The German carmaker has confirmed that its first electric SUV for India will hit roads on 22nd July 2021. Called the Audi e-tron, the model will take head-to-head against the Jaguar I-Pace and Mercedes-Benz EQC. The electric SUV will be made available in two body styles – e-tron and e-tron Sportback. While the former is estimated to cost around Rs 1 crore, the latter might come with a price tag of Rs 1.2 crore (ex-showroom). Both variants underpin the heavily modified modular longitudinal platform (MLB evo).
For power, the upcoming Audi e-tron uses two asynchronous electric motors promising a combined power of 355bhp and 516Nm of torque. In S mode, it delivers a claimed power of 408bhp and 664Nm of torque. The SUV can accelerate 0 to 100kmph in 6.6 seconds and attain a top speed of 200kmph. Audi’s new electric SUV offers a maximum range of 452km (WLTP cycle) on a full charge, thanks to its 95kW battery pack. It can be charged up to 80% in 30 minutes via a DC fast charger and fully charged in eight and a half hours via standard power socket.
Features such as coupe-like sloping roofline and different designed rear differentiate the Audi e-tron Sportback from the SUV body style. Upfront, it carries a larger single-frame grille and Matrix LED headlamps with LED DRLs. Some of other design bits include dual-tone bumper with grey inserts, flared wheel arches and wraparound LED taillamps connected via a light bar.
The carmaker says that the e-tron’s new digital lighting system offers features that “make driving easier and more secure”. In the lane and orientation lighting on highways, the SUV’s headlamps emit a carpet of light up to 50 meters long. Its lightweight alloy wheels are said to optimize aerodynamics and lower consumption. The list of features includes sweeping dashboard, two large MMI touchscreens, a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity and voice command, Audi virtual cockpit, a multi function steering wheel and more.
