The 2019 Audi e-tron – the first fully electric model from the German brand, is set to arrive in the US next month (May).
Audi's mid-size luxury electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) - e-Tron, is said to have a range of up to 330km, which has been estimated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The cabin is touted to be spacious for five and have enough space left over for items of luggage too as occupants enjoy the large panoramic sunroof above.
With the rear seats folded down, cargo space gets expanded to 1,614 litres, while the front trunk houses the standard-equipped Level 2 charging system.
Similar in size to the Audi Q8, the e-tron is capable of towing up to 1,814kg when equipped with an available towing package and features standard air suspension and roof rails.
For the US market, the EV SUV features standard heated/cooled seats, 360-degree camera view, distinctive badging and all-new ergonomically designed shifter, in addition to the optional massaging seats, night vision assistant and a full suite of standard and available driver assistance systems.
New standard-equipped electric quattro all-wheel-drive system will help provide that signature Audi-like control and confidence in a variety of driving conditions.
With an electric motor placed on both axles, power is uniquely distributed to provide instant torque, power and probably gratification too.
The German carmaker says that buyers of premium vehicles drive a daily average of about 50km and with the EPA's estimated range of 330km – it will be well and truly usable.
The EV SUV can charge at a class-leading 150kW at high-speed public chargers – resulting in the fastest charging speed of any electric SUV.
Charging at this rate for 10 minutes results in an estimated range of up to 87km while extending the charge time to 30 minutes means an estimated range of up to 264km can be achieved.
A 95kWh lithium-ion battery is used power the vehicle and is positioned low in the vehicle while being encased within a protective honeycomb structure.
It has been specifically designed and engineered to utilize 88% of the battery's capacity to ensure longevity, repeatable performance and peak charging power for longer amounts of time during the charge cycle.
A revolutionary cooling system separates the battery modules from cooling fluid to maintain optimal efficiency and enhance performance for the long-term.
The e-tron provides 355hp, and with Boost Mode engaged which unlocks the full output of the vehicle, power is increased 402hp to allow it to go from 0 to 100kpbh in 5.7 seconds.
Unique to the e-tron is its Multi-Media Interface (MMI) touch response system that features a detailed map displaying where drivers can travel on the vehicle’s current charge.
For longer trips, the MMI system can suggest charging stations along the route, noting the anticipated charge level upon arrival, resulting in increased range tranquillity.
Drivers can select the e-tron-specific virtual cockpit display, providing detailed charging, battery, route and infotainment information in the driver’s line of sight directly behind the steering wheel.
Amazon's Alexa has been fully integrated into the e-tron, and, when combined with an active Audi connect PRIME subscription, this enables for a virtually seamless access to news, information, music, audiobooks and control of Alexa-enabled devices directly from the steering wheel.
The e-tron enables pioneering vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technology including Traffic Light Information (TLI) and Green Light Optimized Speed Advisory (GLOSA) where available and is the first Audi model to feature standard Toll Module Integration, eliminating the need for state-specifics transponders.
With an EPA-estimated range of 204 miles and a robust network of support, the e-tron makes going electric easy
With an understanding that more than 80% of charging takes place at home, Audi and Amazon Home Services collaborated to provide in-home installation of a Level 2 charging system, comprised of a 240 volt, NEMA 14-50 outlet to enable the e-tron to be completely charged in approximately nine hours.
By the end of 2019, the Electrify America network is expected to deploy nearly 2,000 chargers across 500 fast-charging sites throughout 42 states and within 17 metropolitan areas.
Offering advanced charging, Electrify America’s chargers can deliver up to 350kW to capable vehicles.
Audi e-tron owners receive 1,000kWh of charging – the equivalent of approximately 3,240km of range – from Audi at no additional cost for use at Electrify America fast-charging stations within the first four years of ownership.
A complimentary suite of e-tron support services ensures confidence in going electric – including dedicated Audi electric vehicle customer service, robust roadside assistance and the all-new myAudi app for vehicle and charging station information.
