95KWH Li-Ion battery pack. The Dual Motors together gives the Audi, an AWD drivetrain while in most situations, it’s the Rear Wheels that do the job for the most time. The Total combined power output comes out to be 355hp, while the total torque is rated at 414ft.-lbs. Shifting into sport mode however ramps up the power output to 402 horses and torque to 490ft.-lbs.
Models
Audi e-tron Premium Plus with Quattro
Tesla Model X AWD
Jaguar I-Pace S AWD
MSRP
$75,795
$89,200
$70,495
Engine
Dual Asynchronous Electric motors
Dual 3 phase. 4 pole AC Induction Motor with Copper Rotors
2 Permanent Magnet Synchronous Electric Motors
Transmission
Single Speed Direct Drive
Single Speed direct drive
Single Speed
Horsepower
355hp
N/A
394hp
Torque
414ft.-lbs.
N/A
513ft.-lbs.
In terms of the responsiveness from the Motors, we are happy to report that most customers will be enthralled by the responsiveness of the motors. Power delivery is supremely linear and the responses are mostly swift and relaxed. There is no engine noise and the single speed transmission, exceeds expectations in terms of power delivery.
Acceleration
The Acceleration of the Audi e-tron, is typical of all electric cars. It’s crisp, sharp and sudden, all at the same time. In terms of numbers, the Competition may be ahead of the Audi but in terms of sheer experience and thrills, the Audi doesn’t lack behind any of them. The sub 6 second time of the 2019 Audi e-tron is better than some of the gas powered performance sednas on sale in the market now and one of the best, in terms of the segment.
Models
Audi e-tron Premium Plus with Quattro
Tesla Model X AWD
Jaguar I-Pace S
0-60 MPH
5.5
4.7
4.5
Quarter mile
16 seconds
11.28 seconds
12.9 seconds
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
-
-
-
In terms of the competition, the Jaguar I-Pace is the fastest of the lot with its 4.5 second timing while the Tesla Model X, comes a close second to the same. The quarter mile figures of the Tesla are the most impressive with a time of 11.28 to reach the figure while the Jag comes a close second with 12.9 seconds.
Ride and Handling
Like the other Audis, the e-tron flaunts a drive select framework with various modes from comfort and up to dynamic. There is even an off road mode on offer. In the default "auto" drive mode, the e-tron is speedy and smooth. Toggle to sport setting and you will get faster jolts of acceleration and
At speeds, the e-tron maintains a poise of its own. Overtaking pace is great and isn't intimidating like the Jaguar I-Pace or Model X. The standard air suspension is superb in absorbing up bumps and undulations. In default mode, the Suspension looks to be quite stiff and taut but can be changed as per the different modes.
The Steering of the E-Tron will feel better than what most people would expect of the big suv. The responsiveness is quick, precise and gives a lot of feel and feedback. It isn’t overly responsive or quick but has the right balance.
Braking
On the Braking side of things, the Audi comes stacked with all the modern tech that one expects from a SUV of this price. The Brakes are big and solid and don’t offer the jolt that you normally associate with electric cars of the same class. The brakes offer good bite, feel and feedback on operation and don’t feel nerve wracking.
Model
Audi e-tron Premium Plus with Quattro
Tesla Model X AWD
Jaguar I-Pace S
Brake Front (in.)
14.8
N/A
13.8
Brake Rear (in.)
13.8
N/A
12.8
Curb Weight (lbs.)
5643
5421
4784
70-0 MPH (ft.)
N/A
N/A
N/A
The 2019 Audi e-tron, also comes with Regenrative braking that can be adjusted to different levels, depending on the choice of the driver. The regenerative braking system not only charges the battery while driving but also aids to the overall braking performance. The amount of interference from the system is what the driver can alter.
2019 Audi e-tron electric Fuel Economy
The biggest gripe that owners have about electric cars is the range or the lack of it. Fortunately, that won’t be an issue in the All New 2019 Audi E-Tron. Audi promises a massive 248.5 mile of range on a full charge thanks to clever technologies like Regenerative Braking and Lightweight Chassis and weight saving measures.
For the charging bit, Audi says that the battery will be as good as new, even after 6 years of operation and will degrade to just 70% over longer years. The E-tron can charge under 9 hours on a Level 2 Charging line while when connected to a Level 3 system, the E-Tron can charge up to 80% in under 30 minutes.
Model
Audi e-tron Premium Plus with Quattro
Tesla Model X AWD
Jaguar I-Pace S
MPGe (city)
N/A
N/A
76
MPGe (highway)
N/A
N/A
80
MPGe (combined)
N/A
N/A
72
Range(Miles)
248.5
295
298
Towing Capacity
4000lbs.
5000lbs.
5290lbs.
Talking about the competition, the Jaguar I-pace offers the maximum range, with a claimed Mileage of 298 miles while the Tesla Model X, rakes in an impressive 295 miles. The Audi delivers the least of the lot but compensates for the same with its quick charging facility.
Towing Capacity is where the Jag uses its Land Rover DNA, with the max towing capacity while the Tesla Model X, comes in a close second.
2019 Audi e-tron electric Interior
Inside the car it's rolling with Audi's latest generation of MMI, ditching the traditional rotary controller in exchange for a dual-touchscreen layout-Cnet.com
Layout, Seating and Comfort
The Interior layout of the 2019 Audi E-tron, ranks as one of the best interiors in the segment and is a derivative of the flagship Audi’s like the Q8 and to some extent, the A8. The Cabin layout is futuristic and has 5 screens on the front. The Center Console houses 2 screens, the dashboard houses Audi’s Virtual Cockpit Screen while 2 screens, sit on the door sides for the virtual mirrors.
In terms of Seating, the E-Tron can seat 5 people at best. Space for the rear passengers may not be the best when compared to the competition, especially the Head room where taller passengers will mostly feel left out. Shoulder room is the best in the Audi in the second row and so is the leg room while the flat floor, adds to the space in the overall compact looking cabin.
Model
Audi e-tron Premium Plus with Quattro
Tesla Model X AWD
Jaguar I-Pace S
Passenger capacity
5
7
5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
39.8/58.6/40.8
41.7/60.7/41.2
39.9/57.6/40.9
Second
(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
38.6/57.2/39.1
40.9/56.8/38.4
38.1/54.6/35.0
Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg)(In.)
-
37.1/40.0/32.7
-
In terms of Seat comfort, Audi has left no stone unturned while adding superb levels of comfort on the seats. Quality is top notch and doesn’t feel compromised on any area. Seats are power adjustable on the front and are ventilated as well. Seating position is perfect and you get a good view in front of you.
Cargo Capacity
The 2019 Audi E-Tron, impresses with the cargo space it offers as standard. The 28.5 cubic feet of Space is the largest in our comparison today. What adds to this impressive space is the fact that the rear seats fold flat in a 60/40 manner and liberates even higher amount of space for adding that extra amount of luggage.
Model
Audi e-tron Premium Plus with Quattro
Tesla Model X AWD
Jaguar I-Pace S
Cargo Volume (ft.3)
28.5
26.0
25.3
In terms of the competition, it’s the Tesla model X that stands the closest to the Audi while the Jag, falls short of the Tesla’s mark by an incredibly small margin.
Infotainment System
The 2019 Audi E-Tron is a future ready SUV from Audi from both the outside and the inside. In terms of the Infotainment and the Interiors, Audi has outdone themselves in providing the best Tech to the Electric SUV. The 5 screens inside the Audi have a purpose of their own and the Audi Virtual cockpit that sits in place of the driver is a modern marvel of its own. Following are the features of the system
B&O 3D Sound System
Audi Connect with online Services and Wireless Charging
Audi Pre Sense City and Rear
Front and Rear USB outlets
Audi adaptive Cruise Control
Heads Up Display with Integrated e-Toll collection system
MMI Navigation Plus, Radio with Audi Connect and 10.1” Touch Screen system
SiriusXM Satellite Radio with Top View Camera
Traffic Sign recognition with Virtual Cockpit Plus
Charging Cables with Industrial Connector NEMA 14-50
Interior Features
The list of features on offer on the inside of the 2019 Audi e-tron is as expansive as its Infotainment features. These are some of the few highlights on the inside of the Audi E-tron
Auto Dimming Inside RVM with digital compass
Front center armrest with full leather package for the interiors
Dark Brown Walnut Wood Inlays
Virtual Exterior Mirrors Screen on the inside
Panoramic Sunroof
LED Interior Lighting package
Leather Wrapped 4 Spoke Multifunction Steering wheel with electric adjust
4 Zone Auto Climate Control
2019 Audi e-tron electric Exterior
The Audi e-tron may be unimaginative, it may not stand out from the crowd, but that’s the point-Topgear.com
Design and Dimensions
People were not wrong in thinking about the e-tron as a SUV looking like the other stable mates of Audi in the pre-production runs. But as it turns out, they were. The 2019 Audi E-Tron hardly draws resemblance from its other family SUV’s and is an entirely new design. The E-Tron looks modern and high tech with its sharp lines and cool features like the Matrix LED Headlights.
The air intakes of the E-Tron’s 'Single frame' grille, also open and close in two stages depending on the car's cooling needs. Even the wheels have been aerodynamically designed to reduce the coefficient of drag and improve aerodynamic efficiency.
Model
Audi e-tron Premium Plus with Quattro
Tesla Model X AWD
Jaguar I-Pace S
Curb weight (lbs.)
5643
5421
4784
Length(in)
193
198.3
184.3
Width(in)
76.3
81.5
74.6
Height(in)
65.5
66.0
61.3
Ground clearance (in)
6.9
5.4
5.6
Wheelbase (in)
115.1
116.7
117.7
Speaking of the dimensions, the 2019 Audi E-tron sits in the middle of the pack in terms of length, width and height. This translates to the Audi’s average space on the inside while dimensions, give it an edge in parking in tight spaces. One area where the Audi has a clear advantage is in terms of Ground Clearance. The massive 6.9” of Clearance makes the Audi, one of the most potent SUV’s to be taken off road or move with the most of peace of mind over speed humps.
Exterior Features
20” 5-Spoke design wheels with all season tires
Aluminum roof rails
Aluminum Trim around exterior windows
LED Headlights
Power Adjustable, Power Folding, Auto Dimming, Heated Exterior Side Mirrors with Memory
Heat Insulating Glass
Audi Adaptive Air Suspension
2019 Audi e-tron electric Safety
The 2019 Audi E-Tron boasts of a lot of advanced and high tech features that ensures the safety of its passengers. The Audi gets a segment first digital exterior rear view mirrors that can be seen via the small screen near the AC vents on both sides of the front. The other safety features that can be found inside the 2019 Audi E-Tron SUV includes
Audi Pre sense Rear and City
Top View Camera
Cruise Control with Coast, Resume, Accelerate feature
Audi Side Assist with Vehicle Exit Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Audi connect Care assistance and security services
Audi Advanced key with Keyless start, stop and entry
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags including knee airbags
ISOFIX child seat mounting and Top Tether anchorage point for outer rear seats
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
2019 Audi e-tron electric Competition
Audi e-tron vs. Jaguar I-Pace
The Jaguar I-Pace, is the first effort from Jaguar in terms of an Eco Friendly vehicle and boy have they pulled out a stunner. The I Pace has typical British Design character and offers great luxury, both on the exteriors and the Interiors. In terms of performance as well, it’s no slouch and beats the e-tron. The Audi on the other hand, beats the Jag in terms of the Build Quality, Features on offer and the Cargo space and charging ability. If a well built and a striking looking SUV is what you are after, the E-Tron will be the one to go for.
Audi e-tron vs. Tesla Model X
The Audi e-tron is Audi’s way of telling that the future has arrived. The e-tron goes like a stabbed rat and coupled it with Audi’s Quattro system and you have a potent off roader in your hands. The Audi, also comes loaded with plenty of features and a well-built cabin. The Tesla on the other hand, takes performance to a whole new level. In terms of Creature comforts and uniqueness, the Tesla takes the lead with its space age tech and ultra-luxurious cabin as well. Tesla may be struggling with the Build Quality of its Cars but in terms of future tech, it’s still the Tesla.
2019 Audi e-tron electric Final Verdict
The 2019 Audi E-Tron is Audi’s first step, in terms of an Electric Future and it certainly is, a fantastic step in that direction. The E-Tron boasts of cutting edge technologies like the Virtual Exterior Mirrors, matrix LED Headlights, Virtual Cockpit and super-fast charger. The E-Tron is practical as well, with its big Cargo capacity and the Quattro system with a big ground clearance, making it suitable for going on the road less taken. With over 248 miles of range, fast charging ability, space age features and sturdy Build, the 2019 Audi E-Tron does present itself as a potential threat to the current crop of Gas powered Cars and we can surely say, Electric has gone Audi.
