Audi E-tron

The Audi e-tron is Audi’s first fully electric series-production model with room for five occupants (and their bags).

Two electric motors drive the e-tron with a system output of up to 300 kW which means that the car completes the standard sprint in 5.7 seconds with top speed electronically limited to 124 mph.

A new quattro – the electric all-wheel drive – provides traction and handling in a wide range of terrain and weather conditions with drive torque distributed predictively between the front and rear axle; this means that it acts even before slip occurs in icy conditions or when cornering fast, or if the car understeers or oversteers and also means the vehicle is well-suited to snowy conditions.

There are no less than seven driving modes to choose from and adaptive suspension.

Up to 30 percent of the e-tron’s purported 241 mile range comes courtesy of energy recovery both by means of coasting recuperation when the driver releases the accelerator or by means of braking recuperation when the brake pedal is depressed. Range is also helped by the e-tron’s sophisticated aerodynamics, exemplified by the optional virtual exterior mirrors – a worldwide first in a series production model.

The high-voltage battery in the Audi e-tron can store up to 95 kWh of energy which means there is generally no need to stop at charging stations during everyday driving. On longer journeys, where available, the e-tron can be replenished at 150kW terminals that can recharge the battery to 80% within 30 minutes and 100% within 50 minutes. Like most manufacturers, a range of home charging solutions are available.

Numerous assist systems are degined to help the driver. These include predictive tips in the Audi virtual cockpit and automatic recuperation to promote enconomical driving and self-parking technology. Lane departure warning, Pre-sense Front and Basic and a rear-view camera are included as standard.

The Audi e-tron will be the brand’s first model to allow customers to add certain functions online whenever the need for them arises. For example, the LED headlights can be upgraded to matrix LED headlights with intelligently controlled high beams, and assist systems or infotainment extras such as DAB+ digital radio and the Audi smartphone interface can be added.

In the UK orders are now being placed for the e-tron with prices starting at £71,490. Audi are also offering an e-tron Launch Edition from £82.240 with 21” alloy wheels, black styling details and full body-coloured bumpers.