The Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback are all set to be launched in India on July 22. The German luxury carmaker has now started accepting bookings for the SUV and SUV-coupe at its dealerships and online, with the booking amount set at Rs 5 lakh. These models are going to be Audi’s first all-electric offering in our market.
- Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback to come in 55 quattro variant
- Will get dual-touchscreen setup in the cabin
- India-spec model to get adaptive air suspension and 4-zone AC as standard
- Dual electric motors to produce up to 408hp and 664Nm
Audi e-tron, e-tron Sportback: exterior design
In terms of styling, the e-tron and the e-tron Sportback have a typically Audi design language that is very much in line with the brand’s latest models. Up front, there’s a large grille with sleek LED headlights on either side. Moving to the side profile, while the standard SUV gets a more upright silhouette, the e-tron Sportback differentiates itself with its tapering roofline that ends in a notchback design. At the rear end, both the models get a full-width light bar connecting the LED tail-lamps.
Audi e-tron, e-tron Sportback: interiors and features
The interiors of the electric SUVs feature Audi’s latest design language, with the dual ‘MMI touch’ system comprising of a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment on top, and an 8.8-inch touch display for climate control and other functions placed lower down, taking centre stage. Audi’s ‘Virtual Cockpit’ digital instrument cluster is also on offer.
Additionally, the SUVs will get matrix LED headlights, progressive steering, adaptive air suspension and a 4-zone climate control system as standard. While the entire features list for India has not been revealed yet, the international model is also available cruise control, powered tailgate, panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable steering wheel, leather upholstery and the option to replace the traditional wing mirrors with cameras.
Audi e-tron, e-tron Sportback: powertrain and battery
In India, the e-tron and e-tron Sportback will be offered in the dual-motor, 55 quattro variant, which produces 360hp and 561Nm in the standard drive mode, but it also features a ‘boost’ function that increases the total output to 408hp and 664Nm for a quick burst of acceleration.
In the 55 quattro configuration, both the SUVs feature a 95kWh battery pack, with a claimed WLTP range of between 359-484 km. This larger-capacity battery can be charged from 0-80 percent in 8.5 hours using an 11kW AC charger, or in just 30 minutes using a DC fast charger rated at 150kW.
Globally, the e-tron is available with more powertrain options. The entry-level 50 quattro makes 312hp, 540Nm and gets a 71.2kWh battery pack. Meanwhile, the range topping e-tron S develops 435hp and 808Nm in normal mode and 503hp and 973Nm in ‘boost’ drive mode.
Audi e-tron, e-tron Sportback: rivals and expected price
Once launched, the new Audi EVs will rival the Mercedes-Benz EQC and Jaguar I-Pace in India. Considering the Audi SUVs will be CBU models, they will likely be expensive. Audi is expected to price the e-tron over the Rs 1 crore mark (ex-showroom, India), with the Sportback version being slightly more expensive. Though it is also worth noting that both its rivals also cost over a crore.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
