The Audi e-tron is already official and aims at the top of its segment
Since Audi confirmed that I was preparing a all way powered by electric power, speculation and rumors have not stopped. With this product, called e-tron , they want to leave behind the clouds that brought the Dieselgate , especially in markets as demanding as the United States. For this reason, and how could it be otherwise, have presented the production model in the city of San Francisco .
In the event held last night Audi has revealed those aspects that had not yet made official. Among them are the final design that will show the model that we can try, the main technical details that give it life. In addition, they took the opportunity to unveil the first equipment levels as well as their (guidance) prices for both the United States and Spain.
Audi e-tron, exterior design
The exterior design of the Audi e- tron maintains the aesthetic canons of the latest releases of the German firm, although as expected it has its own design features. Among them are the front grille completely chromed and with the characteristic vertical slats. The optical groups (with LED technology) also have their own design, since they are more slanted and shaped like an boomerang inverted.
The lines that run along the bonnet give strength to an set that in the lateral zone is very marked by some protected wheel arches and some alloy wheels of careful aerodynamics. The lines of tension running through the body divide the profile of the e-tron into three planes, the most marked being the one located in the lower area of the doors. After the left front wheel passage the socket is located to charge the batteries.
If we go behind, the optical groups remind those who They assemble some Audi models, although they do not have the same format. Where designers have not risked is in the LED line that joins both headlights, because using the same light signature of Q8 , they emphasize the width of the set. The design of the gate is more angular than in other models of the house, ending in a bumper of neat lines with a small integrated diffuser.
Simple and familiar lines inside the e-tron
If the exterior design of the Audi e-tron is known and does not depart from the aesthetic standard of the brand, in the passenger compartment it would not be less. From the start, the double screen system that premiered the Q8 is present, with a superior one from which to manage parameters such as the infotainment system, navigation and active aids to driving. In the lower screen, both driver and passenger can regulate the air conditioning system.
The scorecard , how could it be otherwise, is completely digital. The Audi virtual cockpit comes to life through a 12.3-inch screen that can be configured to view several items at once, such as the battery charging system , navigation or remaining autonomy.The skin covers a large part of the seats and dashboard, as well as brushed aluminum or carbon fiber. The only detail that indicates that we are facing a unique model in the Audi range, is the insert with the name e-tron in front of the copilot, as well as the lines of ambient lighting in amber color distributed throughout the interior.
Audi e-tron technique
The electric train that drives the Audi e-tron consists of two engines that will be available in two power levels. The so-called Performance will yield 265 kW (360 HP) which will become 408 HP (300 kW) if we choose the most powerful Boost (the torque will be up to 664 Nm). Thanks to the quattro all-wheel drive system and a perfect weight distribution (50:50), the acceleration from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour of the e-tron will be 5.7 seconds . However, the maximum speed will be limited (by energy saving) by 200 kilometers per hour.
The battery that brings both electric motors to life has an energy capacity of > 95 kWh weighing 700 kilos, measuring 34 cm high and working at 396 volts of tension. This accumulator has a length of 2.28 meters and a width of 1.63 meters, being formed by 36 modules which in turn are composed of 12 cells. The connection to the chassis of this battery is carried out through 35 welding points, making the distribution of weight and stability of the e-tron not compromised.
The autonomy of the e-tron has not yet been confirmed by Audi , leaving this data in the air until the end of the year. However, they have communicated that, according to the WLTP approval procedure, they will have autonomy with a recharge of 400 kilometers . The recharge system of the e-tron is compatible with up to 150 kW of power, so you can recover up to 80 percent of the load in just 30 minutes.
Positioning and starting prices of the e-tron
With 4.9 meters long , 1.94 meters wide and 1.66 meters high, the Audi e-tron will be Positioned in the market as a whole segment E road. The wheelbase is a generous 2.92 meters, allowing a capacity of 807 liters with occupied seats or 1,614 liters with the rear folded seats.
The first e-tron units are already being assembled so that European customers can receive their unit by the end of this year. Those customers in the United States who have been encouraged to purchase a unit will receive it in the second quarter of next year. In any case, those customers who are thinking about getting a unit, can already order it through the web of the brand.
The equipment levels that Audi has chosen to provide the e-tron are the following: Premium Plus, Prestige and First Edition . Among the main elements that can include the first finish we can mention overhead vision system, full LED headlights, MMI system or B & O 3D sound system with 16 loudspeakers. The Prestige termination adds HUD or several driving aids.