The 2021 Audi E-Tron is a fully electric luxury crossover vehicle. It offers an all-wheel-drive powertrain that can travel nearly 225 miles on a single battery charge. That impressive battery power is not the only aspect of the E-Tron that is winning praise. The vehicle’s quiet engine and roomy interior are also drawing plaudits from reviewers and industry analysts.
While the exterior design of the newest E-Tron remains largely unchanged, and the driving range isn’t quite on par with some competing models, the E-Tron will still help Audi transition their customers away from gasoline-powered vehicles. With a model as stylish as the new E-Tron, it’s easy to see the pathway to an all-electric future.
Exterior Styling
As mentioned, the 2021 Audi E-Tron doesn’t offer many changes to the exterior styling from last year. Not that that’s a bad thing, given how sharp and sporty this SUV already looks. The large grille, sharp lines and contours, and oversized tires all remain intact for this iteration of the E-Tron. Even though Audi hasn’t overhauled the outside, the E-Tron remains a vehicle that will impress the neighbors and any onlookers in the Whole Foods parking lot.
Engine and Performance
Under the hood is where the 2021 E-Tron really stands out. Two electric motors, one located at the front axle and the other at the rear, combine to provide powerful electronic all-wheel drive. In regular driving situations, the two engines make a combined 355 horsepower and 414-pound feet of torque. However, putting the transmission in Sport mode briefly unlocks 402 horsepower and 490-pound feet of torque.
The acceleration on the new E-Tron has been singled out for praise. It’s been called “snappy” by multiple reviewers. The crossover has also been praised for offering a smooth and quiet ride, as you would expect in a luxury vehicle. Plus that electric powertrain creates much less noise. Traditional brakes are backed up with a new regenerative braking system that makes stopping on a dime effortless. If all this weren’t enough, the 2021 E-Tron also enables people to tow up to 4,000 pounds. Impressive!
Trimlines and Prices
As for pricing, the 2021 E-Tron comes in a more affordable base model. It costs about $9,000 less than the mid-level Premium Plus edition. The base model can also be equipped with driver assist features such as adaptive cruise control. The standard E-Tron comes with an estimated driving range of 222 miles. That’s 18 more miles than the range on the previous E-Tron — a modest increase. The higher level trimlines actually provide dual charging ports, one on each side of the vehicle. That allows the E-Tron to recharge even faster. The trimlines and prices for the 2021 E-Tron are as follows. For more detailed information about individual features, check out Audi’s website.
- Premium: $66,995
- Sportback Premium: $70,195
- Premium Plus: $75,895
- Sportback Premium Plus: $79,095
- Prestige: $80,195
- Sportback Prestige: $83,395
Interior
The E-Tron boasts an interior cabin that is loaded with cutting edge technology. It also has a practical design and seating for five. Its dashboard is packed with multiple high-resolution screens that include Audi’s digital gauge cluster known as the Virtual Cockpit. Two flush-mounted touchscreens are the centerpiece of the cockpit.
Several upscale options can be added for an additional price, including a head-up display and massaging front seats. A neatly packaged underfloor battery pack provides the regular E-Tron with a roomy interior and ample cargo space. There’s 29 cubic feet behind the back row of seats and 57 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Sportback model’s sloping roofline reduces both figures by two cubic feet. Even still, a total of seven carry-on suitcases fit comfortably behind the rear seats.
Technology
When it comes to technology, the 2021 E-Tron is loaded. Every model of the E-Tron is compatible with 150.0-kW DC fast-charging station. It allows the vehicle to replenish 80 percent of its battery in 30 minutes flat. If you’re using a more conventional 240-volt outlet, you’ll be able to fully charge the E-Tron in about nine hours.
The E-Tron’s infotainment system runs through dual touchscreens, with a 10.1-inch display on top and an 8.8-inch unit on bottom. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come standard, as does a Bang & Olufsen audio system. A subscription-based WiFi hotspot and a wireless smartphone charger are optional upgrades.
Safety
The 2021 E-Tron can also claim a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That’s thanks to a number of standard driver-assistance technologies such as adaptive cruise control and self-parking assist. Other standard safety features include forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning.
The 2021 E-Tron also received top marks from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.
Warranty
Audi’s warranty coverage is standard in the automotive industry, but not spectacular. The complimentary maintenance offered by Audi is for a shorter time period than the competing Jaguar I-Pace, for example. In all, Audi offers limited warranty coverage of four years or 50,000 miles. There’s also powertrain coverage for four years or 50,000 miles. The electric components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. The complimentary maintenance only runs for one year or 10,000 miles. Like we said, it’s pretty much par for the course compared to most other luxury SUV warranties.
Fuel Economy
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the 2021 E-Tron will earn 78 MPGe, or miles per gallon equvilient since it’s all electric. The Sportback model is rated slightly lower at 77 MPGe. This is better than the Jaguar I-Pace, though, which is rated at 64 MPGe.
The Good
- Powerful electric engine that offers good battery range.
- Roomy interior and lots of cutting-edge technology.
- Several trimlines and prices to choose from.
The Not-So-Good
- No changes or improvements to the exterior styling.
- Battery range, while improve, still lags behind some competing EVs.
- Warranty coverage is average though not great.
The Last Word
The 2021 Audi E-Tron is a step in the right direction when it comes to fully electric crossovers. Its unique two engine design, more powerful battery, longer range, ample technology feature, and a spacious interior should help convince consumers leave gasoline-powered vehicles behind for good. While the exterior of the 2021 E-Tron offers nothing new, any complaints about this EV are relatively minimal. If you’re looking for a luxury electric SUV, the exceptional 2021 Audi E-Tron belongs in your shopping list.
Source: AudiUSA
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