The Audi e-tron SUV and the e-tron Sportback are scheduled to arrive in India in the first-half of this year. Audi India has confirmed the development and released a teaser video of the upcoming luxury EVs. Their launch was delayed significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The e-tron was first showcased here in 2019, with Audi saying they were planning to sell 200 units per annum in the country. Read on to know what to expect from the e-tron and e-tron Sportback.
- Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback likely to get two electric motors making a combined 408hp
- 95kWh battery pack delivers over 400km on the WLTP cycle
- To rival the Mercedes-Benz EQC and Jaguar I-Pace
Audi e-tron, e-tron Sportback: India details
As the all-electric SUVs are being brought in via the CBU route, we expect no changes compared to the models already on sale abroad. Both get an electric motor on each axle, making a combined 360hp and 561Nm of peak torque in standard Drive mode, which helps achieve a claimed 0-100kph time of 6.6sec. In Sport mode, the electric motors develop 408hp and 664Nm, shortening the 0-100kph sprint time to 5.7sec.
Power comes from a 95kWh battery pack that weighs about 700kg and has a range of over 400km on the WLTP cycle, which is about the same as the Mercedes EQC. Audi says a 150kW DC fast charger would charge the battery to 80 percent in just 30 minutes, while using a standard 11kW wall charger would take 8.5 hours to charge to full. Audi India has confirmed that “the cars will be offered with charging units, giving customers the option to install them at their home or office.”
The features list for the e-tron and e-tron Sportback is expected to include Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display, two touchscreens – an upper 10.1-inch screen and a lower 8.8-inch screen – connected car tech, matrix LED headlights, a set of driver assist systems such as park assist and adaptive cruise control, and more. Whether the optional 7.0-inch displays instead of outside rear-view mirrors will be on offer is yet unknown.
Audi e-tron, e-tron Sportback: India rivals
When Audi’s all-electric SUVs arrive, they will face competition from the Mercedes-Benz EQC (Rs 1.04 crore*) and the Jaguar I-Pace – the latter’s price will be revealed on March 23. Expect the e-tron SUV to be priced in the same region as the EQC, with the Sportback costing a slight premium.
*Ex-showroom, pan-India
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
Glenn Noronha
Viraaj Bhatnagar
