The Audi e-tron is powered by a pair of electric motors sending power to all four tires no matter the trim level. Audi's power output is a claimed 402 horsepower, which means the e-tron is quick. Audi claims a 0-60 mph time of just 5.5 seconds. Range anxiety is often one of the biggest downsides to electric vehicles, but in addition to having a range above 240 miles, Audi claims that the e-tron can be charged up to 80 percent capacity at a fast-charging station in just 30 minutes.
Two trim levels are offered for the e-tron, though this being a luxury SUV, both come with lots of standard equipment. The base model is appropriately titled Premium Plus and comes standard with 20-inch wheels, aluminum roof rails, LED headlights, 4-zone automatic climate control, leather seating surfaces, a leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, dark walnut wood interior paneling, an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat and a 6-way power adjustable front passenger seat with heating and cooling for both front seats. Audi has always done interior tech well and the Premium Plus e-tron is no exception, with standard tech including Audi Connect (Audi's online services program,) wireless phone charging, a smartphone interface for the 10.1-inch screen, a Bang & Olufsen stereo, a powered liftgate, a top-view camera, Audi's pre-sense safety system as well as various sensors throughout the vehicle for rear cross traffic alert and exit warning systems.
The top of the line Prestige trim adds a few extra niceties and pieces of technology. The Prestige trim gets a heads-up display system, as well as an ionizer and fragrance module for the interior HVAC system. The Prestige trim also gets powered door closing as well as Valcona leather trimmed seats, with a massage function for the front seats.
The Audi e-tron is a brand-new vehicle from the German automaker. It's a mid-sized, 5-passenger SUV designed to go toe-to-toe with the Tesla Model X. The Audi e-tron is powered by two electric motors which can be charged at one's house or through one of the fast charging stations that have been popping up all over America. Unlike the Toyota Prius or the Chevrolet Volt, but like the Tesla, the e-tron is fully electric, which means that owners will never visit the gas station to put more fuel in their cars.
Pricing for the e-tron starts around $75,000, which places it at starting price below that of the Tesla Model X, the Audi's closest rival. The e-tron's claimed range is competitive with the Tesla's, as is its 0-60 mph performance numbers. Unlike Tesla however, Audi has been building cars for decades and with that comes great experience designing, building and providing a certain luxury/performance experience. For some, the Audi's conservative styling is a benefit as it looks a lot like other conventional crossovers. The e-tron also styled to look like other Audis, which is to say it's the most stylish electric vehicles available from any automaker.