Zap-Map verdict: ”Spacious and refined, the Audi e-tron has benefitted from improvements to boost range. A top premium SUV, electric or otherwise.”
- ● OTR: £72,925
- ● Category: SUV
- ● Tax: £0 VED – 1% BIK
- ● Cost to charge: £15.20
- ● Emissions: 0 g/km CO2
- ● Cost per mile of range: £286
Audi e-tron 55 quattro: Range & charging
Audi’s first e-tron pure-EV has already been fettled with a set of upgrades to make things more efficient. Range has been boosted to 255 miles on a charge, rather than the 241 miles from launch. It’s not a huge increase, but beneficial, and without the need for wholesale changes to components.
There are two core configurations available:
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- ● Audi e-tron 50 quattro – 230 kW – 71 kWh – 195 miles
- ● Audi e-tron 55 quattro – 300 kW – 95 kWh – 255 miles
Range
Official WLTP range figures for the e-tron 55 quattro come in at up to 255 miles on a charge, with the model tested rated at 249 miles. It’s a very useful range figure, even if it’s not class leading in distance, and the Audi will cover most trips with ease on a single top-up.
Real-world testing saw a calculated 240 miles on a charge in a mix of driving routes, which is pretty close to the official score. On a long-distance run over fast and hilly A-roads, the e-tron actually ran for 210 miles before needing a recharge, which is a good figure to have in mind for extended trips.
Braking
Audi’s brake energy recuperation system is extremely efficient, but I’d rather it had greater levels of driver control. There’s an ‘Auto’ setting where it will determine the regen strength based on speed, terrain, traffic etc, which is good, but an experienced EV driver will be able to beat the system in manual mode. This offers a three levels of regen strength from coasting to mid-level braking; rival offerings will slow down more without touching the brake pedal. As such, there’s greater potential in what is already a good system.
Charging
Charging is a real strength for the e-tron range, with the 55 quattro models capable of recharging at up to 150 kW DC using a CCS inlet. The inlet is in a slightly inconvenient place for many ultra-rapid units, which don’t have particularly long cables, positioned as it is between the front wheels and front door. There’s a Type 2 on the near side, and CCS on the off-side. A recharge to 80% at 150 kW will take about half an hour, whilst there’s a standard 11 kW AC on-board charger, or an optional faster 22 kW set-up.
The Audi e-tron 55 quattro on the road
Pace has been well-judged by Audi’s engineers, with 265 kW giving drivers a good shove forward at any speed, and an ‘overboost’ to 300 kW when more is required. It’s fast, rather than lightning quick, though there’s a performance model for those looking for more speed. The 0-62mph time is completed in 5.7 seconds, so it’s rather nippy, and comfortable everywhere.
What’s the Audi e-tron 55 quattro like to drive?
It’s a good job there’s plenty of shove from the electric motors, because the e-tron is and feels like a heavy car. This is no performance SUV, rather one that can cover ground quickly when required. Most of the time, it’s refined and comfortable, a middle-ground between the comfort-focused Mercedes Benz EQC and more dynamic Jaguar I-Pace.
Audi e-tron 55 quattro: Comfort & Practicality
There’s a reason many people love SUVs, and that’s for their practicality. The e-tron is typical in this regard, and does a very good job of offering a stylish vehicle with plenty of space. There’s a large load area in the rear, plus a handy space under the bonnet which houses the cables nicely. Leg and head room is excellent throughout, and the Audi e-tron range is one of the nicest to be a passenger in.
Design and functionality
Style and function work well together here, with twin screens featuring haptic feedback doing an excellent job of both looking good and working well. The driver gets a digital instrument panel too, and the whole interior is very ‘Audi’ – namely excellent. On a par with some of the best Audi interiors, and by extension, one of the best cabins around for this money.
Audi e-tron quattro: Tech & Specifications
There are various options for the e-tron range – SUV or Sportback, 50 or 55 batteries, standard or performance S spec. Fitted as standard are:
- MMI Navigation Plus with dual screens and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Digital instrument panel
- 20-inch alloys
- LED headlights
- Air suspension
- Three-level brake energy recuperation with driving modes
- Keyless entry and start
- Rear parking camera and 360-degree sensors
Audi’s e-tron has a few direct competitors, but it holds its own ground nicely. Stylish, good to drive, and with a decent range, it competes well with most of its rivals’ efforts. It excels in practicality and cabin comfort and design, and there are more variants to choose from than with any other competitor, enabling buyers to get their e-tron ‘just right’.
And how much is the road tax on an Audi e-tron 55 quattro? Use our Car Tax Calculator to find out.
All information above correct at time of publication. Official economy figures, pricing, and tax rates supplied by the manufacturer. Cost to charge based on 0-100% charge at home on a tariff of 16 p/kWh.
